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This time of year a lot of changes are happening on farms across the country, with autumn knocking on the door and the dark evenings closing in.
This creates challenges every farming sector must embrace, and the inevitable turn in the calendar year should bring all farmers’ attention to rising costs and budgets for the winter season ahead.
In the commercial egg business, when doing budgets the focus must be on cost control and trying your utmost to shave off a few pounds here or there.
Most of the savings can only be made at home farm level around issues such as labour, energy running costs and housing, as the major costs associated with our business are controlled by meal firms and egg packers/processors.
In some ways, it is probably no different to the other leading industries such as dairy, beef, sheep or pigs – most costs are taken out of the farmers’ hands and fluctuate randomly over the year.
There is no real back-up plan in place for producers or purchasers to ensure a more level and consistent revenue stream throughout the calendar year.
However in the egg sector, some packers will offer a contract for eggs with an index linked feed/egg price tracker which does give more consistency in income.
One could argue that all sectors should be exploring this poultry model, as it does allow producers to make a steady living.
In recent years, by adding a poultry enterprise, it has made many family farms financially stable. As a result, all aspects of poultry farming continue to be on the rise, and the industry has forged ahead over the last decade or so – with quality produce that is healthy, nutritious and offers value for money to consumers.
However, thought must be given as to the overall output from within the NI industry, and that we do not fall into the trap of over-production, which will help no one.
Producers and packers must share this load and be responsible with regard to contracts and expansion.
Brexit
Brexit is the topic that divides opinion over every kitchen table and public house in the country at present.
Whatever your thoughts regarding this toxic issue, I still believe we are in for a turbulent few years ahead.
However, the egg industry arguably doesn’t face as much upheaval as other sectors, even if egg price is currently on the floor and feed prices at higher than normal levels.
Most eggs produced in NI are for local consumption here and in Britain.
With 30-40% still imported from EU to satisfy the demands of the UK consumer, surely we should embrace this chance to fill the void that may open with impending tarriffs, expensive haulage and feed.
We need to work closely with our major retailers and processors to establish a supply chain of quality produce to feed a growing demand.
Whatever the opinion regarding Brexit, let’s hope the political powers trash out a fair deal that safeguards local producers who feed our nation, and doesn’t mean we end up flooded with cheap imports from elsewhere.
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