By Wagner Krohling, Local Farmer in Kissimmee, FL

The U.S. egg industry is buzzing with big news! Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer and distributor in the country, has shared a record-breaking financial report for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. 

As a farmer here in Kissimmee, I’m inspired by their success, but there’s a serious issue on the horizon that could shake things up.

Cal-Maine sold an incredible 331.4 million dozen eggs, up 10.2% from the 300.8 million dozen they sold in the same quarter last year. In dollars, their sales hit $1.4 billion, a massive 101.7% increase from $703.1 million a year ago. Their profits were even more impressive, jumping 246.5% to $508.5 million, which is $361.8 million more than the $146.7 million they earned in the same period last year. 

From a business standpoint, Cal-Maine is thriving. They’re selling more eggs at higher prices, thanks to strong demand and a tight supply caused by avian flu outbreaks. 

They’ve also kept costs like feed down, boosting their profits. Wall Street is likely thrilled with these numbers, especially as Cal-Maine plans to grow by acquiring a company that makes ready-to-eat egg products like waffles and omelets. For now, it’s a great time to be in the egg business!

But there’s a catch. Cal-Maine is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for possible price gouging and anticompetitive behavior. According to reports, the DOJ’s Antitrust Division is looking into whether major egg producers, including Cal-Maine, have been “conspiring to keep prices high” as egg prices soared to record levels, with some areas seeing prices over $8 a dozen. The investigation, which started in March 2025, is in its early stages and focuses on whether companies shared sensitive information about supply and pricing to artificially inflate costs or held back egg supplies to drive up prices. The DOJ has sent Cal-Maine a civil investigative demand—basically a subpoena for documents—and the company says it’s cooperating but can’t predict the outcome or potential penalties. While the probe might not lead to legal action, it’s a serious matter, especially since Cal-Maine and other producers paid $53 million in 2023 for price-fixing eggs from 2004 to 2008.

What do we know about this investigation? It’s driven by concerns that egg prices have risen faster than expected, even in areas less affected by avian flu. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups argue that companies like Cal-Maine, which controls about 20% of the U.S. egg market, may be using the bird flu crisis as an excuse to charge more, hurting consumers who rely on eggs as an affordable protein. However, Cal-Maine and industry groups insist prices are high because of supply shortages from avian flu, which has killed millions of hens, and strong demand, not because of any wrongdoing.

For farmers like us, Cal-Maine’s story is a reminder of what’s possible in the egg industry. Their growth from a small farm to a national leader inspires us all, from Kissimmee to farms worldwide. But this DOJ investigation could change things, maybe bringing tougher rules or fines if anything improper is found. 

Let’s keep an eye on how this unfolds—it’s a big moment for Cal-Maine and the entire egg industry. For now, their success is something to celebrate, but the future depends on what the DOJ uncovers.