A Local Farmer’s Pride: Hillandale Farms’ Legacy and a Brazilian Vision for the Future

As a local farmer, I’ve always found inspiration in the stories of those who till the soil, tend the flocks, and build something enduring from the ground up. Hillandale Farms is one of those stories—a tale of grit, growth, and good eggs that resonates deeply with me. Founded in 1958 by Orland Bethel in Flushing, Ohio, Hillandale began as a humble operation reselling eggs. Over the decades, it blossomed into one of the top egg producers in the United States, a family-run powerhouse caring for over 20 million chickens and feeding millions of families. For someone like me, who knows the long hours and quiet pride of farm life, Hillandale’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when hard work meets heart.

I’ve followed Hillandale’s story with admiration—how Orland expanded from Ohio into West Virginia and Pittsburgh, supplying major markets like A&P and Giant Eagle in the ‘60s. Then, in the ‘70s, they took the leap to raising their own chickens in Florida, and by 2000, with Gary Bethel joining his father, they were nurturing nearly 10 million birds across Pennsylvania and beyond. Today, headquartered in Gettysburg, Hillandale stands as a testament to the Bethel family’s vision and the tireless efforts of its workers. It’s a legacy of quality, sustainability, and community that any farmer can look up to.

So when I heard the news that Hillandale Farms was acquired for $1.1 billion by Global Eggs, led by Brazilian entrepreneur Ricardo Faria, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride—not just for Hillandale, but for what this moment represents. As a fellow Brazilian, I see in Faria a kindred spirit, a man dubbed the “Egg King” who’s taking a bold step to carry Hillandale’s legacy onto the world stage. His company, Global Eggs, already operates Granja Faria in Brazil and recently snapped up Spain’s Grupo Hevo. Now, with Hillandale under his wing, Faria is doubling down on his dream of international expansion, projecting revenues of over $2 billion in 2024 alone. That’s not just business—it’s a vision that honors the roots of farming while reaching for the stars.

What excites me most is how this move celebrates the hard workers at Hillandale—the folks who’ve kept the operation humming day in and day out. They’ve weathered challenges like rising costs, shifting consumer demands, and even avian flu outbreaks, all while delivering fresh, affordable eggs to tables across America. Under Faria’s direction, I believe they’ll keep the ball rolling, blending their know-how with his global ambition to make Hillandale even stronger. It’s a new chapter, sure, but one built on the sweat and dedication of those who’ve been there from the start.

To Ricardo Faria, I say: applause, meu amigo! You’ve taken a shine to a gem like Hillandale and dared to dream bigger, proving that a Brazilian farmer’s spirit can conquer borders. And to the Hillandale team, I tip my hat—you’re the backbone of this story, and I’m proud to see your work carry on under this new banner. For a local farmer like me, this is more than a deal; it’s a beacon of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Here’s to the future—may it be as rich and rewarding as the land we all love.