Poultry

Alwyn Viljoen is the production manager of Zaytoon Farms, which is situated on the outskirts of Mbombela and is the only supplier of fresh chicken to the region’s supermarkets. Despite being a small operation, it maintains profitability.

At a recent poultry production course hosted by the Agricultural Research Council and presented by Paulus Sape and July Mahlangu. Gerhard Uys learnt about some of the basic principles of poultry production.

As a small but significant addition to an intensive operation, Thorntree Farm’s free-range eggs are quietly making a name in this niche market. Ryan Stegmann spoke to Chris Nel.

Glenneis Kriel spoke to poultry industry experts about the challenges facing small-scale producers and ways in which these can be overcome.

Mark Smith produces 270 000 free-range eggs a month on Maralou Farm near East London. Unable to compete on price with eggs produced in battery cage operations, he focuses on offering customers the best quality eggs and service. Mike Burgess reports.

Red Barn free-range chicken and egg farm started from necessity but grew into a passion. In addition to eggs and whole chickens, it also produces speciality products.

It’s crucial for a broiler producer to get floor management right. This will improve the birds’ physical environment, reduce disease and result in better quality broilers. So says free-range poultry producer Kobus Visser, who spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

For emerging poultry farmers, the key to success with day-old chicks is to buy rather than breed them.

To raise healthy and uniform birds in a chicken house, it is essential to maintain optimal heating and ventilation at all times. Sonét Roux, technical advisor at Country Bird Holdings, explains to Wilma den Hartigh what this entails, and how it can help a farmer achieve top production rates.

Jo Spilsbury discusses how the use of chicken trailers has optimised egg production.

South Africa’s quest for global competitiveness has widened the gap between established poultry producers and new entrants. It is imperative to come up with new transformation models. Dr Charlotte Nkuna, head of transformation at the SA Poultry Association, spoke to Jacques Claassen about possible scenarios.

Retired broker, Hennie Lamprecht, runs a profitable, free-range chicken farming operation.