Greetings,


Thanks for reaching out with questions about starting an organic egg enterprise in the Willamette Valley. Below is a summary of considerations, recommended breeds, acreage needs, and links to Oregon and OSU Extension resources to help you evaluate feasibility.  I also recommend reaching out to some other producers to talk about their experience and challenges.  I facilitate a regional farmer listserv where you could put out this request. Would you like to added to that?  I share resources and farmers (beginning and experienced) can connect directly to one another through posts/questions. The emails tend to be limited t a few a month. 

You will want hardy, productive breeds that perform well in cool, wet Northwest conditions and maintain production through winter. Some examples include: 

• Lohmann Brown – excellent winter laying, found in organic systems
• Rhode Island Red – hardy, long‑lived, good for mixed systems
• Barred Plymouth Rock – calm, dual‑purpose, good for pasture
• Black Sex‑Link – strong foragers, consistent layers

OSU Extension resource:
Raising Chickens for Eggs


https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/poultry/raising-chickens-eggs

Acreage Recommendations for 250 Layers

Acreage needs depend on whether the system is pasture‑based, organic but not pastured, or rotationally grazed.
OSU Extension’s pasture guidelines for layers suggest:

• 50–80 birds per acre under rotational grazing
• 3–5 acres recommended for 250 birds
• More acreage improves pasture recovery and reduces parasite pressure

OSU Extension resource:
Pastured Poultry 

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/poultry/pastured-poultry


 Oregon Egg Handling & Certification Requirements
If you plan to sell eggs in Oregon—especially as an organic operation—there are several state requirements to be aware of.

1. Oregon Egg Handler License (required for most sales)
Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA)


https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/FoodSafety/FSLicensing/Pages/EggHandler.aspx


This page outlines:

• Egg Handler License requirements
• Labeling rules
• Candling and grading expectations
• Exemptions for small producers

2. Organic Certification Requirements

If you want to market eggs as certified organic, certification is required. We have a local certifier that can answer your questions: 
Oregon Tilth – Organic Certification

https://tilth.org/certification/organic-certification/


3. OSU Extension Guidance on Small‑Scale Egg Production
This resource covers enterprise budgets, production considerations, and marketing.


https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/poultry/small-scale-egg-production


Additional Oregon Resources

• ODA Food Safety Program – licensing, inspections, and compliance
  
  
  https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/FoodSafety/Pages/default.aspx
  
  
• OSU Small Farms Program – Poultry Resources
  https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/poultry

Here are few considerations to add to your study:

Organic egg production can work at a small scale, but margins are tight, and success depends on market access, feed costs, and labor efficiency. 

• Organic feed costs – typically 60–70% of total expenses; price volatility is common.
• Labor – daily chores, egg collection, washing, packing, and marketing add up quickly.
• Housing and infrastructure – mobile coops, fencing, nest boxes, water systems, and predator protection.
• Licensing and compliance – Egg Handler License, labeling, and organic certification fees.
• Depreciation and replacement – hens need to be replaced every 18–24 months for consistent production.

Revenue Considerations

• Direct‑to‑consumer pricing is essential for profitability.
  Farmers markets, CSA add‑ons, and farm‑stand sales typically offer the best margins.
• Wholesale markets (co‑ops, groceries, restaurants) often pay too little to cover organic feed and labor at small scale.
• Seasonal production dips in winter reduce revenue unless supplemental lighting is used.

A 250‑hen flock can be viable, but it requires careful cost control and a reliable direct market.

Risk Factors

• Feed price spikes
• Predation losses
• Disease or parasite pressure
• Market saturation in some parts of the Willamette Valley
• Labor burnout, egg enterprises require 365‑day attention

The viability depends on what your goals are and whether you are looking to make a profit, have it pay for itself, make enough to meet property tax deferral needs or?

Hope this all helps!