THE HAPPY of Weiss Lake Egg Company Hens

If it is true that a ‘happy hen lays eggs,’ then the 440,000 Leghorn at Weiss Lake Egg Company must be euphoric. They lay 365,000 every day.

The founder was Ralph Bradley, who started in the poultry business in broiler production. When he bought a local egg-packing company in 1968, he focused on laying hens and egg production. Upon his death in 2011, the business was inherited by his three children, Michael and Jeff, and sister, Debbie Lowe. The grandchildren became the third generation to own and manage the company.

The management of the company is unique. In most situations of group inheritance, it is common for a business to be sold and divided, but that was not

(Continued on page 28)

(Continued from page 26) the case with the Bradley children. Instead, all returned to work in the family business, which holds the distinction of being one of five table-egg production facilities in Alabama.

When the grandchildren decided to join the business, they accepted shared responsibilities. Jeremy Bryant (J.B.) serves as president and manages Southern Pride, the chicken houses. Josh Bryant is the egg processing plant manager, and Aubie Hale and Audra Bradley share the Secretary-Treasurer position. Kendra Walker is the Office Manager. Although they have titles, they work at whatever needs to be done. Siblings and cousins get along well and divide the workload. When you talk with anyone at the company, you speak to the owners themselves.

Modernizing the plant has come a long way since eggs were gathered by hand. Technology has been the game changer for the company. In the past, it took 32 people to do the work 18 can do today. In place are modern conveyer belts that transport fresh eggs from the chicken house to the processing plant, allowing greater efficiency and less chance of damage.

When eggs leave the houses, they are cleaned and inspected by equipment that detects even the slightest blemish. An egg that does not meet proper specifications is discarded; It receives a grade B and is sold for use in particular products.

The Leghorns are treated exceptionally well. They are fed three times per day and housed at an exact temperature. The smallest detail can disturb the laying process, so keeping hens happy and healthy is the priority.

Weiss Lake Egg Company is in Centre, Alabama. If you want to find the super fresh eggs from Weiss Lake Egg Company, look for local labels such as Sure Fine (Distribution by Associated Grocers), Weiss Lake Pride, and Freshland (Distribution by Mitchell Grocery).