English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Grand Rapids, MI

At the start of the new year, Michigan consumers will no longer be able to buy eggs from caged hens, a change experts say will affect pricing on store shelves and local restaurant menus.

The change in Michigan has been looming for more than a decade. A 2009 law mandated that farmers switch to cage-free egg production by 2019, a timeline the legislature later extended for an additional five years.

The law, which takes effect Dec. 31, will require all Michigan egg producers with more than 3,000 hens to house them in a cage-free environment as defined by state law. It also prohibits Michigan stores, restaurants and suppliers from selling or purchasing eggs that were not produced in a “cage-free” environment.

For farmers, the clock is ticking. At stake is a $1.4 billion market for egg production. Michigan ranks seventh in the country for egg production, with a combined 15 million hens.

The state’s Animal Industry Act defines a “cage-free housing system” for both indoor and outdoor applications. Indoor environments must adhere to varied levels of regulations, including for multi-layered or single-level floor systems and for providing “enrichments that allow the hens to exhibit natural behaviors,” such as scratch areas, perches, net boxes and dust bathing areas. The indoor systems must allow a farm employee to “provide care to the hens while standing within the hens’ usable floor space,” per state law. Cage-free systems can’t include common cage systems such as battery, colony or enriched cages.

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The conversion has come at great expense for the industry. According to the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries trade group, moving from caged to cage-free housing costs approximately $65 per hen, representing about $1 billion of investment to comply with the new law.

“It was really a tremendous undertaking,” said Nancy Barr, executive director of Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, noting that birds in cage-free housing systems have different nutritional and ventilation needs than those in cages. “You’re building new barns, you’re putting in completely new equipment. There was just a tremendous amount of work that went into doing the conversion in the right way.”

Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, Inc., the state’s largest producer with approximately 10 million egg-laying hens, has entirely cage-free operations as of this year. The farm is a major producer for Eggland’s Best, which it distributes throughout the Midwest.

In an email to Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, the company stated that going cage-free “was an important goal that consumers have demanded from egg producers across the country.”

“(Egg producers) saw that this was the future, and they fully embraced it,” Barr said. “Growers in Michigan have understood for a long time that this is the way that the industry is going. This is the way they want to go, because of bird welfare.”

Between different feeding needs and greater labor costs — cage-free production is less conducive to automation, experts say — the cost of caring for birds in a cage-free environment is two to three times greater than the cost of caring for them in a caged environment, according to Barr.

The difference adds up to approximately $0.75 per dozen, a cost that’s likely to be passed on to wholesalers or consumers. The increase comes on top of the already inflated costs for eggs after Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HIPA) decimated Michigan flocks earlier this year.

In May alone, Michigan lost 6.5 million of its 15 million egg-laying hens either because of the highly contagious virus or from euthanasia to prevent its spread.

The decrease in egg-laying hens dealt a blow to the state’s production. A September report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service showed a 33% decrease in Michigan’s egg production when compared with the previous year.

As well, the consumer price index for eggs in October was 30.4% higher than the prior year, with an average price of $3.37 per dozen, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

While consumers may have grown accustomed to higher egg prices over the past year, Barr is uncertain how they’ll respond to new price increases stemming from the shift to cage-free production.

“I don’t know how people are going to react. You sort of get used to paying a certain amount for something, and when it goes up, it’s noticeable,” she said. “But again, we’re still dealing with one of the cheapest forms of protein that you can buy. I hope that people start to recognize that it’s still a value. We want our hens to be raised in the best way that they can be raised, and that costs a little bit more.”

Walker-based supercenter retailer Meijer told Crain’s Grand Rapids Business via email that it has been “working closely” with its suppliers to comply with the new regulations.

“All Michigan stores will begin transitioning to only cage-free eggs in mid-December, completing that transition by Dec. 31. Our goal is to always provide value for our customers, so while egg pricing fluctuates with the market, our cage-free eggs will remain competitively priced,” Meijer said in a statement.

For the average customer, Barr said, the cost difference in moving from caged to cage-free egg production is unlikely to be significant.

“If you’re used to purchasing cage-free eggs in the grocery store, probably not a lot is going to change, but some of those eggs that come in from other states that are in caged housing won’t be allowed in anymore,” Barr said. “Restaurants and things like that purchase eggs, a lot of them purchase the cheapest eggs they can find, which generally come from caged eggs out of state. That will no longer be allowed.”

Many restaurant operators remain uncertain what effect the cost of moving to cage-free eggs will have on their bottom lines.

Andy Havemeier, owner of Wealthy Street Bakery and Hall Street Bakery in Grand Rapids, estimates his businesses go through around 5,000 to 6,000 eggs a week, including both shelled and unshelled egg products.

Currently, Havemeier spends around $120 for a case of eggs, which contains 30 dozen eggs. His weekly spend can range up to $2,000 a week on eggs alone.

He’s uncertain how much the shift to cage-free eggs will affect his business, as his major suppliers Sysco and Gordon Food Service have told him they’re unsure what effect the changes will have on pricing until after the change is implemented.

‘My suppliers have not really given me anything close to an expectation on (cost) or anything,” Havemeier said. “Even a 1 cent per egg increase has an effect, but if it were 5 cents an egg, that would add $10,000 to $15,000 to our cost of goods sold for just eggs.

“This is pretty scary, and prices would definitely need to be adjusted on our items.”

In an October conversation with Crain’s Grand Rapids Business on the issue, Jeff Lobdell, president and founder of Restaurant Partners Management LLC and current chair of the National Restaurant Association, expressed concern about egg cost increases.

“I’m bracing for the worst,” he said. “The No. 1 thing my company purchases is eggs because I have 15 breakfast restaurants.”

In the Grand Rapids area, Lobdell’s businesses include Grand Coney, Real Food Cafe, Bagel Beanery, Sundance, the Omelette Shop and Bakery, Red Geranium, and Noble, among others.

Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, said he’s been informed that much of the price increase for cage-free eggs has been built in over the past five years, meaning the shift shouldn’t shock the restaurant industry with a dramatic rise next year.

However, he said the MRLA will be watching the issue “very, very closely,”

“If we get into Q1 of next year and you see a double-digit increase in egg prices in Michigan alone, we’re going to be pretty aggressive in communicating to the legislature that there needs to be some sort of amendment here,” he said.

The cage-free requirement only affects shelled eggs and does not include egg products, such as powdered or liquid eggs. Winslow said restaurants will need to make choices about whether to transition to other egg products if shelled egg prices balloon as a result of the law taking effect.

“I think those are the types of decisions internally restaurants are making,” Winslow said. “I think some want to see what that transition looks like. It’s just not abundantly clear what that price differential is going to be.”

For his part, Havemeier is sticking with shelled eggs, despite the cost increases they might incur.

“The liquid options just don’t work the same for a lot of our baked goods,” he said.

If the price of eggs changes significantly, Havemeier will have to assess almost every item on his menus.

“If the new egg prices would be in line with current prices, we would be OK,” he said. “But (if they go) much higher, we will have to adjust.”

More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:

Nonprofit buying 5.5 acres for farming in northeast Grand Rapids

Michigan’s third-busiest airport to scale up as business travelers drive record numbers

Snack maker Hearthside Foods files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Award-winning interior designer Andy Yates, known for merging timeless design with personalized flair, has been featured in Business Insider discussing outdated home trends for 2024. Yates critiques excessive boucle and beige walls, offering innovative, practical design alternatives that reflect Michigan's dynamic aesthetic sensibilities. Grand Rapids, MI - Renowned interior designer Andy Yates, whose award-winning firm is based near the Michigan Lakeshore, has been prominently featured in a recent Business Insider article [https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-home-decorating-trends-this-year-interior-designers-2024] examining outdated home decorating trends for 2024. Yates, celebrated for his ability to merge timeless design principles with personalized touches, offers critical insights that resonate with the dynamic aesthetic sensibilities of Michigan's design scene.

As part of a broader conversation about impractical and overdone trends, Yates highlighted the pitfalls of excessive boucle and beige walls, offering practical alternatives rooted in his signature approach to creating warm, inviting spaces. He suggested that boucle, while visually appealing, should be used sparingly and paired with other textures to prevent monotony. "It's about creating depth and dynamism," Yates remarked, emphasizing a balanced use of materials.

On beige walls, Yates didn't mince words, describing them as "flat and boring, like an unseasoned meal." He advocates layering neutral tones with complementary colors such as warm terracotta, forest green, or deep navy to inject vibrancy into spaces-an approach that echoes the natural beauty of the Michigan Lakeshore and the rich hues of Grand Rapids' changing seasons.

The Michigan design community, particularly along the Lakeshore and in affluent areas such as Ada, has seen a rise in demand for personalized, thoughtful interiors that balance form and function. Yates' critique of fleeting trends aligns with the region's growing preference for timeless, practical design. The area is no stranger to innovative design solutions, as Grand Rapids-known as "Furniture City"-has long been a hub for high-quality craftsmanship and forward-thinking design. Yates' work is a testament to this heritage, blending the area's legacy of quality with modern sensibilities.

Building on his recent feature in Taste of Home [https://www.openpr.com/news/3742002/michigan-interior-designer-andy-yates-shares-expertise-in-taste], Andy Yates has also been highlighted in Business Insider for his expert insights into outdated home decorating trends for 2024. This feature further underscores Yates' position as a leading voice in interior design, offering practical and stylish solutions that resonate with today's homeowners. His critique of fleeting design trends, like excessive boucle and beige walls, aligns with his philosophy of creating personalized, timeless interiors."This recognition from Business Insider highlights not only my work but also the incredible design energy here in Michigan," Yates said. "Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore are home to some of the most innovative and thoughtful design approaches in the country. It's an honor to represent this community in the national conversation."

Yates' inclusion in the article further solidifies his reputation as a thought leader in the Michigan design scene and beyond. From his base in Ada, Yates collaborates with clients across the Lakeshore, transforming spaces into havens of comfort and style. His design philosophy-rooted in research, collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail-has made him a trusted figure in Michigan's design circles.

Media Contact Company Name: Andy Yates Design Contact Person: Andy Yates Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=grand-rapids-designer-andy-yates-featured-in-business-insider-for-his-critique-of-2024-home-design-trends] Phone: (616) 287-3871 Address:134 Manchester Rd SW City: Wyoming State: Michigan 49548 Country: United States Website: https://www.instagram.com/andyyatesdesign/

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The Rise season begins soon! Meet some of the new faces on the court.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two new faces are joining the Grand Rapids Rise coaching staff.

Mike and Katie Gawlik, a husband-and-wife duo who both used to coach at Central Michigan University, were hired to the team for the 2025 season. Mike will be the associate head coach and Katie will be an assistant coach.

Mike is reuniting with Cathy George, head coach and VP of volleyball operations. He worked on her coaching staff at Michigan State for 11 seasons, from 2005 to 2015.

“I’m eager for the opportunity to be involved with growing women’s athletics at the professional level,” Mike said. “The Rise matches I attended had excellent attendance and fan engagement. I loved my time working with Cathy George at Michigan State and am anxious to get started.”

In his nine seasons with CMU, Mike was 137-123 overall (.527) and 81-77 (.513) in conference play.

This year, he led the Chippewas to the school's most successful campaign since 1983, finishing 24-7 overall and second place in the MAC.

In 2019, Mike was named MAC Coach of the Year, becoming just the second CMU volleyball coach in history to achieve the feat. That season, the Chippewas went 21-9 and advanced to the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

He also helped the Spartans reach nine NCAA Tournaments, including three trips to the Sweet 16. Mike was an assistant coach for nine seasons before being named associate head coach in 2015.

“Success is a series of choices that we need to be willing to make every day,” Mike said. “When we play hard, play together, and play with joy — great things can happen.”

Katie was a volunteer assistant coach at Central Michigan for the last five seasons.

In her time on the court, Katie earned four letters from the University of Michigan during the 2004-2007 seasons, two All-American honors and was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree. She's the Wolverines' all-time leader with 1,895 career kills. She then went on to play professionally in Switzerland.

“I decided to sign with the Rise because it seemed like a good opportunity from a professional standpoint, and also a personal one,” Katie said. “I will get to coach some pretty elite players while also getting my daughter, Winnie, into an area where some of her needs can be met.”

The Rise also signed Jason Oliver as the team’s assistant head coach. He was the head coach of the University of Toledo volleyball team.

He coached for seven seasons in Toldeo, becoming the first coach in program history to achieve back-to-back winning seasons in 2021 and 2022.

“It was a no-brainer,” Oliver said about joining the Rise. “The Rise represent everything you want as a coach. This is an opportunity to coach the best players and with the best coaches in the country."

The Rise's season begins on Jan. 10 against the Vegas Thrill. Single-match tickets go on sale Dec. 4. You can get yours here.

Christopher C. Douglas

Michigan has added 24,000 manufacturing jobs since 2021, making it the eighth-highest-growth state in America. This growth is being threatened by a frivolous lawsuit that will raise energy prices while having no impact on global temperature.

In late September, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel hired three out-of-state, politically connected law firms that have received millions of dollars from special interest groups to sue oil and gas companies for “causing” climate change, granting them the titles of Special Assistant Attorneys General. These law firms stand to make tens of millions in payouts, including 10% of the first $150 million they recover from these companies, while businesses and consumers pick up the tab in the form of higher gas and energy prices.

If this lawsuit succeeds, it will severely damage the very businesses that serve as the primary drivers of Michigan’s economy. Michigan’s robust manufacturing industry depends on affordable, reliable energy. Without a stable supply of fossil fuels, they won’t have any viable alternatives to power their high-powered machinery, logistics and vehicles.

Renewable energy is not yet capable of supporting Michigan’s massive industrial needs. When Michigan businesses can no longer count on affordable energy, they will look to other states with friendlier regulatory environments to import the difference. This could permanently erode many of the manufacturing jobs Michigan has recovered since the COVID-19 recession.

The ripple effects from this lawsuit would extend far beyond the manufacturing sector.

For example, under the belief that gas-powered vehicles are contributors to climate change, they could also go directly after Michigan’s automakers. That is a problem when considering that 92% of all vehicles sold in the United States are gas-powered, and Michigan auto workers work on most of those vehicles. Further, studies show that ending fossil fuels (which this climate suit would help to do) would eliminate 117,000 American auto jobs.

Consumers, already battered by inflation, would see gasoline and other prices rise. Oil and gas companies would be forced to raise prices to cover the billions in penalties they would incur, which would drive up the cost of everything from cars to agriculture to retail businesses — all of which are vital contributors to Michigan’s economy. These higher prices would hit working families the hardest as they spend a larger share of their income on these things compared to upper-income families.

A successful lawsuit would have no impact on carbon emissions or average global temperature.

Approximately 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide were emitted in 2022. China was the largest emitter at 13 tons and the U.S. was second at 5 billion tons. Michigan comprises approximately 3% of the U.S. population. Assuming that Michigan is responsible for 3% of U.S. carbon emissions and this lawsuit drives Michigan’s emissions to zero (which is highly unlikely, to say the least), then worldwide emissions would fall by 0.33%, which would have no impact on average global temperature.

U.S. carbon emissions have fallen by 17% between 2005 and 2023, from 6 billion tons to 5 billion tons, as a consequence of the country increasingly using market-based solutions such as fracking and using natural gas, rather than coal, to generate electricity.

Market-based solutions, which emerge naturally from the incentives given by the profit and loss system of the U.S. economy, will do far more to reduce carbon emissions and global temperatures than a frivolous lawsuit that stands to make politically connected law firms millions at the expense of working families.

Hopefully, the state’s courts let the free market work and show Nessel’s band of out-of-state trial lawyers the door.

Christopher Douglas, Ph.D., is professor of economics at the University of Michigan-Flint.

A cappella group the Pentatonix are bringing their “Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour” to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Wednesday, December 11.

Find tickets under $60 on Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Ticketmaster.

Pentatonix kicked off their 2024 holiday tour earlier this month at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The tour comes after the a cappella group’s latest release, “Meet Me Next Christmas,” a single coinciding with a new Netflix holiday movie of the same title.

Tonight, the “Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour” visits the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York before heading to Tampa, Nashville, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and more, eventually taking the stage at the American Airlines Center in Dallas for the finale on Sunday, December 22. The group is also set to perform in Grand Rapids, Michigan in only a few weeks. Tickets to the December 11 concert at Van Andel Arena start at $39.50 each on Ticketmaster. See below for more options.

Michigan tickets: Vivid Seats from $57 | SeatGeek from $55 | StubHub from $47 | Ticketmaster from $39.50

Sat, Nov 23 — KeyBank Center; Buffalo, NY

Sun, Nov 24 — PPG Paints Arena; Pittsburgh, PA

Tues, Nov 26 — Madison Square Garden; New York, NY

Sat, Nov 30 — PNC Arena; Raleigh, NC

Sun, Dec 1 — Colonial Life Arena; Columbia, SC

Tues, Dec 3 — Amalie Arena; Tampa, FL

Wed, Dec 4 — Gas South Arena; Duluth, GA

Thurs, Dec 5 — Bridgestone Arena; Nashville, TN

Sat, Dec 7 — Peoria Civic Center; Peoria, IL

Sun, Dec 8 — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse; Cleveland, OH

Tues, Dec 10 — KFC Yum! Center; Louisville, KY

Wed, Dec 11 — Van Andel Arena; Grand Rapids, MI

Thurs, Dec 12 — Allstate Arena; Rosemont, IL

Sat, Dec 14 — Denny Sanford Premier Center; Sioux Falls, SD

Sun, Dec 15 — Fargodome; Fargo, ND

Tues, Dec 17 — Fiserv Forum; Milwaukee, WI

Wed, Dec 18 — Wells Fargo Arena; Des Moines, IA

Thurs, Dec 19 — BOK Center; Tulsa, OK

Sat, Dec 21 — Dickies Arena; Fort Worth, TX

Sun, Dec 22 — American Airlines Center; Dallas, TX