Radio 4 reporter, Winifred Robinson visited Ben’s farm in order to see for herself the living conditions of free range hens. The report was in response to a tweet from a You and Yours listener who had heard an interview which was recorded during a visit to a colony cage unit in August this year. The listener was interested in understanding what conditions are like for hens housed in commercial free range units. The interview can be found here: You and Yours free range interview with Ben Wharfe
The reporter was impressed by the number of hens ranging during her visit to the free range farm and whilst inside the unit commented on the number of birds that were present. Ben explained the dimensions of the shed and that a third of the floor space was a litter area which offered the birds the option to scratch around and therefore exhibit natural behaviour.
Earlier this year, Winifred visited NFU Poultry Board Chairman, Duncan Priestner’s farm to carry out an interview in response to the cage-free announcements made by retailers and food service companies.
Listen again to Duncan's interview here
Winifred was keen to see for herself how cage eggs were produced and commented on the bright appearance of the birds during the interview. Duncan explained the features of the colony cage unit including nest boxes and perches and the reporter was impressed by the muck removal system which meant there was no bad smell. This is something she did pick up on when visiting the free-range unit “I wouldn’t say it stinks but there is a smell” said Winifred.
The radio interviews were also looking at cost of production and Duncan commented “eggs are very cheap at the moment in the supermarkets which is a concern to poultry farmers. I am reluctant to change the system again in my unit after investing only four years ago in the enriched colony cage system”. Ben also commented “free range poultry units now house more birds as a standard entry level and a 12% drop in egg price and 20% increase in feed price this year have put increased pressure on producer margin”.
Duncan and Ben both have concerns regarding the cage-free announcements made by retailers and food service companies. The majority of these announcements were made over the summer and you can read more here on what the retailers are saying on their cage egg decisions. The NFU is seeking clarity from retailers and food service companies and in particular conversations are continuing to establish what alternative production systems will look like and the timeframe for implementing such changes. You can read more on these ongoing conversations here.