Lincolnshire-based Fairburn’s Eggs, which supplies millions of eggs to supermarkets across the UK every week, is launching an industry-first poultry ‘bed and breakfast’ scheme for egg producers.
As the sector faces a triple whammy of rising energy and feed costs, plus Avian Influenza (AI), this package will ensure producers receive a guaranteed return on their investment as Fairburn’s will pay them to raise flocks on its behalf, supplying them with pullets and feed.
Daniel Fairburn, CEO of Fairburn’s Eggs, said: “We know as farmers ourselves that our industry is going through a very tough time, so we felt this was the right way to provide reassurance for producers. We pledge to pay loyal producers a fair fee for looking after birds to our welfare standards, taking away as many risks as we can of rising costs and insecurities in the market.
“A similar model has worked well in the pig sector, and we have developed ours bespoke for egg producers. We are confident it will provide a much-needed boost for the industry at a time when it needs it most. The demand is there for eggs and the aim of this new initiative is to take the jeopardy out of the process.”
Details of the scheme include:
- Producers will receive a pre-agreed amount per bird for each flock, covering birds housed from 16 weeks to 76 weeks plus 3 weeks’ turnaround. There will also be a bonus paid for every flock dependant on production. Producers must adhere to agreed biosecurity standards including the Lion Code, RSPCA and APHA standards.
- As part of the arrangement, Fairburn’s Eggs will provide every pullet, feed from its Lincolnshire mill and vet fees, in return for the income from eggs and old hens.
- Producers will be responsible for labour, water, repairs, building insurance, clean downs, bird removal and pest control. They will also be responsible for manure and can retain any income derived from it. If for any reason a producer wants to leave the scheme, it just has to give a full flock’s notice to terminate the arrangement.
Interested producers should get in touch with John Holt, National Production Manager at Fairburn’s Eggs, on john@fairburnseggs.co.uk.