Traditional Norfolk Poultry (TNP) is seeking more farms across East Anglia to help meet growing demand for its free-range chicken and turkey products.
As investment continues in processing capacity and premium poultry products gain wider recognition among retailers, chefs and consumers, the business is expanding its network of contract growers and offering a range of production models to suit different farming enterprises.
“Our products are increasingly being recognised by retailers and consumers,” said TNP managing director Mark Gorton. “The marketing campaign for our exclusive Norfolk Black Chicken is proving a great success among many top chefs and restaurants who are enthusiastic about adding this to their menus. And our both our chicken and turkey products are winning new customers across leading retailers.
“We are continuing to invest in our processing capacity and we now need to increase the supply of all types of free-range poultry which we believe offers great opportunities for farmers to achieve a new revenue stream to secure long-term income.”
TNP already works in partnership with more than 50 farmers across the region. While some specialise in poultry production, others have introduced free-range poultry as a means of diversifying their businesses at a time when EU support payments have disappeared and arable margins are under increasing pressure.
The company offers several routes into poultry production, allowing growers to select a system that best suits their land, buildings and investment plans.
“There are many ways in which farmers can become involved in producing chickens and turkeys for us,” he said. “The different farming models include brood farms to rear day-old chicks to 28 days up to 1kg in weight. The maximum density of 19kg/m² makes the job ideal for any poultry house with the low density putting minimum pressure on the space.
“Mobile chicken sheds or farming models rearing birds to full term are further options securing a good income and 10-year payback at a time when farmers need greater certainty about future returns. Sites of up to 50 acres are required and must be secure with good access.”
For growers looking to make a larger investment, TNP’s full-cycle production system provides capacity for 40,000 birds across up to three high-welfare poultry houses within a 15-acre roaming area that includes wooded copses.
No previous poultry experience is required, with full training and ongoing support provided by experienced field managers, making the system accessible to both established poultry producers and farmers entering the sector for the first time.
“A typical full-cycle unit has a capacity for 40,000 birds with up to three high welfare poultry houses within a 15-acre roaming area that includes wooded copses. No previous experience with poultry is required as full training is available and ongoing support is provided by experienced field managers. This system represents a much larger investment but will secure a valuable income for generations to come.
“Our turkey production polytunnels require woodland space up to 75% of the area, so this is a good opportunity for farmers to maximise income from an untapped source,” said Gorton. “We pay the same for woodland areas as for the arable aspect of the farm and we require secure sites of about 15 acres.
“We believe the variety of poultry growing systems we operate means there is something for everyone and all of these systems can be seen up and running. We will be very happy to show anyone interested how they work and can be integrated into your farming business. Our stocking densities are the lowest in the industry and the exclusive use of genuine slow growing breeds means that this is the best way to grow poultry.”