For many years, we have pursued a growth strategy focused on the acquisition of existing shell egg production and processing facilities, as well as the construction of new and more efficient facilities. Since the beginning of fiscal 1989, we have completed sixteen acquisitions.
In addition, we have built seven new “in-line” shell egg production and processing facilities and one pullet growing facility which added 8 million layers and 1.5 million growing pullets to our capacity. Each of the new shell egg production facilities generally provide for the processing of approximately 400 cases of shell eggs or 12,000 dozen eggs, per hour. These increases in capacity have been accompanied by the retirement of older and less efficient facilities and a reduction in eggs produced by contract producers. The “in-line” facilities result in the gathering, grading and packaging of shell eggs by less labor-intensive, more efficient, mechanical means.
As a result of our strategy, our total flock, including pullets, layers and breeders, has increased from approximately 22.3 million at May 28, 2005 to approximately 33.5 million as of May 30, 2009. Also, the number of dozens of shell eggs sold has increased from approximately 575.4 million in the fiscal year ended May 28, 2005 to 777.9 million for the fiscal year ending May 30, 2009. Net sales amounted to $928.8 million in fiscal 2009 compared to net sales of $375.3 million in fiscal 2005.
We plan to continue to pursue opportunities for the acquisition of other companies engaged in the production and sale of shell eggs. We will continue to evaluate and selectively pursue acquisitions that will expand our shell egg production capabilities in existing markets and broaden our geographic reach. We have extensive experience identifying, valuing, executing and integrating acquisitions and we intend to leverage that experience in the evaluation and execution of future acquisitions. We will seek to acquire regional shell egg businesses that have significant market share and longstanding customer relationships. We believe that enhancing our national presence will help us further strengthen our relationships with existing customers which have operations across the United States.
Through exclusive license agreements with Egg-Land's Best, Inc. in several key territories and our trademarked Farmhouse brand, we are one of the leading producers and marketers of value-added specialty shell eggs. We also produce, market and distribute private label specialty shell eggs to several customers. Since selling prices of specialty shell eggs are not as volatile as those of generic shell eggs, we believe that growing our specialty eggs business will enhance the stability of our margins. We expect that the price of specialty eggs will remain at a premium to regular shell eggs. We intend to pursue acquisitions that may expand our specialty shell egg production. As part of our Tampa Farms acquisition in December 2008, we acquired the 4-Grain brand of specialty eggs. We market organic, all natural, cagefree, vegetarian, and omega-3 eggs under our 4-Grain trademark.
