Manitoba Egg Farmers has voted unanimously to triple the personal limit for non-quota laying hens from 99 to 300.

"This increase means small-scale farmers in our province will now be able to house up to 300 laying hens on their property without being a quota holder or paying levy," said Cory Rybuck, General Manager for Manitoba Egg Farmers.

He adds 300 hens will lay about 90,000 eggs a year and unregulated farmers can sell these eggs ungraded to the general public from their farm gate.

The change now puts Manitoba Egg Farmers in line with egg boards in Saskatchewan and Alberta.