Central Grace Farms Learned the Hard Way: Cheap Lights Aren't Always Cheaper

When Central Grace Farms in Quincy, Michigan built their first poultry barn, they installed ONCE lighting. The system performed well and kept working year after year.

When they built their second barn, they decided to save money by using lower-cost LED screw-in bulbs.

That decision didn't last long.

"Within a year, we had to replace more than half of the bulbs."

The frequent failures created extra work, added costs, and plenty of frustration.

After dealing with constant replacements, the farm switched back to ONCE lighting.

Built for the Long Haul

Poultry barns are tough environments. Dust, moisture, and long operating hours can quickly wear out lighting that wasn't designed for agriculture.

That's where Central Grace Farms saw the difference.

More than 10 years after installation, their original ONCE fixtures are still performing, with fewer than 5% of bulbs needing replacement.

When it came time to build Barn 3 in 2025, the decision was easy.

"We definitely learned our lesson and demanded ONCE lighting. We told the installers we would never install anything else again."

The Real Cost of Lighting

The cheapest bulb isn't always the lowest-cost option.

Replacing failed bulbs takes time, labor, and money. Over the life of a barn, those costs can add up quickly.

For Central Grace Farms, ONCE lighting has delivered:

✔ Long-lasting performance

✔ Fewer replacements

✔ Lower maintenance costs

✔ Reliable barn lighting

✔ Confidence in every new build

"The bulbs are great. They last a very long time. We definitely recommend the ONCE lighting fixtures and bulbs."

Built for Poultry Producers

Central Grace Farms' experience highlights an important lesson: when lighting is designed specifically for poultry production, it can save time, reduce maintenance, and deliver value for years to come.

If you're planning a new barn or upgrading an existing one, contact our team to learn how ONCE lighting can support your operation.