As we are investigating animal production systems of varying sizes and species, the Year 9/10 AgHort students recently hosted Cath Jenkins, from Purrumbete Paddock Eggs. Cath grew up on her parent’s hobby farm on the Mornington Peninsula, then studied Ag Science at university before share farming a dairy at Purrumbete for 15 years. In 2020, seeking another opportunity in agriculture, and after much research, the Jenkins ventured into egg production looking to produce, low density, outdoor poultry, resulting in their free range, pasture raised chooks! They have two brands that their produce is sold under, Great Ocean Road Free Range Eggs and Purrumbete Paddock Eggs and Beef with 1000 Isa Brown chickens and a 50 head beef herd on the side. Mobile sheds provide the hens with a place to lay their eggs with perches and protection from the elements and these are moved regularly to ensure that the birds have access to fresh grass and insects. The main predators of the chickens are foxes and eagles so their Maremma guard dogs are important, as is ensuring the chickens are free of disease with the poultry’s health a priority. The business has introduced some modern technology to support efficient egg production and they are continually learning how to best manage their flocks, egg stocks, marketing and sales with social media and happy customers playing a large role. Cath then provided examples of their product and generously handed out free range eggs to the students to take home and try. Very egg-citing! Comments are closed.
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April 2024
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