Wilcox Organic Free Range
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Roy, WA |
| Website | https://wilcoxfarms.com/ |
| Market Area | WA, OR, CA, CO, MT, ID |
| Total Score | 900 |
For Wilcox’ organic free range eggs the brand standard is to have all doors are open for more than half of daylight hours on a daily basis. Free range birds have outside space anywhere between 2 to 30 square feet per bird depending on the outdoor conditions.
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 900 | 3-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 75 | Single ownership, but contracts out for some eggs with close relationship to suppliers |
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Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in systems that benefit us all. Eggs sourced from a single operation receive the most points. Eggs of unclear origins and/or with poor oversight receives the fewest points. Commitment to Organic Label | 25 | Sells both conventional and organic products, with most of its production being conventional and on the same property |
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Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards. Other Labels and Standards | 50 | Certified Humane (free range) |
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Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions. Flock Size(s) | 60 | Flock sizes of 15k |
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The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits. Hen Housing and Exit Areas | 40 | Fixed housing with some aviary housing, popholes as required by Certified Humane; legitimate outdoor access |
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Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors. Indoor Spacing | 30 | 1.2 square feet minimum (1.5 square feet in the non-aviary suppliers) |
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High scoring brands provide enough space to allow each hen to fully utilize their outdoor area, and to perform instinctive behaviors without harming the environment. Outdoor Spacing | 20 | 2 square feet minimum |
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High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 50 | Outdoor access is legitimate (no porches), manage for as much vegetation possible but without rotation |
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Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress. Outdoor Access Timing | 25 | As per Certified Humane, possibly over 21 weeks |
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Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life. Enrichments | 50 | Enrichments vary per supplier, but there are shade structures and vegetation outdoors, but no food and water outdoors |
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Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 50 | Some supplier flocks are beak trimmed but others are not |
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Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish. Chicks and Pullets | 80 | Chicks are purchased to raise into pullets; contractors have variety of practices |
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Brands that have low rates of deaths and utilize their spent hens for human consumption or similar score the highest. Deaths, Culls, and Spent Hens | 60 | 5% and lower death loss; hens are composted |
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Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 75 | About 75% of production is working toward regenerative practices, but others do bare minimum |
| Feed Sourcing | 50 | Feed is domestic, obtains feed from organic supplier that distributes locally and contract producers just need to show their feed is certified |
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Brands that score well here go above and beyond to ensure the highest animal welfare, taking into consideration their hens’ safety and cleanliness, natural behavior, and stress levels. Animal Welfare | 60 | Some welfare benchmarks confirmed with Certified Humane (Free Range) |
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Cornucopia believes you have a right to transparency. Top brands share information with Cornucopia via a survey and cooperate with our own independent investigations. Transparency | 100 | Brand participated fully and was transparent in our investigation |
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Brands do not receive points, but this information is offered for people with soy and/or gluten allergies. Soy free and/or gluten free? | Not soy or gluten free | |
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Brands do not receive points, but are invited to submit the name of their Accredited Organic Certifier (suppliers may have different certifiers). Organic Certifier (non-scoring) | Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) | |
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Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 0 | None |
