Balancing welfare and viability in cage-free egg farming

The trend towards cage-free eggs presents an opportunity for farmers to tap into a valuable niche market. But with higher production costs and limited scope for market growth, the business requires a delicate balance to remain viable.

- Lindi Botha

The rolling green hills of the Dargle Valley in KwaZulu-Natal make the perfect backdrop for producing food aimed at welfare and environmentally conscious consumers.

Here, the Highveld Stud farm has been producing free-range and cage-free eggs for the past 15 years.

The picturesque farm, which also includes cattle, sheep and pig divisions, produces 25 000 eggs per day. The choice not to house these hens in cages was as much a business decision as a personal one for farm owner Craig Alison.

"Farming is a lifestyle choice," he says, "and with that comes a focus on welfare."

This philosophy guides his management practices, which emphasise strengthening the hens' immune systems through proper nutrition and a diverse diet to limit veterinary intervention and vaccinations.

MANAGING THE COOP

After studying agriculture, Alison spent time working abroad. He noticed a trend towards free-range eggs taking hold in the UK, and upon his return to South Africa decided to pursue such a venture on the family farm. Since the market for free-range eggs was small in South Africa at that stage, Alison was able to ease into production without overwhelming the market.

THE HENS ALSO RECEIVE PROBIOTICS AND INSECTS TO ADD DIVERSITY TO THEIR DIETS

Today, cage-free eggs remain a niche market, but by partnering with a marketing and distribution company – Midlands Eggs – Alison has been able to expand his flock from 500 hens in 2010 to 35 000 today.

The eggs are produced under two systems, with 15 000 hens in a free-range system, and another 20 000 in a barn, or cage-free system. While there are no fixed regulations in South Africa about the exact amount of space each hen must have in each system, Alison follows international norms.