TURNER, Maine (AP) — New England’s largest egg farm is eager to show it’s taking good care of its hens after reaching a settlement over allegations its birds were mistreated.
Last month, Maine Contract Farming agreed to pay $25,000 in penalties and to make a one-time payment of $100,000 to the Maine Department of Agriculture to settle the civil case.
Maine Contract Farming is a contract egg producer for Quality Egg of New England. There are about 5 million hens on the Turner site, formerly known as DeCoster Egg Farm.
Quality Egg’s John Glessner says he’s spent $700,000 for improvements, consultants and training. He says plans are in the works for a picnic and open house this fall so neighbors can see the improvements.
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- Chickens poke their heads out of cages at Maine Contract Farming, Thursday, July 1, 2010, in Turner, Maine. New England’s largest egg farm is taking steps to show it has improved care of its hens after reaching a settlement over allegations its birds were mistreated. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
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- Chickens mingle in a cage at Maine Contract Farming, Thursday, July 1, 2010, in Turner, Maine. New England’s largest egg farm is taking steps to show it has improved care of its hens after reaching a settlement over allegations its birds were mistreated. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
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