ANIMAL welfare is high on the agenda for a farm planning to enter free-range egg production.
James Wesley, of Porterswood Farm in Whittlebury, has submitted an application to build a production unit for 12,000 free-range egg-laying chickens.
The birds would have access to the outside between 8am and dusk, and would be looked after under t
he RSPCA Freedom Foods animal welfare standard. The welfare standards include birds having access to the outside, access to eight hours of continuous light in each 24 hour period, and there must not be more than nine hens per square metre.
Mr Wesley said that – if the plans get the go-ahead – this would be his first foray into keeping chickens, although the farm has kept livestock for several generations.
He said: "If you are going to set up egg production it has to be free range now. With Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Marks and Spencer not selling eggs from caged birds, I don't think there is any sense in battery units. People are willing to pay a premium for free range eggs.
"The happier the animals are the more eggs you get from them."
If the farm receives planning permission, Mr Wesley said he hoped to bring in the first chickens in January.
The eggs would be supplied to John Bowlers Eggs, although the farm would be able to sell five per cent of its produce 'at the farm gate.'
Mr Wesley added: "I am quite enthusiastic about it and I am looking forward to the first hens arriving."
The application is due to be decided by South Northants Council on a date to be decided.
