Egg Brigade: All Soldier Fly larvae from the USA

One of the most common questions we hear is “what is the difference between your Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) and larvae from other companies?”

Since we started a few months ago, we have attended many gatherings, swaps, and fundraising events in Virginia, such as the annual Homesteaders of America convention and PAWs. We went to these events not only to get to know and support our community, but to educate folks on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and how BSFL can play positive roles in the self-sufficient farm.

Many of our new friends had been enrolled in a subscription-based platform, choosing their BSFL based on expressed quality, convenience and cost.  While many BSFL providers garner support by leading customers to believe that they source their larvae locally/ from all-American producers, people we talked to were often astonished when they found out the origin of the BSFL they were feeding their animals.

There are genuine benefits to knowing the origins of the BSFL that you utilize on your homestead. Some companies attempt to conceal this in an effort to make you believe you are purchasing quality feed and supplements.

Why American-Sourced Matters

When it comes to feeding your chickens, quality and safety are paramount. At Egg Brigade, we grow our own larvae in Virginia, and only source from high-quality producers within the United States when we cannot grow enough of our own larvae to meet demand. This ensures:

• Strict Quality Control: American producers adhere to rigorous safety standards, guarantee a clean and healthy product free of harmful chemicals, and contain the highest possible nutrient density. They also adhere to FDA regulations and provide an AAFCO defined feedstock.
• Traceability: We know exactly where our larvae come from, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: By sourcing locally, we minimize the carbon footprint associated with production and eliminate overseas transportation.
• Support American Economy: By only using American suppliers, we are fully committed to creating jobs and supporting the economy in the United States.

The Kiln-Drying Process

Our larvae are carefully kiln-dried to perfection. This process:

• Preserves Nutrients: It locks in essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring your chickens receive maximum nutritional benefits.
• Eliminates Pathogens: High temperatures kill harmful bacteria and parasites, safeguarding your flock's health.
• Improves Shelf Life: Kiln-drying extends the product's lifespan, allowing you to store it conveniently for up to one year.

Why Avoid non-US Sourced Larvae

While non-US-sourced larvae may seem appealing due to lower costs, they often come with hidden risks:

• Unregulated Production: Overseas farms may not adhere to the same stringent safety standards as US producers.
• Potential Contaminants: Imported BSFL larvae could contain harmful elements, such as 7x Lead and 4x Arsenic than what is recommended by the FDA.
• Unknown BSFL food source: BSFL grown outside of the US may be fed less than desirable ingredients, like manure. 
• Lower Nutrient Content: If larvae are hollow or empty on the inside or have large amount of residue at the bottom of the package, the purchase may be wasted money for your flock, despite being a lower price per pound.

Cruising the Web: How to Tell

It may be tempting to go ahead and subscribe to monthly orders for the first Black Soldier Fly Larvae brand that pops up on your feed, thinking your larvae are coming from the United States.

Here are a few examples of what to look for.

A company suggests the larvae are grown locally, or maybe as far away as the next state over. In reality, this brand includes larvae from other areas in the Western Hemisphere that are outside the United States.

This one is rather convincing – “X Company is proudly 100% American…”

In legal terms, this means the company itself is based in the United States, not necessarily the larvae they are selling. You can see why the company will not state their BSFL are 100 percent sourced from the USA.

We were never able to figure out what is going on with this one. It does have some American flag graphics on the front…

Also to note – those worms in the photo look like they are mealworms, not Soldier Flies😊

Choose Egg Brigade for a Healthier, Happier Flock

By choosing Egg Brigade's American-sourced, kiln-dried Soldier Fly larvae, you're making a commitment to your chickens' well-being. Our product is:

• Safe and Nutritious: Rigorously tested and free from harmful additives.
• Convenient: Easy to store and feed to your flock – now with a subscription option through our online store!
• Sustainable: Supporting local agriculture and reducing negative environmental impact.

Give your chickens the best with Egg Brigade! Our mission is to supply the highest-quality Soldier Fly larvae for your flock - Always grown in the USA.