In 2017, Hy-Line will break ground on a $2.5 million expansion of the Dr. Dennis Casey Research Farm, increasing the farm capacity by 50 percent.

This investment in Hy-Line's research and development program will allow Hy-Line to extend the evaluation of pedigree birds from 90 weeks out to 120 weeks of age for genetic selections, with further emphasis on persistency of lay, persistency of shell quality, and continued improvement in all other egg quality traits.

"Persistency of lay and egg shell quality show higher genetic variation at older ages so this information will help ensure continued genetic progress,'' said Dr. Danny Lubritz. Director of Research and Development for Hy-Line. "The extended cycles also couple well with our genomics program allowing unique mating strategies to enhance genetic variation."