Two multi-generation egg producers are now one, as MPS Egg Farms (MPS) of North Manchester, Ind., announced this week the acquisition of Country Charm Eggs (Country Charm) of Gillsville, Ga. This is MPS’s first expansion into the southeast United States.

MPS, a sixth-generation family egg producer now under the leadership of co-CEOs and brothers Sam Krouse and Dan Krouse, has been deliberate in its work to expand the business through acquisition and development. The purchase of Country Charm expands the company’s geographic footprint and adds about 1.8 million egg-laying hens to the company’s current overall flock of 12 million hens.

“MPS has been intentional about growth – doing so in a strategic way that leverages our commitment to customer excellence and high quality, while also aligning with businesses that share our core values and our unwavering dedication to animal care and food safety,” said Sam Krouse. “The Booker family has built an incredible foundation of personalized customer service and a thriving egg business thanks to an exceptional team of employees, and we are honored to carry that legacy forward under the MPS banner.”

Country Charm is a second-generation family egg business founded in Georgia by Vince Booker and operated currently by his son Brent Booker. The farm has 140 employees and produces nearly 600 million eggs annually on its state-of-the-art farm and with contract growers.

“Country Charm and MPS share the same values, vision, and dedication to our customers and employees, which will support a seamless transition of our business,” said Brent Booker, managing member, Country Charm. “I look forward to seeing MPS’s leadership and innovation and am thrilled that the Country Charm team will contribute to that shared success.”

MPS has been on a strong growth trajectory – from its founding in the Midwest through today. With the addition of Country Charm, MPS now has farms in Indiana, Illinois, Texas and Georgia, as well as nearly 750 employees. In 2020, MPS acquired Feathercrest Farms of Texas, and, in December 2022, MPS and The Kroger Company announced a strategic partnership to bring the innovative and proprietary Kipster egg farm model to the United States.

The family-owned egg company also has been expanding its own operations to meet increasing customer demand. MPS was an early adopter of cage-free egg production, building its first cage-free farms in 2008. The company’s multi-state operations ensure customers have access to fresh, safe eggs produced under the rigorous safety and quality standards that MPS maintains across its farms. MPS maintains a strong culture of respect and accountability for its team and customers.

Dan Krouse anticipates that the company will continue to expand through growth and acquisition. “While MPS has Midwestern roots, we have an exciting future ahead as a national egg producer, serving a wide range of customers with the same outstanding service, high-quality products, attention-to-detail and commitment to doing all that is needed to deliver on that promise.”