Entrepreneurship: Turning Eggs into Gold

February 2008

Ryan Gatton may tell you he does not have “the Midas touch,” but he does earn money doing something he likes to do – turning eggs into gold. Gatton, a sixth grader, raises chickens and sells eggs to teachers, bus drivers, and neighbors. Ryan has many regular customers who enjoy getting the fresh eggs he provides.

Ryan started keeping chickens when he was about 7 years old, after his mother bought him some birds as a summer hobby. Initially, he knew little about chickens, but through a natural affection for animals, enrollment in the 4-H poultry project, and practice at caring for the birds, he learned how to nurture fowl. Ryan is now a member of the Wire Road Wranglers 4-H Club. With his father’s assistance, he built a large coop and installed a water line. Eventually, he wanted to earn some money and realized that he could make a profit by selling eggs.

Twice each day, Ryan harvests eggs, cleans them and feeds and cares for the chickens. His flock has numbered as high as 70 birds, but damage from hawks, opossums, dogs, and severe winter temperatures have brought the numbers down to 50. Despite these problems, he is still able to produce between 10 and 15 dozen eggs a week. The money he makes is reinvested in feed and the remainder put into savings. Ryan intends to expand his operation this spring by enlarging the chicken house and acquiring more hens.

Ryan has been involved in other 4-H projects as well, winning ribbons at the fair for showing cattle. He credits his aunt, a 4-H worker, for helping him learn about chickens. Ryan is grateful for his parents’ assistance in paying half of the feed cost and helping with some of the work while he’s at school or playing sports.

Do you know a 4-H young entrepreneur?  Send profile ideas to Adam Loftin, 4-H Center for Youth Development, at 573/884-7929 or acl7f4@mizzou.edu.