NATURA Systems Drive Cage Free Growth in North America

Feb 17, 2026
By Farms.com

Big Dutchman Reaches 200 million Cage Free Birds

Big Dutchman has achieved a major milestone in cage free poultry production by placing 200 million birds worldwide in its NATURA cage free aviary system. This achievement comes only five years after the company celebrated reaching 100 million bird placements, showing strong and steady growth.

Egg production standards have changed quickly in recent years. New regulations and shifting consumer preferences are increasing demand for cage-free eggs. Many consumers now prefer eggs produced in systems that allow birds more freedom to move and express natural behaviors. To support this transition, Big Dutchman developed the NATURA cage free aviary lineup.

The 200 million bird milestone was reached in North America at Forsman Farms. The farm installed the NATURA Step system, which is designed to support smooth bird movement, good welfare conditions, and consistent egg quality. The system helps farmers manage flocks efficiently while meeting modern animal care standards.

This milestone reflects the trust producers' place in NATURA systems. Farmers are choosing solutions that not only meet regulatory expectations but also support long-term productivity and performance.

The achievement was officially recognized during the International Production and Processing Expo. During the event, the farmer who helped reach this milestone was honored at a small reception.

Company leaders expressed gratitude to customers for their continued confidence and partnership. Reaching 200 million bird placements demonstrates how quickly the industry is moving toward cage free production and highlights the important role innovative housing systems play in shaping the future of egg farming.

Photo Credit: Big-Dutchman

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.