We may all depend on farmers for our very survival, but many people with no connection to farming are unaware of just how big this umbrella term is and how widely practices vary.
Compassion in World Farming estimates an astonishing 85% of farmed animals in the UK are now kept in ‘factory farms’. This growing trend is obviously economically driven, but what of the remaining 15%? Despite the economic challenges, not much has changed in the way animals are kept on many of these farms for centuries. Here at Incredible Eggs all our animals and birds fall into this now minority category – where animal welfare comes first and they still live a life as close as possible to what nature intended.
Also common to all our four family-run branch farms is that precious, hard-won knowledge has been carefully passed down from one generation to the next – 5 generations and counting in the case of our farm covering Scotland, the North and Midlands. This ensures that a deep understanding and connection between humans, animals and the environment lives on at the heart of each farm.
We are privileged to be able to share some of this knowledge with future generations every year through the educational resources which accompany our hatching kits. These quality resources are the result of collaborations between ourselves and educational professionals such as Molly Potter, a leading educational resource writer and bestselling teachers author. This ensures information is presented in a way which most benefits teachers and their students, who may have little previous knowledge of a vital subject area upon which we all depend.
Let’s now venture into a tranquil part of North Norfolk, where time seems to stand still. Farming practices on our small East branch farm have not changed much over the years – they haven’t needed to. Incredible Eggs East branch manager Callum grew up here and has been learning the ropes from his parents since he was born – when we say those booking our hatching kits are supported by experienced poultry breeders, we mean it!
Autumn is now fully upon us; the leaves are floating down and there is a chill in the air, but some days – like this one – are truly glorious. Come take a virtual wander around the farm, on patrol with a magnificent dewlap Toulouse goose and his devoted wife. He hatched on this farm about five years ago. His mother was one of the farms longest living residents – a much loved and admired goose called ‘Goosey’, who padded about making sure all was well for an astonishing 20 years. It’s wonderful to see her son has taken up the mantle – just like Callum! You’ll also see a few of the pure and rare breeds we preserve here – Cream Legbars, Light and Speckled Sussex, Welsh Harlequins, Indian Runners and Cayugas.
We hope you enjoy!
