Egg Fight Breaks Out Over Chicken Welfare Law

Meanwhile, restaurant chains such as Burger King and Wendy's have started using more cage-free eggs at the urging of the society.

Society officials say cage-free hens could position California farmers to dominate the fast-growing specialty egg market, which accounts for about 5 percent of nationwide sales.

"California egg producers will never win the race to the cheapest egg, because Iowans live closer to the grain," Fearing said. "But they can win the race to the most highly valued egg."