On November 4, 2008, California adopted a new law banning restrictive cages for egg-laying hens, veal calves, and pregnant pigs. "Restrictive caging" is defined as cages that prevent the animals from standing, lying, and stretching limbs. Cages like this are used by 95% of the industry.
Since California doesn't have a big veal or pork industry, the main effect is on the egg industry. The law will go into affect in 2015. Producers claim that the expenses to update caging facilities will drive egg prices up and make their egg prices uncompetitive with other states and Mexico.
If your state was thinking of instituting this law, how would this affect your farm? Would the result be so devastating in cost that you couldn't stay in business? Or, do you think being "cage free" would help you sell more product?
Caging article
