RGK Hodnett & Co, Welsh Borders

At 1099ft (335m) above sea level, third-generation farmer Tim Hodnett farms 210 acres on the Welsh borders and has a flock of Welsh Texel Cross sheep and a suckler herd.  In 2018 Tim and his partner Jacky decided they needed to strengthen their business so explored diversification options choosing free-range egg production. When they selected Powell & Co to design and construct the poultry unit, they also set the challenge of ensuring the steel frame building complemented the environment and that the steel used was upgraded due to the height of the site. The ground for the new build was landscaped by Connop & Son Ltd which was a huge part of the planning application success.

The 69.6m x 19.3m poultry unit houses 16,000 birds laying eggs for the liquid market as part of a contract with Bumble Hole Foods in Worcestershire who have been cracking eggs since 1961. Pullets and feed are supplied by Humphries who along with the Powell and Co team provided excellent advice and support on what systems should be considered inside the unit. To support future expansion the Newquip 264 system was installed which includes nesting rows, drinkers and ventilation. Tim and Jacky also built a satellite building for packing and storage with a link corridor to the main unit which included bespoke stepovers built by Powells to ensure everyone stops and thinks when it comes to bio-security.

Special features

• Clear span steel frame 69.6m x 19.8m
• Upgraded steel due height above sea level
• Satellite 15m x 10m egg packing room with adjoining link room
• Newquip 264 system with nesting, drinkers and ventilation
• Enhanced step over system for bio-security
• Goosewing grey roof with Juniper green walls

Why Powells?

“We would like to thank the Powell’s team who were so supportive to us, from the initial enquiry right through to completion.  At the start of the project we immediately realised that a team approach was key to making the project a success.  The first meeting was held on site, with all parties involved including planners and the council, so that everyone could see first-hand the site and where the unit would be built.  We have a fantastic free range poultry unit with potential for expansion so that our son George can grow the business in the future.”  Jacky Mundy, Presteigne.

Find out more about our Free Range Units.