Unit 10: Livestock

Lesson 7: Exploring Eggs- Teacher’s Guide

Estimated Time for Completion – approximately 45 minutes

Student Learning Objectives:

  • As a result of this lesson the student will…
  • Explore egg production in the U.S.
  • Examine the composition of the U.S. egg industry.
  • Understand production-related issues facing the U.S. egg industry.

Purpose: Scrambled, over-easy, hard boiled, sunny side up, and poached are all changes that can be made to a single product, eggs. Other than the culinary changes we can make today, the egg industry has changed from a time where eggs were produced by large percentage of total farmers and sold locally to families or small grocers, the egg industry has reached a present state that is very different than it’s past. Changes in production amounts and methods have altered the industry dramatically. Let’s take a look.

Directions: Access the commodities and products tab on the AgMRC website ( and find the link to Livestock. Utilize information located here to answer the questions below:

  1. Prior to World War II, how was most egg production achieved in the U.S.? How is it achieved now? What are some major differences between the two time periods?
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Livestock” link.
  • Select the “Poultry” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link in the “Overview” section to expand the page.
  • Look in the “Background” section to find the desired information.
  1. According to the AgMRC website, what are two primary reasons that per capita egg production has declined in the U.S.?
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Livestock” link.
  • Select the “Poultry” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link in the “Overview” section to expand the page.
  • Look in the “Demand” section to find the desired information.
  1. In recent years, “[e]gg production has changed to a more vertically integrated system”. What does this term mean? (Hint: Consult your agricultural education teacher and/or an animal science textbook for a good answer).
  • Note: To find the answer to this question, an animal science textbook may be the most ideal resource. Otherwise, perform an Internet search to find the answer.
  1. What role do regulations play in maintaining a safe, effective, and efficient food supply?
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Livestock” link.
  • Select the “Poultry” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link in the “Overview” section to expand the page.
  • Look in the “Regulations” section to find the desired information.
  • Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.
  1. What are some factors that are influencing the modern egg industry? Describe them in your own words.
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Livestock” link.
  • Select the “Poultry” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link.
  • Click on the blue “Eggs” link in the “Overview” section to expand the page.
  • Look in the “Emerging Developments and Issues to Follow” section to find the desired information.
  • Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.

Reinforcement activity: Avian Influenza and its effects

Recently, the egg industry has been hit hard by the avian influenza. Millions of layers have died as a result of this disease, which creates enormous stress on the egg industry. For this activity you will be doing a little bit of research to see just how big the impact of this disease is. You may work with a partner, small group or individually (depending on what your teacher decides) to write a report on the effect of the avian influenza on the egg industry. First begin with an overview on what the disease is, how it effects the birds, and some details about the number of birds it has affected. Then begin working on finding out how those deaths have impacted producers, markets, stores or markets that sell eggs, and consumers.