General Information
COURSE:
The 32nd National Egg Quality School (NEQS) will be held May 18 to 21, 2026, Indianapolis, IN. The NEQS continues the tradition of a curriculum that is designed for the serious-minded student who is willing to learn as much as possible about egg quality in a concentrated, comprehensive four days. A combination of lectures, individualized instruction and hands-on laboratory experience has proven to be a successful technique in preparing students to be a more knowledgeable egg emissary. The class will be divided into sections of six students, each with an instructor who will work with their section throughout the course – reviewing and explaining lecture material, answering questions, instructing them in the laboratory and preparing students for the exam.
SPONSORSHIP
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Hickman’s Family Farms, Versova & Companies – Center Fresh Group, Centrum Valley Farms, Hawkeye Pride Egg Farm, Iowa Cage-free, Morning Fresh Farms, Oakdell Egg Farms, Ovation Farms, Trillium Farms, Willamette Egg Farms, Mid-States Specialty Eggs LLC, MPS Egg Farms, Opal Foods, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Eggland’s Best, Hendrix Genetics, MOBA, Prairie Star Farms, Weaver Eggs, Braswell Family Farms, CCF – Great Day Foods, Frost, PLLC, Hidden Villa Ranch/Nest Fresh Eggs, Kuhl Corporation, Coast Packaging Co, Evonik Corporation, Lathem Family Farms, Marketing Concepts Group, ProEgg Inc., and Aviagen Inc. have generously provided donations during 2025 to further the educational opportunities offered by the school.
A special thank you to Cal-Maine Foods for donating the eggs used in the 2025 laboratories.
View/download 2026 Sponsorship Letter
View/download 2026 Sponsorship Form
Sponsorship Levels:
Diamond Sponsor – $5,000.00: includes a full page of the company’s ad/logo in students’ proceedings
Platinum Sponsor – $3-4,999.00: includes a half page with sponsor’s company logo/ad in students’ proceedings
Gold Sponsor – $1- 2,999.00
Silver Sponsor – $500-999.00
Bronze Sponsor – $250-499.00
Friend of NEQS Sponsor – Up to $249
HOW TO REGISTER
Enrollment deadline: April 1, 2026
Complete the Application for Admission available on the website or print and mail to the National Egg Quality School.
National Egg Quality School
CDFA-MPES
Attn: Penny Arana – National Egg Quality School
1220 N Street, Suite 342
Sacramento, CA 95814
E-mail: penny.arana@cdfa.ca.gov
Telephone: (916) 900-5062
Direct: (916) 203-1497
The 2026 Registration will be on December 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. EST. Applications received early will NOT be accepted.
Apply early to ensure acceptance. Enrollment is limited to 72 students for the school. Applications will be accepted in order of receipt and all applications will be acknowledged. Fees will be refunded if a notice of withdrawal is received by April 1, 2026. After that date, fees will be retained to cover committed costs.
QUESTIONS: Contact Diana Sparks, Treasurer, dsparks@ccfbrands.com or (479) 464-0544.
LEADERSHIP
The school is administered through a Board of Directors elected by egg industry stakeholders with support and leadership provided by the following organizations: American Egg Board, Auburn University, Arizona Department of Agriculture, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, CCF Brands, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Egg Nutrition Center, Food and Drug Administration, University of Georgia, ProEgg Cooperative, University of Illinois, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State University, North Carolina State University, United Egg Producers, United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Virginia Tech. The instructor staff includes leading university scientists, experienced state and federal regulatory officials, and seasoned industry organization representatives.
ACCOMMODATIONS & RATES
Embassy Suites Downtown, 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 # (317)236-1800 with a room rate of $133.00 single and $143.00 double plus applicable tax per night. Cancellation, early arrival, and early departure fees apply. Transportation from Indianapolis International Airport to the hotel can be arranged by calling Carey Indiana Limousine Service at 800-888-4639 or GoExpress at 800-589-6004. Bus from the Airport to the Hotel in Indianapolis with a fare of $2.75 one way. Parking available on site is $46.00 per night for self-parking with in and out privileges. Self-parking options are available at the Market Square Garage near hotel with hourly and daily rates.
Please DO NOT make hotel reservations. Room reservations must be made through Penny Arana, California Department of Food & Agriculture/ESQM.
TUITION & MEALS
The tuition prior to April 1, 2026, is $600 for Academia and Government and $700 for all others; after April 1, 2026, is $700 for Academia and Government and $800 for all others. This fee includes all books, supplies and group meal functions. Group meal functions are lunch on Monday; lunch and dinner on Tuesday; lunch on Wednesday, and coffee breaks. Your check or PayPal payment for tuition and meals must accompany your application.
UPON ACCEPTANCE
When your application for admission is accepted, you will be notified via a confirmation letter. You will receive another email providing additional student, school, and hotel information prior to attending the school. This information will help you plan your trip and make your stay at the National Egg Quality School both a productive and pleasant learning experience. Dress for the school is casual. Course materials will be provided after registration at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026. Section assignments will be in these materials.
CERTIFICATES AWARDED
Certificates of Proficiency will be awarded to those students who attend all sessions and satisfactorily pass the examination on Thursday. Students that attend all sessions but do not take the exam on Thursday will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance.