We completed the first of two egg deliveries on December 3rd! Over 12,000 eggs were sorted, packaged, and distributed throughout the state in a single day thanks to our awesome crew of egg day volunteers. While the day was largely a success, we did encounter a few issues, as we do each year. Unfortunately, the eggs shipped to Bemidji arrived two days late and were not viable. A new shipment is on the way for next week with another dedicated team of volunteers ready to ensure safe delivery to the schools. The remaining 32 schools in the program will receive their eggs on January 7th.

Upon arrival at school, eggs undergo three key steps: tempering, counting, and placement in tanks. Tempering prevents temperature shock—a critical concern when eggs are significantly cooler than the tank water. Teachers and students begin by adding ice to a beaker of tank water to gradually cool it to match the eggs’ arrival temperature. Once the temperatures align within a few degrees, the eggs are carefully transferred to the beaker. The final step involves slowly adding tank water to bring the temperature back to the tank’s setting, typically around 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

During sorting, we aim to place approximately 300 eggs in each tank. We have learned that 300 rainbow trout eggs weigh about 18.5 grams, which enables efficient sorting based on the program’s tank capacity. While this weight-based method is useful, it is not an exact science. Teachers and students therefore conduct a careful manual count using photographs or projections of the eggs, grouping them to verify the exact number each class will raise. This step serves dual purposes: it’s engaging for students and essential for obtaining accurate data for the required DNR reports at the end of the school year. Once the eggs hatch, counting becomes significantly more difficult and less reliable.

Thank you to the nearly 60 volunteers and teachers who communicated and coordinated their efforts in the lead-up to and during this first egg delivery day! This success would not have been possible without your continued enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to making this program come together.