STOCKIES and croppers aren’t the only ones rejoicing after recent rain.
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The green pick and subsequent bugs and grubs coming from underground after 110 millimetres in recent weeks have the hens at Holbrook Paddock Eggs clucking happily.
A string of 40 degree days in summer was a challenge for owners Sam and Prue Pincott, who resorted to hosing their 6000 Isa Brown hens to keep them cool.
The brood produces more than 4500 eggs daily and recent rainfall will boost the quality of the eggs.
“A lot of goodness comes out of natural pasture; it puts a premium edge on the flavour of the egg,” Mr Pincott said.
“The more green grass, the deeper the yellow of the yolk.”
The Pincotts moved to their property just north of Holbrook 18 months ago for the flat country.
In 12 months, they have expanded by 100 per cent.
They said stocking capacity was key to keeping their egg at a premium quality.
“It comes down to lifestyle. It’s like any animal – if they are happy, they’ll produce a nice product,” Mr Pincott said.
“The free range legal capacity is 20,000 birds a hectare but we have about 40 hens to a hectare, so they have constant access to fresh grass.”
The Pincotts buy their hens at 16 weeks old from Junee Hatchery and they begin laying a month later, with a 70pc lay rate.
Mr Pincott said it was important for customers to understand the term “free range”.
“People want to know where their food comes from.
“We can’t underestimate the knowledge of the consumer.
“At the moment demand is outstripping supply.”
The eggs are sold in Wagga Wagga, Holbrook, Tumbarumba, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
