Benefits of contract-rearing broilers and how it works

摘要

Diversifying into contract poultry production meant a significant outlay in sheds and equipment for Powys beef and sheep farmers Billy and Rachel Davies. But the enterprise is profitable and generates a consistent cashflow. The family had built two sheds at Gumma Farm, a hill farm at Discoed, Presteigne, in 2010, each with capacity for 10,000 birds. They initially supplied Cargills, and when that contract ended in 2019 they switched to Pembrokeshire-based Capestone Organic Poultry and now grow for its contract with Marks & Spencer. That partnership has been so successful that they had the confidence to build a third shed in 2021. The agreement sees the Davies supplying the shed, electricity, gas and management, and Capestone providing the birds and feed.