With a population of about 35,000 as of 2026, Clark County, Wisconsin is known for its strong Mennonite and Amish communities, whose values and skills have shaped the area’s agricultural character since 1973. Nestled among the Black River valley’s rolling fields and wooded hills, Clark County’s residents have long relied on the land and water for their livelihoods.
For much of its modern-day history, Clark County was a leader in the Wisconsin lumber industry (1860s–1910s), followed by the Wisconsin dairy industry (1930s to present), followed by commercial greenhouses (2000 to present). Those industries built the region’s reputation and provided steady work for generations, forming the backbone of the local economy and culture.
In recent years, Clark County has witnessed a dramatic shift in its agricultural focus. Commercial egg farming has grown rapidly, with the county now home to more chickens than cows. Some of the larger egg barns house almost more chickens than there are people in the entire county. Clark County has become home of some of the state’s largest commercial egg farms. Egg farms help support local public schools, roads and area businesses in the form of property taxes paid, plus generating significant cash flow from goods and services purchased by Mennonites to build and operate the chicken farms.
Modern egg barns in Clark County are large, climate-controlled buildings designed for efficiency and “cage free” animal welfare. Rows of hens are housed in spacious enclosures, with automated systems managing feeding, watering, and egg collection. Egg barns feature advanced ventilation to ensure healthy air quality and temperature, helping maximize productivity while minimizing stress on the chickens. Eggs are gathered daily using an automated system to pack them. A primary buyer of Clark County eggs is Fairfield Specialty Eggs of Muscoda, Wisconsin (an egg wholesaler).
The life of a commercial egg laying chicken is short…about 18 to 24 months on average. Commercial chickens begin their life cycle in hatcheries where they are called pullets. Only the females lay eggs. They begin to lay eggs as early as 16 weeks and then continue until the end of their life cycle. “Spent hens” are egg laying hens whose egg production falls below the egg laying rate that is considered profitable. They are culled from the flock. If the entire flock is of a similar age, the entire flock is replaced.
The growth of egg farming has brought new jobs and opportunities to local businesses. River Country Co-op (since 1948) has emerged as a primary regional supplier of chicken feed and egg farming supplies, supporting both large and small producers. Thank you, Gerard Kaiser, River Country Poultry Specialist for excellent background information for this story. Local Owen-Withee area businesses benefit from increased demand for their supplies and services, strengthening the county’s economic base and helping communities thrive.
Clark County’s Mennonite and Amish families play a significant role in the egg industry. Their expertise in commercial construction, coupled with expertise in animal husbandry and sustainable farming practices contributes to the quality and reputation of local eggs. Their involvement ensures that the new egg production industry remains closely tied to the county’s core values of hard work and stewardship.
Commercial egg farming stands as a testament to the region’s resilience and ingenuity. The industry’s growth promises ongoing economic benefits, new jobs, and a strengthened sense of community. With its roots in dairy and lumber and its sights set on poultry, Clark County is poised to remain a leader in Wisconsin agriculture for years to come. Owen and Withee will likely continue to play a pivotal role, serving as examples of how local towns can thrive and evolve alongside changing agricultural trends.