56 | PRODUCTION The Ultimate Egg & Poultry Co Free range the ‘ultimate situation’ T from page 55 Hyline Brown are the breed of choice. Nick says they are well suited to the environment and lay well. Given this, Nick says he places a lot of importance on the fact that Ultimate Egg & Poultry sites comply to SPCA certification standards. “It’s the only independently drafted and audited scheme measuring quality of life for the birds. Sadly, I don’t think there’s a huge driver from MPI to see the egg producing sector tighten up on standards. It’s going to take consumers to actually create a force for change of practice in the sector but I don’t see this happening overnight.” Even at the highest level of decision-making Nick says there seems to be a lack of commitment to force change. When Nick spoke with the then Ministry for Primary Industries Nathan Guy the response was that he understood the concerns and considered them valid, but it wasn’t a high priority at this time. “Certainly minimal enforceable standards are required for consumers to have confidence in the product.” Nick says that inevitably it comes down to money, with the production cost of free-range and cage free eggs higher. As a result the market dictates and while many are prepared to pay premium prices for great quality eggs and understand the conditions they have been produced in, many consumers just want the best value for money. “Feed is about 70% of the cost of production, but with free-range you have to have the land, so there is a much greater upfront capital investment required.” Plans ahead are to continue to consolidate the business with other egg producers working with similar practices and values. On a day to day basis Nick takes care of the business strategy and his team of 14 staff. ZR HIACE 2.8LT AUTO • Toyota Safety Sense Package • Apple Car Play & Android Auto • Lane Departure Alert • Road Sign Assist • Sattelite Navigation System *ToyotaDriveway Price (TDP) and product specification is subject to changewithout notice. Formore information visit www.toyota.co.nz • *Warranty only validated if Scheduled Servicing ismet through anAuthorised ToyotaDealer or Service Agent. Capped price service coverage applies to servicing carried out at 15,000km, 30,000kmand 60,000kmonly or time intervals of 12months, 36months and 48months, whichever occurs first under normal operating conditions. $48,990 DRIVEAWAY TDP Oj i Fibre Solutions Packaging 0800 220 500 | oj ifs.com Providing The Ultimate Egg and Poultry Company with quality corrugate packaging, made from renewable, sustainably harvested forestry and recycled wood fibre Proud to be supporting The Ultimate Egg & Poultry Company
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