Page 2 - National Poultry Newspaper

Egg farmers resilient through inevitable change
Poultry Industry Calendar of Events
2021
JUN 21-23 – European Symposium on the Quality of Poultry Meat and XIX European Symposium on the Quality of Eggs and Egg Products, Krakow, Poland www.eggmeat2021.com
AUG 8-12 – World Poultry Congress, Paris, France www.wpcparis2020. com
AUG 16-18 – World Poultry Science Association (WPSA) – Cambridge, UK www.wpsa2020.org
NOV 21-22 – AVAMS21, Gold Coast www.avams2020.com.au
2022
MAR 30 - APR 1 – 7th International Conference on Poultry Intestinal Health, Columbia, www.ihsig.com
MAY 15-17 – Poultry Information Exchange and Australasian Milling Conference (PIX/AMC), www.pixamc. com.au
How to supply event details: Send all details to National Poultry Newspaper, PO Box 162, Wynnum Qld 4178, call 07 3286 1833 or email: design@collins.media
poultrynews.com.au
07 3286 1833
THE structure of the egg-layer industry is changing significantly.
The farmer of the past would also be surprised at the impact wild birds have had on the indus- try and the way in which emergency animal diseas- es are now managed.
of egg farmers.
At the time of writing
Until five years ago, the export of fresh Australian eggs to places such as Tai- wan and Hong Kong was a pipe dream.
Additionally, changes in the area of biosecu- rity are probable in future with regard to the issue of spent hens.
this article, our organisa- tion recently tendered a submission on behalf of eggs farmers to the Aus- tralian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines panel for poultry.
Ten years ago, farmers could only imagine tech- nology that could reduce the impact on male day- old chicks.
It has been scientifically proven that the practice of selling spent hens to backyard chook owners can lead to the spread of disease.
When released by the government, such stand- ards will re-set the rules for the industry in the ar- eas of animal husbandry and housing laying hens into the coming decades.
Twenty years ago, egg farmers could not have predicted the challenge the industry would face in relation to disease threats and the impacts of disease responses.
Now the figures are 60 percent cage free and 40 percent caged.
sure greater traceability of a single egg back to the farm of origin.
Yet, there is every rea- son to have confidence our industry will continue to adapt to meet future challenges with diligent progress, as egg farmers work hard to receive a fair return on the capital investment it takes to play their role in feeding our nation.
Thirty years ago, pre- packed boiled eggs along with liquid, frozen and dry eggs would have been unfathomable.
But, while modifica- tions of this nature are problematic for the in- dustry, other adaptations have brought many ben- efits.
Compared to bygone days, practices such as re- using fillers that have not been washed is unheard of.
Innovative technology, such as solar power, has helped to reduce on-farm costs.
Even consumer hab- its and the way eggs are marketed are constantly changing.
This includes egg trace- ability, on-farm biosecu- rity, disease management and the uptake of new technology by egg pro- ducers.
The fact that farms have fences to ensure machin- ery and grain deliveries do not come into close proximity to where the hens are is now a normal biosecurity practice.
Scientific advances in hen nutrition have im- proved bird health and egg production.
Because despite con- stant change, at least one thing is constant – eggs remain one of the most affordable and healthy sources of protein for Australian families when compared with any other food commodity grown in the nation.
When I began at Egg Farmers of Australia a few years ago, the statisti- cal make-up of eggs sold in supermarkets was 48 percent caged and 52 per- cent cage free.
Farmers of yesteryear would be thrilled if they could see the steps our industry is taking to en-
And computer-aided technology is helping to automate farm activities.
Such change can be brought on by external forces.
Of the 19 million com- mercial Australian eggs produced daily, such a practice is essential in the event of disease outbreak within both birds and hu- mans.
Former egg farmers would also be amazed at how growth in technology has aided egg farming.
As we head towards 2022, changes in animal welfare are on the horizon for our future generation
Four good reasons to choose Farmer Rod’s free range eggs
lay their eggs, perches Rodney and Jane Pope The Popes diversi- drought in the early for roosting, water and have been producing fied into egg farming 1990s, and now have
* from P1
and predators, the hens
nutritious food in the barn.
free-range eggs for 30 years.
to help get their young family through a severe
17,000 on their regional NSW farm.
can wander all day.
To encourage the hens to explore further ar- eas of the farm while feeling safe, the Popes planted 300 Pin Oak
trees recently. Providing additional
shade and protection, the oak trees will en- courage seeds and bugs, which hens love.
The hens instinctively return to the barn in the evening, and the doors are closed overnight to keep them safe.
The quality of indoor environment is crucial for good welfare, even on a free range farm.
Farmer Rod’s hens have secluded nests to
Being RSPCA Approved gives Farmer Rod’s customers confidence they are buying free-range eggs with the highest welfare standards.
HAVE YOUR SAY!
All producers are encouraged
to send in letters to be published in NPN, outlining any concerns
or issues they may have with the industry.
This is an open forum where you can cover any topic, whether for or against an issue.
Please send your letters to: editorial@collins.media or PO Box 162, Wynnum Qld 4178
Page 2 – National Poultry Newspaper, May 2021
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