6th Day Farms
Local Consumers Embrace Farm-Fresh Eggs Amid Surging Supply Shortage
As egg shortages plague grocery stores, residents in Maricopa are increasingly sourcing their protein from local farms and backyard breeders. This shift comes in response to a recent avian flu outbreak, heightening interest in farm-fresh alternatives.
“Why are you guys going nuts? It’s just eggs,” commented Nancy Marrs from her home in Hidden Valley. Once known as the “crazy chicken lady,” Marrs used to share her eggs with neighbors but now finds herself inundated with sales inquiries.
She reflects on her previous pastime of “Cocktails with the Chickens,” a Facebook Live event set in her pen, Hen Haven. However, her focus has shifted entirely to egg production, as demand skyrockets.
Nearby farms are witnessing similar trends, with some instituting waitlists due to heightened demand. Jennifer and Michael Connelly of 6th Day Farms report that they consistently sell out at the Uptown Farmer’s Market and have started directing customers to competing farms.
“They’re selling out faster now,” Jennifer Connelly noted. “This shows just how fragile our food supply is. We all need each other.”
Both Connellys express concern that the media may be fueling anxiety surrounding the egg supply crisis. They run a local food pantry that services 2,000 families weekly, emphasizing the importance of sustainable food sources. Together, they hope increased interest in backyard farming will lead to sustainable practices among consumers.
“During Covid, we helped set up so many backyard birds for families. It gives families tools they can rely on,” said Connelly. “It creates producers instead of just consumers.”
As the situation surrounding avian flu improves, Marrs hopes to maintain this newfound interest in farm-fresh products. “Once you get hooked on farm fresh eggs, you’ll never go back to a store,” she concluded.
