Traditional Norfolk Poultry is looking for additional farms across East Anglia to rear free-range chickens and turkeys as demand for its products continues to grow.
The company said it is seeking to increase supply across a range of free-range poultry systems, including brooding, mobile chicken sheds, full-cycle chicken units and turkey production.
Managing director Mark Gorton said the business was seeing growing interest from retailers, chefs and restaurants, particularly for its Norfolk Black Chicken.
“Our products are increasingly being recognised by retailers and consumers,” he said. “The marketing campaign for our exclusive Norfolk Black Chicken is proving a great success among many top chefs and restaurants who are enthusiastic about adding this to their menus.
“We are continuing to invest in our processing capacity and we now need to increase the supply of all types of free-range poultry, which we believe offers great opportunities for farmers to achieve a new revenue stream to secure long-term income.”
Many opportunities
TNP currently works with more than 50 farmers, ranging from specialist poultry producers to arable businesses using poultry as a diversification option.
The company said the opportunity could be particularly relevant for farmers looking for additional income streams as former EU support payments have ended and arable margins remain under pressure.
Gorton said there were several ways for farmers to become involved. Brood farms, for example, rear day-old chicks to 28 days and up to 1kg in weight. TNP said the system operates at a maximum density of 19kg/m², making it suitable for existing poultry housing.
Mobile chicken sheds and full-term rearing systems are also available. According to the company, some models can offer a 10-year payback, with sites of up to 50 acres required. Sites must be secure and have good access.
Support provided
A typical full-cycle chicken unit has capacity for 40,000 birds, with up to three high-welfare poultry houses within a 15-acre roaming area, including wooded copses. TNP said previous poultry experience is not required, with training and support provided by its field managers.
The company is also looking for farms suitable for turkey production in polytunnels. These systems require secure sites of about 15 acres and can include woodland across up to 75% of the area.
“Our turkey production polytunnels require woodland space up to 75% of the area, so this is a good opportunity for farmers to maximise income from an untapped source,” Gorton said.
“We pay the same for woodland areas as for the arable aspect of the farm.”
‘Something for everyone’
TNP said its range of systems meant there were opportunities for different farm types, with working examples available for interested producers to view.
“We believe the variety of poultry growing systems we operate means there is something for everyone and all of these systems can be seen up and running,” Gorton said.
“We will be very happy to show anyone interested how they work and can be integrated into your farming business. Our stocking densities are the lowest in the industry and the exclusive use of genuine slow-growing breeds means that this is the best way to grow poultry.”
