Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Farmers Hen House

RED OAK, Iowa – On National Egg Day, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Farmers Hen House of Washington County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“Farmers Hen House does an egg-cellent job helping Iowa farmers supply organic, free-range eggs to consumers throughout the country,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “The business had humble beginnings, partnering with just three local farms at first. In the years since, they have grown their reach to 90 partner farms while still being actively involved in the Kalona community. It’s entrepreneurs like these that ensure Iowa remains a national leader in egg production.”

In 1997, Eldon T. Miller started Farmers Hen House in Kalona after partnering with three local Amish and Mennonite farms to produce organic eggs. Eldon is well known in the organic farming community and founded Organic Growers Group in 1995. His neighbor, Mark Miller, purchased Farmers Hen House in 2000. Today, Mark’s son Ryan serves as president of Farmers Hen House and has spearheaded new outreach efforts for the business including collaborations with culinary experts to develop egg recipes, the creation of The Scramble podcast, and writing a community blog. Farmers Hen House is also connected with Iowa food banks, donating over 12,000 eggs a week around the state. They celebrated their 27th business anniversary in 2024.

Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.