Setting up a free range farm business

Anyone thinking about making a career or lifestyle change should think about free range farming.

Clear consumer demand for free range eggs has generated a strong increase in the number of people wanting to start their own free range egg business.

A good starting point is reading the eBook on starting a free range farm available on the Freeranger Eggs website: www.freeranger.com.au . Detailed information is available on the Freeranger Club downloads page about things like shed requirements, food safety, egg packaging and labelling.

When you decide to set up a free range egg farm, take the time to plan it properly. Find out the zoning of the land and talk to your local Council planning department about their requirements. It’s also worth contacting the State Department of Agriculture. You can find on-line resources in most states. In Victoria, contact: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/business-management/permits/guidelines-for-rural-planning-applications. Once that is sorted, talk to your Council Environmental Health Department about any specific requirements they have before you get underway. However, don't even think about it if you want a business to provide you with a Mercedes every time a new model is released and you expect an overseas holiday every year or two - open a Mcdonald's franchise instead.