Even with Easter in the rear-view, it seems that eggs are still on everyone’s minds lately. Wanting to get to the yolk of it all, we reached out to Malcom Smith of Windybank Farm, Bermuda’s biggest supplier of local eggs.

What is behind the recent spike in egg prices and scarcity?

Avian bird flu in US is causing a shortage of imported eggs for consumption – as well as fertile eggs for hatcheries. This knock-on effect means that prices are higher than usual – and might stay that way for a while.

Will the price of eggs at Windybank rise?

That depends on our expenses: if our costs keep rising, then we would have to take another look at all of our costs. We try very hard to keep the prices down for Bermudian shoppers but it is difficult these days, when our costs keep rising.

Do we in Bermuda have anything to worry about when it comes to Avian Flu? Is there anything we can be doing about it?

If it did happen to get here, then yes. However, we have been fortunate so far.

At Windybank, we try to be proactive. This means doing our best to keep the feral chicken population away from the farm, not letting anyone other than farm workers into the coops as well as being sure to keep them and the equipment clean.   

How many eggs come out of Windybank each week – and how fresh are they?

Approximately 35,000 – and they are super fresh. When we sell them, they are no older than 3 days from lay and we don’t run a surplus.

Should eggs be stored in the fridge or at room temperature, in your opinion?

If an egg has been refrigerated (like at the supermarket) then you should definitely keep them in the fridge. In Europe, they don’t refrigerate them but in the US they do and our health department regulations tend to follow the US’s lead. I think it is down to the preference of the individual – whatever makes you comfortable.   

Have you ever come close to running out of eggs?

Yes, quite often – particularly these days.

Any favourite egg recipes or tips you’d like to share?

My favorite dish with eggs is simple: crispy, buttered toast with smashed avocado, soft goats cheese and a soft poached or fried Windybank farm egg.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I would like people to try to understand all of the work that goes into farming. Some people take local providers for granted, expecting eggs and other vegetables to always be there at a low cost. Farmers have expenses, just like everyone else, and we work from dawn til dusk to keep things going to pay those expenses. I do not feel that the average person realizes how much work farmers put in to produce the food for their tables. 

Windybank Farm’s eggs are sold at all major grocery stores in Bermuda and at their farm shop on Saturdays. Their online shop can be visited here.