Lake Macquarie residents are invited to gain valuable insights into establishing or growing a successful free range egg business at one of two upcoming information sessions to be delivered by Hunter Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. 

Attendees can find out about the challenges in starting, and sustaining, a free range egg business, at the free information sessions in Paterson and Denman.

Hunter Local Land Services officer Lorna Adlem said the sessions are open to current small scale egg producers, and anyone contemplating starting a free range egg enterprise.

“Egg production is a major, high-value industry in the Hunter, and free range egg production is a niche area which is swiftly growing in response to consumer demand,” Ms Adlem said.

“Hunter Local Land Services is working in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries to assist and support small scale free range egg producers to help develop and sustain this industry in our region.

“The information sessions are an ideal opportunity for new and emerging producers to ask questions, and share ideas and solutions to various issues associated with running a smaller scale free range egg enterprise.”

The sessions will cover several relevant topics including pest control, biosecurity – such as bird diseases and health; and managing groundcover and other natural farm resources.

Industry trends, and legislative changes that influence free range egg farming will also be explored. 

Ms Adlem said the sessions would provide attendees with the opportunity to discuss individual issues and share ideas.

“Participants can hear the story of a local producer and how they made it through the start-up challenges and improved their free range egg operations, increased productivity and addressed some of the on-farm issues,” she said. 

“Egg producers are encouraged to attend and find out more about the various services available from Hunter Local Land Services to assist them in establishing and improving a free range enterprise.”

The information sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 10.45am to 1pm, at Hunter Local Land Services, 816 Tocal Road, Paterson; and on Thursday, June 9, from 10.45am to 1pm at Denman Visitors Information Centre, 7 Ogilvie Street, Denman.