Small Egg Production
This Ohio Department of Agriculture resource lays out the basics for “small egg producers” and the rules that apply when selling shell eggs. It defines who qualifies, where eggs may be sold, and what labeling information is required on cartons. It also notes a regulatory change taking effect October 1, 2025.
This piece will be most useful for small flock owners who sell (or plan to sell) eggs directly from their farm, through a farm market or auction, or into local retail and food-service channels. It’s written in a straightforward, compliance-focused style, with specific labeling elements and a required safe-handling statement. If you’re trying to understand what Ohio considers an approved source and what needs to be on your cartons, it offers a clear checklist.
Key takeaways
- Regulatory change: Effective October 1, 2025, small egg producers are no longer required to register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and are considered an approved source for retail sale.
- Definition: A small egg producer is engaged in egg production and maintains 500 or fewer birds annually.
- Sales channels: Properly labeled eggs may be sold from your farm, from a registered farm market you own/operate, or a registered farm product auction; the producer is also an approved source for sales to a retailer, restaurant, or at a farmer’s market.
- Farmers’ market licensing: The piece notes small egg producers must also license with their local health department to sell eggs at a farmer’s market.
- Labeling requirements: Cartons must include the operation’s name/address, quantity count, pack date, “ungraded” or “unclassified,” “mixed size,” and the specified safe handling instructions; reused cartons are allowed if non-pertinent information is defaced and cartons are clean and sound.