Hickman’s Farms Closes Doors as Bird Flu Hits West Valley Egg Production

Hickman’s Family Farms has announced a significant operational halt after a recent avian flu outbreak. The closure will last nearly two years, impacting hundreds of employees.

Based in Buckeye, Arizona, Hickman’s is the largest egg producer in the Southwest and ranks among the top 20 producers nationwide. Glenn Hickman confirmed the layoffs are necessary as the farm works to rebuild its flock following the loss of six million chickens over the past two weeks due to the virus.

Hickman expressed confidence that this setback will not significantly affect egg prices despite the scale of the loss. However, the farmer noted a concerning trend: the virus is now being detected in local wildlife, including sparrows, mice, and squirrels, not just migratory birds.

While an international vaccine for bird flu exists, it has yet to receive USDA approval for use in U.S. chickens. The farm, in operation for nearly 80 years, now faces unprecedented challenges as it navigates this health crisis.