In December, we made a quiet but important change here on the farm—one that reflects our commitment to continually improving the quality of the food we offer.
Our laying hens are now fed a certified organic, soy-free feed, carefully formulated with ingredients like organic corn, peas, sunflower meal, flaxseed, fish meal, and alfalfa.
This wasn’t a marketing decision—it was a quality decision.
And today, we want to explain why it matters.
What Is Soy Doing in Chicken Feed?
In most conventional and even organic poultry systems, soybean meal is the primary protein source. It’s affordable, widely available, and nutritionally effective for egg production.
But soy contains naturally occurring compounds called isoflavones, which belong to a group known as phytoestrogens—plant compounds that can interact with estrogen receptors in the body.
The Science: Can Soy Compounds End Up in Eggs?
Yes—research shows they can.
When hens consume soy-based feed, naturally occurring compounds called isoflavones are absorbed through digestion, metabolized by the hen, and ultimately deposited into the egg yolk.
Multiple studies have confirmed this pathway:
- Research has demonstrated that isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein increase measurably in egg yolks when hens are fed soy-based diets, showing a direct relationship between feed and egg composition.
- Additional work has shown these compounds can be converted into equol, a more biologically active metabolite, which is then deposited into the yolk.
- Broader nutritional studies confirm that a hen’s diet directly influences the biochemical profile of the egg, including phytoestrogen content.
In simple terms: What a hen eats doesn’t just affect her health—it shapes the composition of the egg itself.
Setchell, K. D. R., et al. “Disposition of Soy Isoflavones in Animals and Their Potential to Influence Biological Systems.” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, vol. 1670, no. 1, 2004, pp. 1–10.
Payne, R. L., et al. “Dietary Effects on Egg Composition and Nutrient Deposition.” Poultry Science, vol. 80, no. 5, 2001, pp. 604–610.
Mazur, W., et al. “Phytoestrogen Content in Foods and Transfer into Animal Products.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 46, no. 12, 1998, pp. 5227–5232.
Wiseman, H. “The Role of Phytoestrogens in Human and Animal Nutrition.” British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 81, no. 5, 1999, pp. 393–403.
Hidalgo, A., Rossi, M., and C. Pompei. “Influence of Diet on Egg Quality Characteristics.” Food Chemistry, vol. 106, no. 3, 2008, pp. 1031–1038.
What Does This Mean for You as a Consumer?
It’s important to be clear and honest here:
- Phytoestrogens are not the same as human estrogen
- Their effects in the body are complex and still being studied
- Some research even suggests beneficial roles in certain contexts
However, many health-conscious consumers choose to limit exposure to hormone-active compounds where possible, especially from everyday staple foods.
Why We Chose Soy-Free Feed
Our goal is simple:
Produce the cleanest, most thoughtfully raised food we can.
By removing soy from our hens’ diet, we:
- Reduce the transfer of soy-derived compounds into eggs
- Offer an option for those with soy sensitivities or dietary preferences
- Provide a product aligned with minimally processed, intentional nutrition
What We Feed Instead
Our hens now receive a balanced, organic, soy-free ration that includes:
- Organic corn & peas (energy + protein)
- Organic sunflower meal (alternative protein source)
- Organic alfalfa (vitamins + minerals)
- Organic flaxseed meal (omega-3 support)
- Fish meal (high-quality amino acids)
- Essential supplements for hen health and egg production
This creates a nutrient-dense, diverse diet—closer to what chickens naturally thrive on.
Does Soy-Free Affect Egg Quality?
Feed always influences egg quality.
While every flock and season is different, many customers notice:
- Richer yolk color
- More robust flavor
- Greater confidence in sourcing
A Thoughtful Approach to Food
We don’t believe in fear-based food decisions.
But we do believe in:
- Transparency
- Continuous improvement
- Giving customers meaningful choices
Switching to soy-free feed is one of many steps we’re taking to raise food with intention—from soil to feed to final product.
From Our Farm to Your Table
This change reflects something deeper:
We are always asking: “How can we make this better?”
And when we find a better way—we make the change.
Shop Soy-Free Eggs
Our pasture-raised eggs are now produced from hens fed a certified organic, soy-free diet.