W Patterson, Cumbria
On the outskirts of Appleby, by the A66, stands a Powell & Co free-range poultry unit for 6th generation farmer Will Patterson. Will has recently taken on managing the farm business from his father William and with his wife Claire; they were looking for a new venture that stood independent of the beef and sheep enterprise. Importantly they wanted a revenue stream that was not reliant on subsidies and would future proof their business for the 7th generation.
What started as a shed in the garden with 15 free-range chickens has switched to a steel-framed 457ft x 65ft free-range poultry unit housing 32,000 Lohmann Brown layers. Although a steep learning curve for Will and Claire they have not looked back. The family produce eggs as part of the Lloyds Animal Feeds contract supplying weekly to Chippendales for consumers to buy off the shelves in Morrisons.
Special Features
- Clear span steel frame
- Don’s doors comprising of clamped aluminium for perfect fit
- Newquip 264 nest system
- Chain feeder system from Collinsons silos
- Multi tier system by Newquip
- Powells specific bio-security layout
- Raised packing room to 1.2 metres so lorries can load easily