Estes Hatchery, LLC.
Director of Sales and Marketing: Sean Richardson
Location: Springfield, Mo.
History: In 1922 on a 280-acre farm in Exeter, Mo., Charles Marion Estes set out to raise the world’s greatest hens when he left the family milling business to start C.M. Estes Farm Hatchery. Eventually Charles Marion’s son and daughter-in-law, Charles Marvin and Rowena Estes took over the business. Now in their 80’s, Charles Marvin and Rowena leave the management in the hands of daughter, Judy Estes Keitzer and grandson, Sean Richardson.
“I was born into this. I am the fourth generation. I have two children who could potentially be the fifth generation if they choose to do so,” said Sean.
Chicks: Estes Hatchery hatches between 100,000-150,000 chicks weekly including chickens, bantams, geese, ducks, guineas, turkeys, peacocks and game birds. Chicks hatch every Monday and Wednesday from February through October. All the hatching eggs come from 25 flock owner farms that manage Estes’ breeder chickens.
Sales and Marketing: Chicks are sold wholesale through feed, farm and ranch stores including Orscheln Farm and Home. The remainder of the chicks are sold through retail to customers in all 50 states shipped via the U.S. Post Office. “We ship day-old chicks. Timing is key. We have to get the chicks to their new homes within three days,” explained Shawn.
Product Guarantee: Estes Hatchery has a 100 percent live delivery guarantee and a 90 percent sexing guarantee. Other services offered by Estes Hatchery are vaccinating, debeaking, dewinging and dubbing.
Story and Photo by Lynzee Glass
