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Poultry industry statistics from 2004
Summary
Within the AlpValleys region, poultry is a small industry. Chicken
production is based on one farm at Milawa (Wangaratta Rural City)
with egg production in Alpine Shire at Porepunkah.
The meat chicken production in Milawa is free range and in the
process of becoming organically certified. At any one time, 8,000 – 9,000
birds are held. Birds are sent for processing at about 8 weeks of
age. Day old specialised meat birds are sourced from Queensland.
Processing occurs in Melbourne (Coburg), with the plant meeting
all required industry standards for the organic, free range production
niche. Stock is carried live to the processor from Milawa by the
producer with loads being sent twice per week.
The product goes to specialised butchers and restaurateurs and
is distributed throughout Melbourne, Victoria and interstate.
North East Region |
1996 – 97
AG Census |
2000 – 01
AG Census |
2001 – 02
AG Survey |
2002 -03 AG Survey |
2004 AAVAF Survey |
Poultry - Gross value of production
($) |
|
$45,264 |
$345,789 |
|
$500,000 |
Total poultry stock on hand
at time of census |
9,637,716 |
7,196,330 |
8,611,375 |
|
|
Total poultry slaughtered |
|
145,462 |
97,606 |
78,521 |
|
Eggs - Gross value of production |
$1,451,371 |
$29,991 |
|
|
$300,000 |
Eggs for human consumption |
44,670,320 |
12,902 |
|
|
|
Contribution to Victorian GVP
of commodity |
2.5% (eggs only) |
0.1273% |
|
|
|
Contribution to Australian
GVP of commodity |
0.5%
(eggs only) |
0.0341% |
|
|
|
Estimated number of farms – poultry
and eggs |
3 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
Source: ABS Agricultural Census 1997 and 2001, Agricultural Survey
2002 and 2003
Poultry industry overview
Product description |
The poultry and egg industry within the North
East is very small, with a couple of major producers. There
is a free-range chicken farmer operating in the region looking
to expand production. |
Main season |
Not seasonal. |
Industry associations |
Hume Murray Food Bowl, FREPA – Free Range
Egg and Poultry Australia |
Domestic market information |
Retailers and restaurants represent the major
purchasers of the region’s poultry. |
Labels/Brands |
Milawa Free Range Poultry, Bright and Happy
Free Range Eggs. |
Source AAVAF Survey 2004
Location of the poultry industry within AlpValleys region
2001 Ag Census |
% of GVP |
North East Region |
Victoria |
Alpine Shire |
3.6% |
0.005% |
Indigo Shire |
0.3% |
0% |
Towong Shire |
1.4% |
0.002% |
Wangaratta (RC) |
94.8% |
0.121% |
Source AAVAF Survey 2004
Free range egg production on a commercial scale is undertaken near
Porepunkah. Production by Pace Farms at Mount Beauty ceased early
in 2004.
Projected poultry industry growth
Organic and free range poultry appears to be a growing, but small
niche market.
The most likely industry growth for the region will come through
existing growers, as significant barriers now exist (planning, permits,
right to farm issues, high establishment costs).
Poultry industry labour requirements
Two families are involved on one farm with the free range poultry
production, with one full time employee and a requirement for 2 – 3
casuals.
Poultry industry marketing activities
Marketing is undertaken through developing relationships directly
with chefs, and accredited suppliers.
Membership of Milawa gourmet region assists through works with
other producers and builds the areas gourmet reputation.
Direct sales, via farmers markets in Wodonga, Collingwood, Hawthorn,
St Kilda, Kensington and occasionally Wagga Wagga, are an important
component of overall sales.
Poultry industry strategic advantages and opportunities
- The free range poultry grower has been established for over
5 years in an industry where only 2 – 3 growers are accredited
and operating within Victoria.
- Niche market production, and accreditation
are strategic advantages.
- Relationships with high profile chefs
have been important for market establishment and ongoing success.
- Limited complaints as production meat birds do not have the
noise problems of laying hens, nor roosters.
- Production turnout
is relatively quick - 8 weeks.
Poultry industry strategic disadvantages and impediments to growth
- Set up costs are very high, with an increasing emphasis on meeting
EPA and council regulations.
- Local council and neighbours perceptions
of industry can be barriers to new establishments.
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