PHOTO GALLERY: Stanton brothers turn six chickens into a successful business

November 24, 2012 | 4:05 p.m. CST

Sixteen- and 20-year-old Dustin and Austin Stanton, respectively, started with six baby chicks and were able to start a successful egg supply business.

Judy Stanton holds new egg cartons used to sell eggs at local grocers such as Hy-Vee. The cartons for local grocers have "Stanton Brothers" stamped on them, but for local markets the Stanton's use recycled egg cartons often without their name on them. | Sarah Bricker

Dustin and Austin Stanton discuss which chicken house to visit next for gathering eggs. The Stanton brothers began raising chickens on their father's farm more than 10 years ago, and they hope to expand their chicken business and add on a meat-chicken house and broilers. | Sarah Bricker

Dustin Stanton gathers the new egg supply. Dustin Stanton collects the eggs with his brother, Austin Stanton, a few times a day. "It's an all-day job," Stanton said. | Sarah Bricker

More than 12,000 chickens run around eating and laying eggs on the Stanton family farm. The eggs not only get sold at the Columbia Farmers' Market but at local grocers and are served as part of the egg supply for MU dining.
| Sarah Bricker