Flock Size

The U.S. flock size picture remains stable.  Based on assessment collections, AEB estimates the national laying flock held at 340M – 347M hens, including AEB’s estimate of non-remitting organic egg producers.  

Drivers of Elevated Egg Production

As noted in prior analyses, elevated egg availability is being driven by more than flock size alone.  Multiple factors continue to support higher production levels across the industry:

• Increased rate of lay: Farm operations continue to be more efficient, and hens are more productive than long-term averages.
• Decreased export activity: Although exports have improved in 2026, volumes remain meaningfully below historical norms.

Combined with an expanded laying flock, these factors continue to increase the number of eggs available to the domestic market.  As a result, wholesale egg availability remains historically elevated.

Future Expectations

Based on conversations with industry experts, some producers are taking a more aggressive approach to flock rotations this summer.  While this could provide modest relief to production levels, it is unlikely to materially impact overall egg supply in the near term.

Signals from the breeder market point to a clear slowdown. Breeder activity has declined, a leading indicator for future pullet placements. This doesn’t signal a future reduction in flock size, but it does mean the growth trajectory won’t be as steep as it has been over the past year.

Industry conversations confirm this shift. Estimates vary on the size of the increase, but sources reports that chick cancellations are up. Together, these indicators point to real softening in breeder market activity, and we’re watching closely to determine how much this will temper future flock expansion.

Overall, the supply outlook remains unchanged.  Elevated flock numbers, strong hen productivity, and export activity that remains below historical levels continue to support abundant egg supplies.  Absent a significant change in one or more of these factors, egg availability is expected to remain elevated, reinforcing the importance of continuing to drive demand across retail, foodservice, industrial, and export channels.

The post Supply Commentary – July 2026 appeared first on American Egg Board.

CHICAGO (July 15, 2026) – The American Egg Board’s (AEB) Eggcelerator Lab^®, the egg industry’s premier innovation center, has announced the winners of its 2026 Product Development Competition. This year’s challenge invited undergraduate and graduate students to develop innovative egg-based beverages that showcase the versatility, functionality and nutritional benefits of eggs in emerging beverage formats.

Texas A&M University students Ikenna Okehie, Muhammad Bilal Haider and Rebeka Saldivar took first place with Ovivive. The egg-based functional beverage is clean-label and provides a rich, creamy, dairy-free experience powered by the natural functionality of eggs. Second place went to Cornell University’s Yolked AM and third place to Ohio State University’s Eggi-Drop. All winners took home cash prizes.

“Ovivive stood out because it demonstrates how eggs can play a leading role in the rapidly growing functional beverage category,” said Nelson Serrano-Bahri, Director of Innovation at the American Egg Board. “The team successfully harnessed the natural functionality of eggs to create a creamy beverage without relying on dairy, whey proteins, gums or artificial stabilizers. Fruit-forward flavors and a clean ingredient list also align with growing demand for convenient, nutritious and minimally processed products. As a high-quality, readily available protein source, eggs offer a practical alternative to other proteins out there.”

Competition Overview

Designed to inspire and cultivate creativity among undergraduate and graduate students, the Eggcelerator Lab^® Product Development Competition invites teams to develop market-ready food and beverage concepts that leverage the functional power of eggs as ingredients. This year’s competition challenged students to explore the growing beverage category by creating innovative egg-based products that provide nutrition, functionality and consumer appeal.

From a broad field of entries, eight finalist teams were selected to advance. These teams worked closely with subject matter experts, refined their concepts and participated in an intensive final round that included written proposals, oral presentations and sensory testing.

Winners Announced

• First Place ($8,000): Ovivive
  • Texas A&M University
  • Team: Ikenna Okehie, Muhammad Bilal Haider, Rebeka Saldivar
  • A clean-label, egg-based functional beverage delivering a rich, creamy, dairy-free experience powered by the natural functionality of eggs. Packed with protein and crafted without gums or artificial stabilizers, it combines fruity flavors with convenient nutrition for today’s health-conscious consumer.

• Second Place ($5,000): Yolked AM
  • Cornell University
  • Team: Pedro Julio Fernandez Mendoza, Eleanor Tsapakos, Cameron Fletcher
  • A ready-to-drink adaptogenic egg protein beverage designed to jumpstart the day with holistic nutrition and sustained energy. Each serving provides 20 grams of protein per serving and combines lion’s mane, L-theanine and caffeine to support cognitive function, focus and overall wellness.

• Third Place ($3,000): Eggi-Drop
  • The Ohio State University
  • Team: Kaden Havener, Ruiya Bao, Isabel Gugger
  • A ready-to-mix bottled functional protein beverage featuring a twist-and-push infusion cap that releases whole egg protein into a pre-flavored liquid base. Designed to be shaken and enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, it offers flexibility and convenience for on-the-go consumers.

Judging Panel

The competition was evaluated by an expert panel of industry leaders in innovation, product development and commercialization:

• Nelson Serrano-Bahri, Director of Innovation, American Egg Board
• Dana Lawnzak, Director of Business Development, American Egg Board
• Shannon Koski, Manager, Partner Development, Culinex
• Michelle Tittl, Director of Culinary Innovation, Egglife Foods

2027 Competition Theme Announced

The Eggcelerator Lab^® is excited to announce that next year’s competition will challenge students to develop egg-based innovations that make eating easier through quick preparation, portability or snackable formats without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

The 2026-2027 theme, “Convenience Without Compromise,” reflects growing consumer demand for foods that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles while still delivering on quality, nutrition and taste.

The call for entries opened July 14, 2026, with winners announced at IFT FIRST 2027. To learn more and enter the 2026–2027 Eggcelerator Lab Product Development Competition, click here.

About the American Egg Board (AEB)
The American Egg Board is the national marketing organization of the U.S. egg industry. Home of the Incredible Egg, AEB’s mission is to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education and promotion. Headquartered in Chicago, IL. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.

About the Eggcelerator Lab^®The Eggcelerator Lab^® is the innovation center for the U.S. egg industry, bringing new egg-based ideas to market. Powered by proprietary consumer insights and technical expertise, the Lab supports companies through every step of the product development journey using its signature O.V.V.O. innovation process.

The post American Egg Board’s Eggcelerator Lab® Announces Winners of 2026 Product Development Competition appeared first on American Egg Board.

Domestic egg supply comes down to three key factors: flock size, rate of lay, and export activity. Right now, all three are heading up, and more eggs are staying in the domestic market. 

Flock Size 

AEB estimates suggest the current flock size is between 340 million birds and potentially reaches 347 million birds when accounting for operations not captured in reported totals, including organic producers and smaller flocks. This estimate is based on AEB’s most recent assessment payments received from producers.

Estimates from other industry experts put the flock size either above or below the AEB projection.  Earlier this year, WATT Poultry reported just over 365 million layers housed as of December 31, 2025.  Separately, LEAP Market Analytics has estimated the flock size to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 320 million. 

Rate of Lay 

Hens continue to be more productive. The projected 2026 rate of lay is 302 eggs per hen annually, the highest on record and increase of 2.3 eggs per hen over last year. At current flock levels, additional productivity alone adds more than 700 million eggs to market.  

Exports 

Export volumes remain below historical levels. March exports reached 227.8 million eggs, up 22.5% from February but still down 22% compared to the same month in 2023 and 2024. Exports account for less than 3% of total production, which limits how much they can offset domestic supply growth. 

Future Expectations 

These conditions are expected to persist throughout 2026.  Breeder activity, a leading indicator of flock size, has declined modestly but remains well above historical norms. Current projections point to continued flock growth through Q4, which is consistent with historic patterns in the back-half of the year.  

Implications 

Larger flocks, higher productivity, and reduced export demand are converging to putting more eggs into the domestic market than demand can absorb. Without meaningful demand growth, this imbalance will continue to pressure prices and increase the risk of inventory buildup. 

Driving demand in the near term is critical. American Egg Board (AEB) efforts are focused on expanding egg usage across retail, food service, and industrial channels, while also advancing opportunities to increase export volumes 

The post Supply Commentary – June 2026  appeared first on American Egg Board.

Thailand: Connecting with Southeast Asia’s Food Industry

At THAIFEX 2026, one of Asia’s largest food and beverage trade events, AEB connected with buyers, retailers, and food industry leaders from across Thailand and the broader Southeast Asia region. Local importers expressed strong interest in bulk packaging solutions for food manufacturing, bakery and foodservice operations. Supermarket buyers explored consumer-ready retail formats, and culinary schools requested product samples for training and recipe development, all signals of a market actively looking for what U.S. egg producers can offer.

AEB also met with USDA Trade Counselor Adam Branson and the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Sean O’Neill, reinforcing the agricultural trade partnerships that support U.S. producers’ ability to compete in international markets.

“THAIFEX continues to be an important opportunity for us to connect directly with the customers in market,” said Cory Sexson, vice president of global business development and innovation. “We are seeing increasing interest not only from Thailand-based companies, but also from regional buyers across Asia-Pacific who are eager to explore new business opportunities and product applications with U.S. egg producers.”

Japan: Building Demand for U.S. Eggs to Industry Leaders

In Tokyo, AEB’s Emily Metz presented to approximately 200 attendees at a Japan Egg Dealers Association (JEDA) seminar, showcasing the for the quality, versatility and functionality of U.S. egg and egg products directly to the dealers and industry professionals who influence purchasing decisions in the Japanese market. The strong attendance and active engagement in the room reflected real interest in what U.S. producers have to offer.

The week also included meetings with Nisshin Marubeni Feed, Sanshu Shokuhin, Oba Japan and Kewpie Egg, as well as a closing session with the U.S. Embassy team in Tokyo — conversations that are part of the sustained relationship-building required to grow U.S. egg exports in one of the world’s most discerning food markets.

“The Japanese market represents a real opportunity for U.S. egg producers, and getting in front of JEDA membership directly is how we build the demand that moves eggs,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO. “The interest we saw in that room tells us the appetite is there, and we will continue to build on these exciting opportunities.”

Continued Investment in U.S. Egg Exports

Global market development is a long game, and AEB’s presence in Thailand and Japan is a clear signal the seriousness of that investment on behalf of U.S. egg producers. The relationships formed, the conversations started and interest generated in both markets represent real progress toward the goal of moving more U.S. eggs into the world.

AEB continues to pursue international opportunities that create long-term demand and lasting value for American egg producers.

# # # 

About American Egg Board 
Home of The Incredible Egg, American Egg Board (AEB) is the national marketing organization of America’s egg producers. Its mission is to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education and promotion. AEB is 100 percent producer-funded and located in Chicago, Illinois. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org. 

The post American Egg Board Continues to Take U.S. Eggs to the World Stage appeared first on American Egg Board.

CHICAGO (May 14, 2026) – American Egg Board (AEB) today announced its 2026 producer leaders, including newly appointed members and alternates, following the 2026 Annual Spring Meeting, reinforcing the producer leadership behind the national egg checkoff.

The Board is composed of egg producers from across the country, representing the depth and diversity of the U.S. egg industry. Together, they direct the organization’s work on behalf of America’s egg farmers.

The Board elected its officers for the coming term, with the full slate approved by unanimous vote. Andy Seger was elected to serve as Chair, with Ross Dean as Vice Chair, Tony Wesner as Secretary and John Watson, III, as Treasurer. Sara Stiebrs and Natalie Held were elected to serve as Members At-Large. Alex Simpson continues in his role as Immediate Past Chair.

“AEB’s strength begins with the producers who lead it,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of AEB. “Their experience, discipline and commitment ensure that we stay focused on what matters most: building demand, strengthening trust in eggs and putting eggs at the center of the American diet.”

The following members and alternates were appointed to serve on AEB: 

• Tony Wesner, Pantego, NC 
• Natalie Held, Clarence, NY 
• Gijs Schimmel, Lexington, GA 
• Alex Simpson, Monroe, NC 
• Matt Resnick, Lancaster, PA 
• Chris Pierce, Annville, PA 
• Andrew Seger, Dubois, IN 
• Amy Herbruck, Saranac, MI 
• Bryce McCory, Seymour, IN 
• Michael Willmann, Portland, IN 
• Kurt Nelson, Neosho, MO 
• Ross Dean, Des Moines, IA 
• Justin Haats, Howard Lake, MN 
• John Bedell, Modesto, CA 
• Melanie Johnson, Elberta, UT 
• David Will, Colton, CA 
• Michael Bowman, Sioux Center, IA 
• Brent Nelson, Manhattan, KS 
• Jasen Urena, Fullerton, CA 
• Sara Stiebrs, Yelm, WA 
• Evan Hayes, Newton, IA 

The following producers are currently serving existing terms: 

• Jessica Hanslik, Ridgeland, MS 
• John Puglisi, Howell, NJ 
• John Watson, III, Nashville, NC 
• Libby Schwab, Monroe, NH 
• Mark Sauder, Lititz, PA 
• Lake Wagner, Abingdon, VA 
• Thomas Hertzfeld, III, Grand Rapids, OH 
• Jeff Cutler, Fort Recovery, OH 
• Sean Delano, Smithton, MO 
• Tim Zweering, Holland, MI 
• Mitch Knapke, New Weston, OH 
• Alex Weaver, Versailles, OH 
• Emily Battilega, Sioux Center, IA 
• Tracy Ramsdell, Flandreau, SD 

AEB also recognizes with appreciation the service of the producers whose terms have concluded: 

• Sandra Lausecker, Raymond, OH 
• Sam Krouse, North Manchester, IN 
• Christina Hudson-Kohler, Eldridge, NY 
• Mindy Creighton-Truex, Atwood, IN 
• Ted Greidanus, Neosho, MO 
• Clint Hickman, Buckeye, AZ 
• Pat Melena, Wakefield, NE 

“We are especially grateful to our board members whose terms have ended. They have shown invaluable guidance and support for our work. Our Board members bring practical, producer-led perspective to every decision we make,” Metz said. “That leadership matters as the industry continues navigating market volatility, consumer expectations and new opportunities to put eggs at the center of the American diet.” 

# # # 

About American Egg Board 
Home of The Incredible Egg, American Egg Board (AEB) is the national marketing organization of America’s egg producers. Its mission is to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education and promotion. AEB is 100 percent producer-funded and located in Chicago, Illinois. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org. 

The post American Egg Board Announces 2026 Producer Leaders to Guide National Egg Checkoff appeared first on American Egg Board.

Consumption of eggs is associated with a lower risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease for those 65 years and older, according to researchers at Loma Linda University Health

Eating one egg per day for at least five days a week reduces risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 27%, researchers found.

“Compared to never eating eggs, eating at least five eggs per week can decrease risk of Alzheimer’s,” said Joan Sabaté, MD, DrPH, a professor at Loma Linda University School of Public Health and the study’s principal investigator.

Even less frequent consumption of eggs significantly reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s. Researchers found that eating eggs 1 to 3 times per month had a 17% decrease in risk, while eating eggs 2 to 4 times per week had a 20% decrease in risk, Sabaté said.

The study, Egg intake and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort linked with Medicare data, was published last week in the Journal of Nutrition.

Researchers said they embarked on the study because of a substantial knowledge gap in the relationship between modifiable dietary factors and risk of Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Eggs are known to be a source of key nutrients that support brain health, Sabaté said. Eggs provide choline, a precursor to acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, both of which are critical for memory and synaptic function, the study stated. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin—carotenoids that accumulate in brain tissue and are associated with improved cognitive performance and reduced oxidative stress. Eggs also contain key omega-3 fatty acids, and yolks are particularly rich in phospholipids, which constitute nearly 30% of total egg lipids and are essential for neurotransmitter receptor function.

Researchers said they studied the consumption of eggs in visible ways—such as eating eggs in various forms, like scrambled, fried, boiled, etc.—and hidden ways, such as eggs included in baked goods and packaged foods.

The cases of Alzheimer’s disease in the Adventist Health Study 2 cohort were diagnosed by physicians, according to Medicare records, among the study population of 40,000 subjects. Eligibility was determined using the Medicare Master Beneficiary Summary Files. The average follow-up period was 15.3 years.

The team emphasized that moderate egg consumption should be part of a balanced diet.

“Research supports eggs as part of a healthy diet,” said Jisoo Oh, DrPH, MPH, an associate professor of epidemiology at Loma Linda University School of Public Health and the study’s lead author. “Seventh-day Adventists do eat a healthier diet than the general public, and we want people to focus on overall health along with this knowledge about the benefit of eggs.”

Some funding for this study was provided by the American Egg Board. Funding to establish the original cohort and its data was provided by the National Institutes of Health.

###

About the American Egg Board (AEB)
Home of the Incredible Egg, the AEB supports America’s egg farmers in its mission to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education, and promotion. The AEB is located in Chicago, Ill. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.

The post Study: Egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on American Egg Board.

CHICAGO (April 16, 2026)— American Egg Board (AEB) today announced that President and CEO Emily Metz has been named Ag Association Leader of the Year by the National Agri-Marketing Association. Metz was recognized on April 16 during the organization’s 2026 Agri-Marketing Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

The award recognizes senior executives who demonstrate exceptional leadership within agricultural organizations and associations.

The recognition comes at a defining moment for America’s egg producers. In just the past week, AEB secured national visibility at the highest levels — with the White House and two cabinet members, including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, appearing on Fox and Friends to amplify the message that eggs are ‘God’s most perfect food’ and celebrate the farmers who produce them. That visibility translated into 26 billion media impressions across national, local and social media networks, putting the story of American egg producers in front of consumers nationwide.

As CEO of AEB, Metz transformed the organization by repositioning it as a modern, data-driven checkoff grounded in analytics, consumer insight and measurable performance. Early in her tenure with AEB, she established a more disciplined, results-oriented approach to strategy and investment, strengthening how the organization delivers value to America’s egg producers. Today, AEB programs generate more than $10 in returned revenue to farmers for every dollar invested on behalf of U.S. egg producers.

Her leadership has also advanced innovation across the egg industry, including the launch of the Eggcelerator Lab, the industry’s first dedicated innovation center. This September, the Lab will bring its first patented egg cooking device to market, a milestone that signals checkoff’s growing role in driving commercial innovation for producers.

Metz’s commitment to the industry’s future was further affirmed when AEB’s producer community voted in October to unanimously approve a 100 percent assessment increase, doubling the investment from $0.10 to $0.20 per case over the next eight years. The unanimous vote reflects the trust producers have placed in AEB’s direction and their confidence in the returns their investment delivers.

“Emily’s leadership has earned the trust of this industry in a way that is rare. The unanimous vote to double our investment is a direct reflection of what producers see every day — results, accountability and a CEO who fights for them. This recognition is well deserved,” said Andy Seger, chairman of American Egg Board.

Metz’s leadership has also been especially critical during periods of disruption. Through multiple waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza, she guided the U.S. egg industry with a focus on preparedness, transparency and coordinated communication, strengthening the industry’s ability to maintain consumer trust when it mattered most. By pivoting resources and repositioning staff, Metz ensured that AEB could support the industry with cutting-edge disease research and on-farm assistance at the time when farmers needed it most.

“I’m honored to receive this award and incredibly proud of the work that AEB has done on behalf of America’s egg farmers,” said Emily Metz. “My greatest responsibility is safeguarding the dollars that our farmers have invested into AEB and ensuring that every single one delivers a return. That drives me each and every day, and I’m so proud of our team and how they operate at the speed of business and deliver meaningful value back to our producers.”

The post American Egg Board CEO Emily Metz Named Ag Association Leader of the Year appeared first on American Egg Board.

Washington, D.C. (April 7, 2026) – The American Egg Board (AEB) and United Egg Producers (UEP) today hosted a special lunch-and-learn event for congressional staff on Capitol Hill in celebration of National Egg Salad Week (April 6–12). The event was also attended by White House Senior Advisor Calley Means, who provided remarks.

The program opened with an educational session led by AEB offering a comprehensive look at modern egg farming and production. Speakers included third-generation egg farmer Sam Krouse, co-CEO of MPS Egg Farms (North Manchester, Indiana); veterinarian Dr. Craig Rowles, vice president of special projects at Versova (Sioux Center, Iowa), who provided an update on highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu); University of Arkansas agricultural economist Dr. Jada Thompson, who outlined key egg industry economic dynamics; and Dr. Mickey Rubin, executive director of the AEB’s Egg Nutrition Center, who highlighted the exceptional nutritional benefits of eggs.

The session was followed by a legislative briefing from UEP, presented by second-generation egg farmer and UEP Chairman J.T. Dean, president of Versova, who offered insight into current policy issues impacting egg producers.

Attendees enjoyed a classic egg salad lunch, followed by an ice cream social featuring a high-protein vanilla custard developed by the AEB’s Eggcelerator Lab.

“Eggs are on a roll — figuratively and literally, with 40,000 real eggs on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “The past year has reinforced just how essential eggs are in Americans’ daily lives. We’re proud to share our farmers’ story and expertise, and the joy of egg salad, on Capitol Hill. The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans say it best: eat real food — and it doesn’t get any more real than eggs.”

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to engage with congressional staff and share the critical challenges facing America’s egg farmers,” said Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers. “At a time when food production is more important than ever, strong, supportive actions of our nation’s policy makers are essential to secure a thriving egg industry for the future. From our farms to America’s tables, egg farming is a commitment to nourishing America, and food security is national security.”

The event capped a busy week for America’s egg farmers that began with a visit by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to Braswell Family Farms (Nashville, North Carolina), followed by a press event at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. where Secretary Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy and White House Senior Advisor Calley Means announced a $1 million investment by America’s egg farmers in innovation programs to expand access to egg-based options in schools. In tandem, a nationwide spring egg donation effort led by AEB in partnership with HATCH for Hunger (Carmel, Indiana) has delivered nearly 10 million eggs directly from egg farmers to food banks. The activities culminated with AEB’s annual partnership on the White House Easter Egg Roll, where more than 150 egg farmers and their families and 40,000 real eggs were featured on the South Lawn.

###

About the American Egg Board (AEB)

Home of the Incredible Egg, the AEB supports America’s egg farmers in its mission to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education, and promotion. The AEB is located in Chicago, Ill. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.

About United Egg Producers (UEP)

United Egg Producers (UEP) is a cooperative of U.S. egg farmers working collaboratively to address legislative, regulatory and advocacy issues impacting the industry through active farmer-member leadership, a unified voice and partnership across the agriculture community. Formed in 1968, UEP members represent about 95 percent of U.S. egg production. For more, visit UnitedEgg.com.

The post American Egg Board and United Egg Producers Host Capitol Hill Luncheon for National Egg Salad Week appeared first on American Egg Board.

Washington, D.C. (April 6, 2026) – America’s egg farmers and the eggs Americans love played a starring “roll” today on the South Lawn at the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll, continuing nearly 50 years of partnership supporting this cherished national tradition in a milestone year marking America’s 250th anniversary. The celebration was brought to life with support from the American Egg Board (AEB), a legacy partner, highlighting the essential role eggs play in Easter festivities and honoring the hardworking farmers who produce them.

More than 60,000 real eggs went into making the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll an event to remember, spanning traditional South Lawn activities and delicious egg-centered food served to guests. This year’s event featured nearly 40,000 hand-dyed and plain hard-boiled real eggs on the South Lawn, donated on behalf of America’s egg farmers by Braswell Family Farms (Nashville, N.C.), for beloved activities including iconic egg roll races, egg hunts and egg decorating. An additional 17,000 real whole eggs and 20 gallons of egg yolks starred in a variety of egg-inspired bites served to guests on the South Lawn at the Liberty Café, courtesy of the American Egg Board.

More than 150 egg farmers and their families traveled to Washington to take part in the celebration, volunteering across South Lawn activities and offering guests a unique opportunity to connect directly with the people who produce their food. Farmer-led attractions included AEB’s signature interactive “Hen-to-Home” exhibit, which showcases the egg’s journey from farm to table. The exhibit was supported by the United Soybean Board, whose crops play a vital role in feeding the hens that produce more than 90 billion eggs for Americans each year. In a special highlight, the exhibit quite literally came to life for the first time with 150 live chicks, delighting guests of all ages.

Notable visitors to “Hen to Home” included U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who spent time with egg and soy farmers and their families and recognized their dedication to producing the nutritious, affordable eggs Americans rely on every day.

“You can’t have a White House Easter Egg Roll without real eggs,” said Secretary Rollins. “This is a perfect opportunity to highlight what an incredible source of protein eggs are for American families. Eggs are as real as food gets — farm-fresh, completely natural, minimally processed and a source of eight essential nutrients. In the new Dietary Guidelines, eggs are listed first among the recommended proteins, and that’s a big deal.”

“Our farmers are tremendously honored by Secretary Rollins’ visit and grateful for the opportunity to share their stories and the incredibly nutritious and versatile eggs they produce with Americans at the heart of such a treasured national tradition,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “Americans love eggs. They’re indispensable to our daily lives, and today on the South Lawn, it’s clear that Easter truly is the egg’s Super Bowl.”

During his annual remarks from the South Lawn balcony, President Donald Trump said:

“This is about eggs. Today we have more than 40,000 eggs being supplied by all of the great egg farmers here in the U.S. and I want to thank all of the egg farmers that are here.”

Joined by First Lady Melania Trump and the Easter Bunny, the president’s remarks highlighted the central role of eggs in the White House Easter Egg Roll and the importance of farmers to the daily lives of Americans.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, the American Egg Board also presented the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg, marking the 49th edition of the one-of-a-kind work of art honoring the First Lady. The 2026 Commemorative Egg, presented to First Lady Melania Trump on behalf of America’s egg farmers, was crafted using the traditional Pysanky technique and blends time-honored symbolism with bold American imagery to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

This year’s First Lady’s Commemorative Egg is the sixth honoring Mrs. Trump, with predecessors also proudly displayed at this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll.

# # #

About the American Egg Board (AEB)

Home of the Incredible Egg, the AEB supports America’s egg farmers in its mission to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education, and promotion. The AEB is located in Chicago, Ill. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.

The post America’s Egg Farmers, 40,000 Eggs and Nearly 50 Years of Tradition Shine at White House Easter Egg Roll appeared first on American Egg Board.

Washington, D.C. (April 3, 2026)— The American Egg Board (AEB) today unveiled the 2026 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg honoring First Lady Melania Trump and continuing a nearly five-decade national Easter tradition on behalf of America’s egg farmers. The 49^th First Lady’s Commemorative Egg blends historic symbolism with bold American imagery to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and will be presented to Mrs. Trump at the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll on April 6.

“It is a privilege and a joy for America’s egg farmers to continue this nearly 50-year tradition celebrating our nation’s First Ladies,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “We are thrilled to present the 2026 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg to Melania Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll, honoring her patriotism and leadership as America’s First Lady — especially as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Eggs are the cornerstone of spring celebrations, and America’s egg farmers are proud of the egg’s prominent place in our traditions and in our everyday lives.”

Capturing Patriotism, Pride and the Spirit of the Season

Created by master egg artist Mark Malachowski of Berea, Ohio, the 2026 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg was crafted using the traditional Pysanky technique, an intricate wax resist method passed down through generations. In tribute to America’s semiquincentennial, the years “1776” and “2026” are prominently featured. One side displays an American eagle with wings outstretched, while the other depicts the Betsy Ross flag, symbolizing the nation’s founding.

Encircling the egg is a continuous band of red and blue stars rendered in the precise, geometric style characteristic of Pysanky design, complemented by flowing wave motifs representing progress across 250 years of American history. A delicate application of gold after the final waxing stage provides a luminous finishing touch befitting this historic milestone.

The 2026 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg is the sixth created in honor of Mrs. Trump. Previous eggs celebrating themes of resilience, kindness and courage — reflecting the First Lady’s “Be Best” and “Foster the Future” initiatives — will be on display at the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll.

America’s Egg Farmers and the White House Easter Egg Roll: A History of Partnership

For nearly 50 years, America’s egg farmers have proudly partnered with the White House and the White House Historical Association to support the White House Easter Egg Roll — America’s national Easter celebration and the White House’s largest annual public event.

This year, approximately 40,000 real, hand-dyed and plain, hard-boiled eggs, donated by America’s egg farmers, will be used on the South Lawn for egg hunts, decorating activities and the iconic Egg Roll race. Eggs are also featured across culinary offerings throughout the event, underscoring their vital role in springtime celebrations.

“America’s egg farmers are immensely proud to be part of this treasured tradition each year,” Metz said. “As a legacy partner of the White House Easter Egg Roll, we’re honored that real eggs are a centerpiece of this iconic celebration on the South Lawn and in homes across America. During the Easter season alone, Americans decorate and enjoy nearly three billion eggs, making them an essential part of the foods, traditions and memories we cherish each spring.”

# # #

About the American Egg Board (AEB)

Home of the Incredible Egg, the AEB supports America’s egg farmers in its mission to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education, and promotion. The AEB is located in Chicago, Ill. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.

About the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg Tradition

For nearly 50 years, the American Egg Board, on behalf of America’s egg farmers, has honored America’s First Lady at Easter by presenting the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg — a cherished springtime tradition that began in 1977. Each First Lady’s Commemorative Egg is hand-crafted from an actual chicken egg and transformedby a specialized egg artist. These intricate works of art may become part of the First Lady’s personal collection or be housed in a presidential library, preserved by the National Archives and Records Administration. For photos and history, visit IncredibleEgg.org/Commemorative-Egg.

The post American Egg Board Unveils 49th First Lady’s Commemorative Egg to be Presented at 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll appeared first on American Egg Board.