Ranger Magazine

April 2019

The market has tightened somewhat with mediums being one of the main beneficiaries. I hope this indicates a balance in the market and not just a temporary respite leading up to Easter.

I asked the Ranger if we could reformat the statistics at the back of the Ranger. Whilst the information is all there for a producer to analyse, I think it is important to understand the trends and be able to glance at the statistics and get an immediate overview of the market.

Our introduction to Kantar and the rolling five-year data now available in the Ranger clearly shows the growth of free range and where that growth is being driven. Whilst all egg is in growth with all retailers, free range is the main beneficiary with discounters such as Aldi and Lidl leading the way.

A closer look at the costing produced by ADAS, reproduced in a pie chart, shows how much feed plays a part in a producer’s budget. It further illustrates how feed trackers have kept those producers, able to access one, from suffering some of the effects.

March 2019

The BFREPA Awards Dinner and Conference is now confirmed at the NEC, Birmingham on the 14th and 15th October. 

The new venue allows both events to be staged together with enough capacity for accommodation for those members attending both. We will announce details of tables and rooms in the coming weeks.

We have commissioned ADAS to prepare a report on Improving the Value and Sustainability of Laying Hen Manure, the results of which will be published at the Industry Seminar in the Cotswolds on the 23rd May. The report will cover spreading of manure on land and alternative uses of manure. The event will be made available to those not attending the seminar, and the details will be in the next available Ranger.

The seminar in the Cotswolds, for over 100 members, was sold out within days of being released. Those fortunate enough to subscribe to the event will receive their invitations over the next few weeks. 

February 2019

The speed in which the egg market turns is one that might surprise many new producers.

But this is a cyclical industry in which the fortunes of the egg producer are determined by feed, and the supply and demand for our eggs, as a result of egg consumption or farm expansion. The trouble is too many of the elements which determine our fortunes are out of our control.

The warning signs of this downturn were there for all to see. BFREPA have been banging the drum for some time, whilst ensuring members have had planning data and information on issues which affect the industry. Alarming numbers of applications to planning offices have eventually tipped the balance – forcing the price down.