OUR STORY

Dustin Drake is a powerful presence in the poultry farming world. For more than three decades, he has devoted himself to the field of agriculture, cultivating his early passion for farming and transforming it into a successful, lifelong career. Dustin represents the drive, creativity, and commitment that have not only defined his own journey but also influenced the industry at large—especially through his leadership at Eagle Nest Hatchery, where he blends modern innovation with time-honored practices to raise the bar for poultry production.

Dustin’s story began long before he stepped into leadership at Eagle Nest. His love for agriculture took root in childhood, when he spent countless hours roaming the farm, tending to animals, and learning the finer points of poultry care from his family. Surrounded by the lush scenery of his hometown, he grew captivated by the delicate balance between nature and farming. His early years were filled with the clucks of hens and the sight of tiny chicks peering out from their nests—memories that shaped his lifelong passion. That deep-seated enthusiasm ultimately led him to guide Eagle Nest Hatchery, where he has since transformed the hatchery’s approach to raising and nurturing poultry.

As the guiding force behind Eagle Nest Hatchery, Dustin is more than a farmer—he is a visionary. He adopts advanced technologies and champions sustainable practices to ensure the hatchery not only succeeds but also benefits the environment and the broader community. His dedication to quality and animal welfare never wavers, and he consistently looks for new ways to refine the processes that deliver healthy chicks to farmers and consumers alike.

And, Dustin’s journey goes far beyond raising chickens and producing eggs; it’s about nurturing a thriving community. He views farming as a shared endeavor—an essential connection among farmers, consumers, and the land itself. Actively supporting newcomers, he works with aspiring farmers and takes part in local agricultural programs to inspire the next generation of poultry enthusiasts. His dedication to education leads him to frequently collaborate with local schools and community groups, where he shares his expertise and experiences. With his contagious passion and unwavering commitment, Dustin has become a cherished figure in the community, taking great pride in guiding and mentoring those who share his enthusiasm for poultry and sustainable farming.

Looking ahead, Dustin is determined to keep expanding the possibilities within poultry farming. Fueled by an unwavering passion for innovation, he plans to introduce advanced methods and technologies that boost productivity while keeping animal welfare at the heart of every decision. For Dustin Drake, each day on the farm brings a fresh opportunity, and he’s enthusiastic about leading the way toward a more sustainable and promising future for agriculture.

My name is Terry Britt. I’ve been involved with poultry since the age of 10. Of course my
first birds were some I bought at the local livestock auction and were far from show quality.
I joined the FFA at 13, and that’s when my exhibition bird days began. I got some very nice
Large Silver laced Wyandottes, and shortly after got Large Black Orpingtons and Partridge
Wyandotte Bantams. My Ag Teacher took me to my first Country Fair, my Sophomore year
, and I had Champion of the Show on one of my Black Orpington Pullets. After that, I was pretty
hooked on poultry and added many other breeds to my flock.
After completing high school, I went to college, majoring in Agriculture Education/Horticulture. After 4
years I graduated with my AG ED degree and took my 1st Teaching job. I taught there for 32
years before retiring in 2012.
During my teaching tenure, I was fortunate enough to work with a vast number of my students
on their Livestock and Poultry projects. We would attend 10 to 15 shows a year, with many of them winning top honors. I had the privilege of working with a vast number of breeds and
varieties of poultry.
I then decided to work on getting my APA
ABA judging Licenses . This was an excellent opportunity to travel the country and many other countries, judging. The experiences I’ve gained from breeders and friends have been
priceless.
Showing has also been a very exciting part of this hobby that keeps me motivated. Hopefully, this hobby will continue to flourish and will be around for generations to come. My most recent endeavor has been teaming up with Dustin Drake and forming Ridgeview
Farms. It's been an exciting few years, and I look forward to the future with that, as well as Dustin's new accusation against Eagles Nest Hatchery.

Mike Sayre’s involvement with poultry has been a passionate and rewarding journey. A lifelong resident of Ohio, he began raising game fowl for a family friend. In 1973, he began attending shows marking the beginning of a deep commitment to breeding, raising, and showing various poultry breeds.

Like many enthusiasts, Mike started with hatchery stock from Murray McMurray before gradually upgrading to dedicated purebred show stock. Mike also raises between 200 and 300 chicks annually. Over the years, he has worked with numerous breeds—not only chickens but also waterfowl and turkeys—building a broad and diverse knowledge of the field. Currently He raises several varieties of large fowl and bantam Cochins and a few other breed projects.

Mike’s first show experience was also like so many new enthusiasts, at a county fair and quickly expanded to attending poultry-specific shows. He continues to show his own birds multiple times a year as time permits.

In the mid-2010s, Mike became a licensed poultry judge, first through the American Bantam Association and two years later through the American Poultry Association. Mike regularly judges at 15 to 20 shows annually. Not one to let grass grow under his feet, Mike is also the current president of the American Bantam Association. His most recent endeavor is co-hosting the M and M Exhibition Poultry podcast, Talking Chickens, where he shares insights and stories from the poultry exhibition community alongside his lifelong friend, Matt Lhamon.

We are deeply honored to have Mike serving as a Flock Manager at Eagle Nest Hatchery. His decades of experience breeding, showing, and judging is an incredible contribution to the care and development of quality poultry stock here at the hatchery.