Getting started with egg production

From small beginnings and facing many challenges in poultry production, Kobedi Pilane, who farms near Parys in North West, has grown his egg farm into a 5 000-layer commercial operation. Pieter Dempsey spoke to him about his journey.

- Pieter Dempsey

FAST FACTS

Egg producer Kobedi Pilane says that diversification and secure access to markets are key to building a sustainable farming business.

Pilane’s layer facility has capacity for 5 000 layers, but he hopes to double his business to 10 000 birds.

He monitors the feed intake and productivity of the chickens so that he can maintain proper production records.

When Kobedi Pilane started farming in 2009, he had 2 000 broilers, as well as a few pigs. Although he had no formal training or background in farming, he did have experience in running a business, which equipped him with many of the skills needed to run a successful farm. He has also learnt much over the past 10 years or so by seeking help and advice from other producers.

In 2017, Pilane purchased a 43ha farm, Brakfontein, near Parys in North West, after getting a loan from the Land Bank. At the same time, he made the switch from broiler farming to egg production, starting out with 3 800 layers. His flock has since grown to 5 000 layers and his goal is to double this to 10 000 over the next few years, provided he can get the necessary funding.

PRODUCTION AND HOUSING

Pilane’s farm has two poultry houses that can house 2 000 and 3 000 layers respectively. There are also two 18t silos in which feed is stored.

He buys in Lohmann point-of-lay pullets and is in the process of increasing the productivity of the flock. The hens currently lay at a rate of around 700 eggs per 1 000 chickens per day but, ideally, he would like to increase this to between 800 and 870 eggs.

The chickens are housed in a battery-caged system designed according to industry standards, and the cages are cleaned daily.