WARSAW, Ind. – Located in Warsaw along U.S. 30, Creighton Brothers has established itself as a cornerstone of the local economy and a significant player in the egg industry. With nearly a century of history, the company’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading egg producer is a testament to its innovation, resilience, and commitment to quality.

Creighton Brothers was founded in 1925 on the family’s homestead by brothers Hobart and Russell Creighton. They rebuilt an empty hog house to try their hand at raising poultry. Starting with 1,200 pullets, within 10 years, the brothers had developed the highest-rated Leghorn strain of egg-laying hens east of the Mississippi River. Tracey Nichols, event coordinator for Creighton Brothers, said, “We were a big reason why this part of Indiana became known as the ‘Egg Basket of the Midwest’.”

Today, Creighton Brothers is a leading vertically integrated agribusiness with a global presence. It ranks in the top 30 egg producers in the U.S., managing over 3 million hens that produce nearly 1 billion eggs annually. Their operation includes growing and laying facilities, 10,000 acres of feed grain production in Kosciusko County, Ind., a feed mill, and a shell egg processing plant. The firm has a substantial local economic impact, employing over 200 people and adding around $18 million to the local economy annually.

The company supplies both fresh and processed egg products for the retail and food service sectors. Their offerings include fresh eggs for grocery stores and food service clients, powdered eggs for processed foods and industrial use, and specialty items like ready-to-eat hard-cooked eggs, and organic and cage-free options to meet growing consumer demand for ethically and sustainably sourced foods. In 1968, they launched Crystal Egg Products, a sister division providing liquid egg products such as whole eggs, egg whites, and yolks for bakeries and restaurants.

“We have semi tankers (of liquid eggs) going to outlets like Hidden Valley, United Dairy Farmers, and food service facilities at colleges and hospitals,” Nichols said.

Like many agricultural companies, Creighton Brothers has faced challenges including fluctuating market prices and regulatory changes. During COVID, Nichols noted that “supply and demand got complicated because of panic buying.”

Overall, the company favors foresight and proactivity. For example, Creighton upgraded its biohazard measures before the 2015 avian influenza outbreak, which affected many other producers. Nichols explained, “Part of our solution is housing birds separately from packing,” adding, “we sanitize all incoming truck tires and use ventilators to scrub the air.”

Creighton also made the difficult decision to close their on-farm viewing room to better safeguard their operations. As well, Creighton stays ahead of regulatory changes by participating in industry forums and collaborating with policymakers on evolving food safety standards, ensuring compliance and advocating for fair practices.

In recent years, Creighton Brothers has focused heavily on animal welfare, environmental impact, and sustainability. Nichols explained, “well cared-for birds equal productive birds.” That commitment is evident in their shift to cage-free and organic egg production systems. Additionally, the company has launched various initiatives to minimize its environmental footprint, including adopting energy-efficient practices and waste-reduction programs that protect local waterways. Their efforts frequently include collaborating on clean-up projects along the Tippecanoe River and local wetlands.

Their initiatives include supporting agricultural and environmental education in Indiana. The company endowed a directorship and fellowships at the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College. In 2017, the Creighton family generously donated to build the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences at Purdue University. The facility now hosts both the Department of Animal Science and the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service Livestock Behavior Unit. Nichols reflected on the donation’s significance, noting, “our family has had five generations at Purdue.”

In 2016, Creighton ventured into agritourism with the launch of Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe & Coffee Bar. “We wanted to create a space where people could learn about farming, a place to bring in bus tours and people from the community.” Nichols said. The full-service restaurant and espresso bar serves farm-to-table dishes like Scotch Eggs and Farmhouse Benedicts, showcasing the company’s eggs.

The cafe’s interior reflects its commitment to sustainability, with tables and decor made from salvaged barn wood and farm materials from their operation. It also offers The Roost, a 300-person event venue perfect for accommodating bus tours, corporate functions, and weddings. The cafe’s charm has even attracted attention from the Food Network.

As Creighton Brothers approaches its centennial in 2025, its transformation from a small poultry farm in 1925 to a leading egg producer is truly remarkable. Now in the hands of third- and fourth-generation family members, the company is poised to continue its legacy for another century.