Poultry layer cages to be banned in Australia

 A ban on keeping egg laying hens in cages is going through final consideration by politicians.Proposed Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry have been released following a national review of poultry welfare and extensive consultation across Australia. The standards will be implemented by politicians later this year. One of the main changes from previous standards will be phasing-out intensive layer hen cages over 10 to 15 years by 2036. The politicians will still allow mislabeling intensive egg production from hens locked in sheds. Officially these eggs are supposed to be labelled 'Barn-laid' but many will still be sold in supermarkets as 'free range'.

Genuine free range farms likely to be safe from Avian Influenza

 

Australia’s poultry flocks are largely protected by distance from outbreaks of avian influenza which have decimated many other parts of the world. However, that doesn’t mean we are totally immune.

More than 1,050 new high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus outbreaks have been reported in domestic and wild birds across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Based on recent reports, current H5 HPAI circulating in the northern hemisphere has been detected in otherwise healthy wild birds.

The current widespread and frequent detection of HPAI viruses in the northern hemisphere represents an increased level of risk to Australia

The United States’ Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service keeps current information on how to keep birds and flocks safe from disease. Special emphasis was given for Bird Health Awareness Week - Feb. 28-Mar. 3.

A webinar was held focusing on the hot topic of avian influenza, It can spread between wild birds and domestic poultry, and, has been detected in more than 57 million birds in 47 American states.In Australia, our genuine free range birds are unlikely to be seriously affected by an outbreak of avian influenza or other health issues such as salmonella. The main infections are always likely to occur at intensive facilities with many thousands of birds in sheds and employees moving between infected sites, All businesses selling eggs through supermarkets, trade eggs between themselves – leading to rapid disease spread.

Farms at least risk are those with small flocks which do not handle eggs from other properties.

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

 April 22 is the 53^rd anniversary of the first Earth Day, a day set aside to encourage action promoting a sustainable future for us and the planet.

Much of the time, sustainability seems  a lost cause as so many people are concerned with an endless cycle of consumerism – demanding more of everything rather than just what they need.

We are encouraging as many people as possible to make a few adjustments such as growing their own food rather than raiding stupidmarket shelves as often as possible. It’s not only better for the planet, it also saves money. Even those living in city apartments can grow some of their own food in pots on balconies. Those with gardens around their house can grow most of the vegetables needed and could supply their own eggs from backyard hens. Check the Freranger website for details.Governments don’t like you to cut down on travel and consumption because you won’t pay as much tax – but it’s the only way to ensure sustainability. Some people think they are environmentally aware but they have huge carbon footprints as they spend their lives travelling endlessly by car or aircraft. One we know, threw away a working gas hob to buy an electric induction hot plate. It didn’t occur to her than the energy consumed in the manufacturing process far exceeded any potential savings she may make in her kitchen.

Simple and winning Valentine's Day breakfast

 

Egg on toast with a couple of rashers of crispy bacon makes a great breakfast. Of course, it needs to be a genuine free range egg, not one of the intensive examples littering supermarket shelves. If you can't find really fresh freerange eggs, grow your own. We have point of lay hens available in March and an eBook is available if you want to set up an egg business.

Ministers invited to assess habitat destruction alongside Bass River

 

We have invited two Victorian Government Ministers to inspect the damage allowed by Bass Coast Shire on a block of land adjoining our farm, owned by Barro Group prior to the start of sand extraction.Planning Minister Sonya Killkenny and Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt have been invited after Bass Coast Shire President, Michael Whelan and his deputy, Rochelle Halstead, failed to keep appointments.We asked them to take whatever action they can to uphold the integrity of the planning permit process. Bass Coast Shire claims it has no power to enforce conditions on permit 92-28 issued to Barro Group on the land as the application for sand extraction was approved by VCAT. The Shire has further obfuscated the issue by claiming that vegetation removal on the property was for ‘fire control’ and was therefore exempt from permit restrictions. Extensive research in the region, including the Shapiro report on Westernport in the 1970’s, the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy Lang Lang to Grantville and Baseline Studies of Bass River for the Natural Heritage Trust in the 1990’s, demonstrates the natural values here. Bass Coast Shire supports the clearing and subsequent contamination of the Bass River and adjoining land. Its Planning Department claims “The Native vegetation removal by Barro Group was exempt from the need of a planning permit. It was undertaken for fire prevention purposes and an exemption under the Planning Scheme is afforded to them to have undertaken these works.” However, the Shire has failed to specify what the fire control measures were supposed to protect and why clearing on the river was not referred to Melbourne Water as required by legislation.The clearing contravened a specific permit condition that works must not affect the quality or quantity of water in a drainage line on the property which flowed through our adjoining land and on to the Bass River. The importance of the vegetation as a wildlife corridor was identified in the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy, Lang Lang to Grantille. This defined a clear biolink – all the Shire needed to do was implement (and enforce)the Sand Extraction Strategy from 1995.The work to identify the the vegetation and wildlife corridor was Led by consultants AGC Woodward Clyde and included Biosis Research, Andrew Paget of Ausbotany Marcus Marsden and Nicolas Day as well as countless hours put in by members of Friends of Bass Valley Bush Landcare Group. During the visit we may see displaced koalas and wombats as well as some of the bird species which call the bushland home.

Growing your own food. Point of lay chickens available in March

 

A few point of lay Isa Brown chickens will be available at the farm in March. Email us or phone to arrange pick up. They are 16 weeks old, fully vaccinated  ideal layers for home flocks .For those with bigger plans, our eBook on setting up a freerange farm is still available to guide you through the planning maze and government regulations. Details on our website. Families deciding they want a few hens to give themselves fresh eggs, need to decide which hens to buy. Some heritage breeds look terrific but they are often not prolific layers – or they might have cranky temperaments which make them unsuitable around children. Choosing the right hens for your backyard can be a simple process once you have sorted out a suitable roaming area, coop and laying boxes.Either pay via EFT when ordering - banking details on our website - or cash on pick up.

ISA Brown hens have exceptional feed conversion and lay up to 300 eggs a year. The ISA Browns are docile, adapt well to different climates and are ideal as free range layers or for backyards where they make great pets as well as providing nutritional food for the family.

Additional help for Red mite control

 

Mite infestations are usually only a problem on intensive facilities with thousands of hens in sheds.On genuine free range farms where chickens have plenty of room to move around and have complete access to open air and sunlight, there are seldom mite problems. If control measures are needed for red mite or other external parasites, we find that an effective treatment is an application of diatomaceous earth in nest boxes and on roosts. An additional tool now (if needed) is a pump spray called SprayWell, which uses natural oils from cinnamon and horseradish. When sprayed it is said to adhere to surfaces and release disinfecting oils to eradicate pests for up to 28 days.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all customers and friends

 

We all hope 2023 is better than 2022! Government shutdowns and vaccination rules in response to the Covid 19 pandemic were worse than the virus itself. Ongoing problems created by State and Federal Governments are likely to last longer than the effects of Covid – but hopefully politicians and fat-cat bureaucrats will resist the urge to continue their ‘control’ of us in their desire to see how far they can push us before we rebel and say”NO More”.In Victoria, so many people have behaved like sheep, following directives without questioning the absurdity.

On the farm it will take some time to return to sanity as government actions have wiped out many of our long term customers. We live in hope that the sheeples will wake up!

Ukraine war kills over 4 million hens

 The war in Ukraine has taken a toll of over four million hens as well as its human casualties. Owners of the egg production plant at Chorobaivske say that in early 2022, the farm was cut off from the power supply, which disrupted feeding lines, egg collection and shipment facilities, as well as the shuttle service for farm workers.The facility was the major egg producer in the country and supplied most of europe.

The company revealed that 4.4 million birds eventually died from thirst and hunger.

“We managed to give away to the local population some of the eggs and birds from the farm amid heavy shelling in the early days of the invasion, but most of the flock starved to death." a company spokesman said.

Baling finished just before Christmas

 

Son Bryan managed to cut, rake and bale a couple of paddocks to give us over 200 small square bales (now safely stored in the hayshed.) Some light showers threatened to delay the process but Bryan managed to finish the job after sorting out problems with the knotters on his ancient New Holland 275 baler. In the past we have used our even older NH 66 ( now retired). It's always a rush at this time of year to get finished before we hit the conditions which bring out  arsonist firebugs. They are around every year, determined to enjoy lighting fires like the one at Grantville last year which came close to the farm.Authorities waited for the blaze to be big enough to attract media attention so they could bring in fire bombing planes.

Excellent tray-baked fried rice

Mix a tablespoon of sesame oil, fried rice paste(dried shrimp, fish sauce and chillie flakes, garlic and soy sauce) in a large bowl.

Add chopped chicken and prawns. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Stir in boiled rice. Combine well.

Spread rice mixture evenly onto prepared tray. Bake at 220°C for 20 minutes Add frozen vegetables to rice. Toss to combine. Make 6 indents in the rice. Break an egg into each indent and return to the oven for 15 minutes, Sprinkle with chopped spring onions for garnish.

 

Barro Group cuts down more native trees

 

Clearing native vegetation in Bass Coast Shire has plumbed new depths.As a result of Council apathy, concrete giant, Barro Group has been emboldened to cut down more mature trees including on our covenanted land adjoining their proposed sand extraction site. We have reported the trespass and damage. It will be interesting to see what action is now taken. One thing is certain - the Council doesn't care and can't be bothered.

Have a great Christmas!

 From Anne and Phil at Freeranger Eggs.

Bushland clearing threatens species extinctions

 Recent photographic trapping in bushland on our farm at Grantville has demonstrated that native wildlife is threatened by vegetation clearing on land next to our farm, owned by concrete giant, Barro Group. Previous research showed the area is habitat for at least 17 species of mammals/marsupials as well as 140 bird species including powerful owls and wedge tailed eagles, platypus and blackfish live in the Bass River.Widespread destruction of vegetation, clearing the way for sand extraction is likely to annihalate many native species by ripping apart the wildlife corridor identified for protection in the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy Lang Lang to Grantville.

Among the animals shown in the latest research are: Koalas, Black Wallabies, Common Wombats ,Short-beaked Echidnas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Mountain Brushtail Possums.This research was undertaken by the Southern Brown Bandicoot Regional Recovery Group. Earlier work was carried out by consultants for the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy in the 1990's and by Friends of Bass Valley Bush Landcare Group in Baseline Studies of Bass River conducted for the Natural Heritage Trust. We have asked Bass Coast Shire why action has not been taken against Barro Group for clear breaches of its planning permit by the wholesale bulldozing of native vegetation right down to the Bass River.

free range farms forced to close in UK

 

Many of the UK’s free-range chicken farms are expected to be shut down at any time. Farms that had been allowing their egg-laying hens access to the outdoors will be forced to keep them locked in sheds because of the threat of avian influenza.

In the past, cases dropped in summer but infections continued this year , with 3.5 million birds culled . Hundreds of thousands of seabirds are also believed to have died from the disease.

Experts believe avian flu is now endemic in wild birds, creating a risk of infection all year round, and has a greater ability to persist in the environment.

Avian flu can be spread through infected body fluids and faeces, or via contaminated feed, bedding and water – and even vehicles, clothing and footwear. experts also point out that the movement of birds or eggs and other material between poultry farms as a source of infection. It is the close confinement of chickens that allows the disease to spread quickly so hens in Australia on genuine low-density free range farms are not likely to encounter problems. Intensive ‘free range’ farms maximising production to supply supermarkets are the problem.

Cost increases threaten egg farms in UK and Australia

 Many British farmers are losing money on every egg they produce. Losses increased in recent weeks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some farmers are cutting production, rather than face the loss of their farms.

Feed cost increases are a major factor, adding 25p-30p per dozen on top of general increases.

Rising production costs are also impacting egg farms here in Australia, but, thankfully, not yet to the same extent as in the UK.

Government 'Time thieves' at it again

 

so-called Daylight saving (Eastern Summer Time)  started today. Hard to believe that anyone thinks it's a good idea. Time marches on at the same pace whatever governments decree! Politicians just like to delude themselves and bully all of us. They are a waste of space.

The concept of daylight saving has been controversial since its inception. Winston Churchill suggested that it enlarged "the opportunities for the pursuit of health and happiness among millions of people." Retailers, sports, and tourist businesses have historically favoured it while farmers and some religious groups have always opposed it.

Sand extraction threat to our region and our farm because of bureaucratic inaction

 

Pious declarations about action over climate change would ring more true if action was taken where it matters – such as keeping trees alive and retaining native vegetation. When we bought our property at Grantville, we quickly realised the importance of the native vegetation on the site which provided the only vegetated link between the Bass River and the Grantville Nature Conservation Reserve. We chose to opperate as a free range egg farm rather than clear all the land to graze sheep or cattle. Now our property and its resident wildlife faces the threat of the wholesale removal of vegetation on adjoining land to prepare for a massive sand extraction industry.

Bass Coast Shire supports the clearing and subsequent contamination of the Bass River and adjoining land. Its Planning Department claims “The Native vegetation removal by Barro Group was exempt from the need of a planning permit. It was undertaken for fire prevention purposes and an exemption under the Planning Scheme is afforded to them to have undertaken these works.” However, the Shire has failed to specify what the fire control measures were supposed to protect and why clearing on the river was not referred to Melbourne Water as required by legislation. The importance of the vegetation as a wildlife corridor was identified in the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy, Lang Lang to Grantille. This defined a clear biolink – all the Shire needed to do was implement (and enforce)the Sand Extraction Strategy from 1995.No one at Landcare or in the CFA has the skills required to match the work undertaken by those who developed and mapped the plan of the vegetation and wildlife corridor. Led by consultants AGC Woodward Clyde, they included Biosis Research, Andrew Paget of Ausbotany Marcus Marsden and Nicolas Day as well as countless hours put in by members of Friends of Bass Valley Bush Landcare Group.Trashing habitat in the Bass Valley demonstrates the low priority given to ecological issues. Bass Coast Shire has failed to enforce permit conditions.If the Council was serious, it would cancel the Barro Group planning permit. The importance of the area has been recognised for years, including The 1970’s Westernport Environmental Study conducted by Professor Maurice Shapiro and the 1990’s Baseline Studies of Bass River conducted by Friends of Bass Valley Bush Landcare Group for the Natural Heritage Trust in addition to the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy, Lang to Grantville.More than 375 types of native vegetation have been documented here with over 140 bird species, 17 mammal/marsupials and 22 types of reptiles.

Washing eggs makes them more dangerous

 

We still get questions from customers about washing eggs and if eggs should be stored in a refrigerator The answer to both is NO!

American egg farms wash eggs before sending them to market, in the mistaken belief that will minimize the spread of any salmonella bacteria on the outside of the egg. They ignore the fact that washing removes a cuticle from the surface of the egg- a natural barrier which keeps the inside of the egg free from bacteria. After washing, eggs must then be refrigerated so that any bacteria on the eggs  don't have a chance to invade the egg. In Australia and many other countries, eggs are not washed as a matter of course which means that the cuticle keeps the egg’s interiors safe from any bacterial invasion for at least a couple of weeks without refrigeration, however eggs are best kept cool rather than in a warm kitchen. Washing eggs generates more potential health problems. If eggs are so dirty that they need to be washed before sale, the producer has a flock management problem which  needs to be rectified. Nest boxes and laying sheds must be kept clean with hens on fresh pasture (rather than on mud or manure). Check out our website and read our handy eBook on setting up a freerange farm. In general,the only eggs washed automatically are from major producers who sell through stupidmarkets.

World Egg Day October 14

 World Egg Day is here again, October 14. Check some one-pan recipes here

Freeranger Eggs is still only able to supply our local,regular customers. A combination of  Government restrictions over the Covid pandemic and fox attacks has limited our production.

Egg shortage in some supermarkets

 

Shortages of eggs labelled as ‘free range’ have been reported in some supermarkets.

The seasonal reduction in daylight hours plus Government imposed disruptions in response to Covid19 infections are blamed for contributing to supply chain issues .

A spokesman for Woolworths said that reduced production on a number of farms had affected the supply of eggs in some regions.  Reduced daylight hours have no impact on egg production in caged flocks where lighting in sheds is always consistent. That shouldn't be a big deal as almost all eggs in supermarkets are from intensive facilities with many thousands of hens in climate-controlled sheds including permanent lighting.

Food safety videos for egg producers

 Agriculture Victoria has developed online videos covering the Primary Production and Processing Standard for Eggs and Egg Products., to support food safety . The rules apply to anyone who sells eggs -but are usually ignored by backyarders who claim to be exempt even though some sell many eggs each week.

Each video outlines a specific section of the Egg Standard to assist producers and staff to better understand their obligations.

Ten new videos are recorded in both English and Mandarin and are available to watch on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Eagles and land clearing

 Ptotecting a flock from predators is a major issue on free range farms – which is one reason many egg producers keep hens locked in sheds.

Maremma guardian dogs are a great help against foxes but not so good against wedgetail eagles which can swoop in before the dogs see them. Thankfully eagle attacks are not common but it's still sad to see  a pile of feathers at the point of contact. The Victorian Government and Bass Coast Shire Council may solve the problem with their drive to exterminate local wildlife by failing to enforce planning permits and allowing the destruction of vast areas of native vegetation.

Trading eggs for side of pork

 We’ve just packed a side of pork in a freezer to supplement the lamb we grow on farm. Anne exchanged some of our eggs for 41 kg of pork from a neighbouring farm/butchery. Great roasts chops and sausages.

Vitamin D in eggs

 Almost a quarter of all Australian adults live with a mild or moderate vitamin D deficiency. This increases in the winter to about one third of the population. Research at Deakin University shows that a serving of eggs contains 82% of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin D as well as other vitamins and nutrients. Eating at least one egg each day can help lessen the large drop in vitamin D levels that commonly occurs during months of lower sunlight.

Alternative feed may cut emissions

 Greenhouse Gas emissions on poultry farms are largely a result of feed production, with the manufacture, handling and transportation of feed equating to about 70% of the sector’s carbon footprint, according to UK researchers.

Research into a number of carbon-cutting solutions was carried out by a group of scientists for The Centre of Innovation and Excellence in Livestock.

Feed was a key focus area for reducing poultry emissions, there was evidence showing that getting the protein source wrong can lead to more infighting within the flock, which then impacts meat or egg production.

Replacing soy meal with rape meal, sunflower meal, lupins, triticale and even insect protein can help to reduce emissions. In theory, using alternative protein sources has the potential to make a huge difference on the carbon footprint front, but it is important to ensure they stack up economically too. Targeted changes in feed indicated a potential reduction in emissions of 60%. Farms utilising good pasture management have far less emissions than intensive production facilities.

Egg imports on horizon?

 Egg industry lobby group, Egg Farmers of Australia says that consumers will need to pay more “if they want their food. Such as eggs, to be grown in Australia."

Retail giants claim that axing the caged egg sector is what consumers want. However, if you visit a major supermarket, take a good look in the egg shelves. The shelf with caged eggs (the cheapest of all eggs to produce) is usually the emptiest. This is because cheap eggs are what many families want.

EFA executive officer, Melinda Hashimoto said that unless higher prices are paid, rising costs will put Australian egg farmers out of business. The costs include feed. The price of replacement pullets, packaging. Government regulations and levies. Genuine free-range farms don’t sell through supermarkets, so although we also have similar cost pressures, we have better control over our marketing.

Every day is Earth Day on the farn

 Yesterday was Earth Day, an annual event   to demonstrate support for protecting the environment. It was first held in 1970 and includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org.

Here at Freeranger Eggs, we treat every day as Earth Day and run the farm in a fully sustainable manner. Check out our website: www.freeranger.com.au

Bacon egg and kale pizza

 

Mix water, sugar and yeast together in a small bowl. Set aside to activate for 5 minutes or until foamy.

Place flour and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Add the foamy yeast mixture and the oil. Process to combine, then knead the dough before placing in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp tea towel and leave in a warm place to rise for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Briefly knead the dough then divide into 4 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a thin circle or oval and transfer to lightly oiled baking trays; cover and leave to rest for 15 minutes in a warm place.

Preheat the oven to 225°C.

Arrange bacon in rings on the bases and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and break an egg into the centre of each pizza (the bacon should form an edge to hold the eggs in place). Bake for 8 minutes.

Scatter with kale and bake for 2-3 minutes more until the eggs are cooked and the crust is golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.

Welcome rain

 

Steady rain overnight continues this morning (30mm) and looks like it will keep going for most of the day. It will be a great opportunity for indoor activities like baking and jam making.

The rain is great for pasture growth and the veggie garden. An added benefit is that it has improved air quality by eliminating smoke from the mindless planned burns by the CFA and the State Government’s Forest Fire Management team of pyromaniacs.

Avian influenza causes havoc

 At least 5% of egg laying hens in the United States are reported to be infected with avian influenza; The infection, which affects hens in 29 states is cutting production and will result in increased mortality.

Egg traceability webinar

 

Following reports of large-scale deception by some egg businesses, Australian Eggs is hosting a webinar at 11.30am on Tuesday 14 June to launch its new egg industry traceability tool. All egg farmers are invited to take part to learn more about the tool and how it can be implemented on farm. Many free-range egg producers warned some years ago that egg stamping, and labelling requirements imposed by politicians were inadequate to meet customer expectations and the requirements of consumer law.

We all need to tackle Climate Change

 The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change demonstrates the importance of the farming techniques and lifestyle choices we have undertaken at Freeranger Eggs

the report concentrates primarily on mitigation or reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  the world’s leading climate scientists identify pathways to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C, it says that we can’t just leave the issues for Governments to solve – we all must play our part in reducing our impact on the natural environment

Check our website to see many of the steps we have taken, www.freeranger.com.au