The West Australian Newspaper - January 2015

image courtesy Katie Joy's Free-range Eggs

 Paying the Price for Free-Range

The world of free-range can be a fickle place. Animal-loving customers yearn to embrace it, yet their definition of what constitutes ‘free-range’ is often vastly different to the stance taken by politicians, producers and supermarkets. Take eggs, for example. National free-range egg laws currently don’t exist in Australia.  In Western Australia, Greens MP Lynne MacLaren is fighting to re-introduce her Free-Range Labelling Bill (originally introduced in 2013) to the Senate this year. Over east, the NSW Fair Trading Minister, Matthew Mason-Cox, is due to have a draft national standard for free-range considered, apparently at the next Minister’s forum in April. The slow wheels of bureaucracy and the cut and thrust of profit margins can often get in the way of what the customer wants, and what is best for the animal.

Most people who buy free-range eggs pay a premium, envisaging happy hens pecking their way across lush green fields. After all, that’s what it shows on the packaging, right?  In reality, when it comes to free-range eggs (particularly those sold by supermarket chains), it is a veritable minefield for the consumer. Coles has a recommendation for their free-range eggs of 10,000 hens per hectare – anything smaller, they say, is commercially unviable.  The recommendation by the CSIRO and animal welfare groups for stocking densities is 1,500 birds per hectare. Western Australia’s largest ‘free-range’ egg producer, Snowdale Holdings (which runs Swan Valley Egg Farm and Eggs by Ellah), is currently locked in a court battle with the ACCC amidst allegations of falsely labelling its eggs free-range. The case is due to be heard in the Federal Court this April.

All is not lost, however. There are plenty of dedicated, hardworking producers out there who are passionate about free-range, with Margaret River Free-range Eggs being one of them. Its feisty owner, Jan Harwood, is chairwoman of the Free-range Egg Association.

“In Australia, the Australian Egg Corporation Limited and larger supermarkets have said that the free-range standards we used to operate under aren’t sustainable anymore, and we can’t produce enough eggs for the growing free-range market. Well, you can, because they’re doing it overseas on the same standards,” says Jan.

“They are producing enough eggs because they’re doing it slowly and organically. If countries like England and Denmark, who have less space than us, can do it on 1,500 hens per hectare, then why can’t we? It’s all about price manipulation.

“So this is where it gets down to cheap food. If you want to produce a free-range egg at the same price as a caged egg, then something’s got to give. Happily, these days people are walking the talk, and are starting to understand that good food costs more money.” 

When it comes to local free-range chicken, it’s hard to go past Mt Barker. The company juggernaut, based in the Great Southern, has eight farms that are run by either Mt Barker Chicken or local farmers, with each farm containing several chicken coops that have a central point for eating and drinking. The number of birds vary, but according to Graham Laitt, the managing director of Mt Barker’s umbrella company, Milne Agrigroup, their newest farm at Fox River has around 20,000 birds at any one time. 

“Most of our farms are part of diverse family farming operations, so the area available to the MBC farms is not limited. The coops are up to two hundred metres apart, providing the largest free-range area of any farms in Western Australia.,” says Graham..

“The number of birds per farm varies widely. It very much depends on the layout and facilities on the farm, as well as the management available.”

According to Graham, once the hens are feathered (at around twenty-one days old), they leave the coops to range outside all day until they are brought in at night to protect them from foxes. The farms aren’t open to the public, but chicken webcams will soon be set up at their Fox River farm.

Happily, free-range pork is increasingly becoming the norm for many people. As with the egg industry, there is no one standard, but a general free-range guideline is that all pigs need to be outside from birth to death, with plenty of space to graze and forage. 

“There are a number of growers who call their pigs free-range but they are, in fact, free-range-bred,” says Annie Kavanagh from Spencers Brook Farm.  

“This means the sows are outside having their piglets, but when the piglets are a few weeks old, they are weaned and moved into eco shelters, where they spend the rest of their lives before slaughter at around five months old.”

According to Annie, there is currently no legislation which differentiates between free-range and free-range-bred, with the customer paying more for free-range without knowing whether it’s legit.

“There needs to be national labelling brought in with a standard for free-range. However any attempt to bring in a certification system will inevitably lead to the same kind of fierce debate currently being seen in the egg industry, where the larger players are pushing for higher stocking densities.”  

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN FREE-RANGE PRODUCERS

Free-range Eggs:

Cackleberries Demeter Biodynamic Free-range Eggs

Based in: east of Donnybrook

Available to buy from: Absolutely Organic; Organic on Charles; Manning Farmers Market (at Redtail Organic Meat stall); Peaches

Farm open to the public: Yes (by appointment only)

How many hens: 28 hens per hectare (rotated around paddock in mobile accommodation)

Katie Joy’s Free-range Eggs

Based in: Kojonup (towards Albany)

Available to buy from: For stockists, head to their Facebook page

Farm open to the public: In the pipeline

How many hens: 900 hens per hectare (pastures are rotated)

Laterite Ridge Free-range (also free-range pork)

Based in: York

Available to buy from: Perth City Farmers; York IGA; The Local Grocer (online)

Farm open to public: No

How many hens: under 500 hens per hectare

Manavi Eggs (new)

Based in: Watheroo (near Gingin)

Available to buy from: The Lettuce Shop; small home delivery service in northern suburbs, and in the Moora, Dalwallinu area

Farm open to the public: No

How many hens: 125 hens per hectare (rotated around paddock in mobile accommodation)

Margaret River Free-range Eggs.

Based in: Margaret River

Available to buy from: For stockists, head to http://www.margaretrivereggs.com.au/ Farm open to the public: Yes, for their annual open day in November

How many hens: 2,500 hens per hectare (pastures are rotated)

Free-range Chicken:

Mt Barker Free-Range Chicken (owned by Milne Agrigroup)

Based in: Mt Barker (near Albany)

Available to buy from: Most supermarkets and butchers

Farm open to the public: No

Free-range Pork:

Jindong Free-range (grass-fed)

Based in: south of Busselton

Available to buy from: The Local Grocer (online); Manning Farmers Market (at Greenfriar Distributions stall)

Farm open to public: Open to industry only

Killara Open-Range Pork

Based in: Boyup Brook

Available to buy from: Selected butchers, such as Exclusive Meats and Meat @79

Farm open to public: Unknown

Laterite Ridge Free-range (also free-range eggs)

Based in: York

Available to buy from: Perth City Farmers

Farm open to public: No

Linley Valley Free Range Pork (owned by Craig Mostyn Group)

Based in: Albany

Available to buy from: Selected butchers; IGA

Farm open to public: No

Plantagenet Pork (owned by Milne Agrigroup)

Based in:  Plantagenet region, Great Southern

Available to buy from: Selected butchers; Coles; Woolworths

Farm open to public: No

Spencers Brook Farm

Based in: Toodyay

Available to buy from: Production currently on hold

Farm open to public: No

To read online, click link

Perth Guide - Spring, 2014

image: Tourism WA

Top Ten Amazing Day Trips To Do With The Kids

1. Avon Valley

The Avon Valley covers a massive area. It’s not too far from Perth, and there are stacks and stacks of things to do. Check out Beverley’s historic working farm, explore the aeronautical museum, or get a taste of the real thing with a birds-eye view from a glider.  Eat and drink your way around Chittering while the kids run amok on the walking trails, and don’t forget their spectacular wildflower displays in Spring. Visit the enormous wheatbins and deep space radio antenna in Victoria Plains, or get all spooked-out at Toodyay’s award-winning gaol. Come on, you know you want to.

Highlight

Kids will go nuts for Boshack Outback, a 350 acre working farm. Their Wild Eco Outback Adventure day tour includes boomerang throwing, feeding farm animals, bushtucker tasting, fishing for yabbies and playing the didgeridoo.

Don’t forget

Walking shoes (for the trails). Don’t forget to head to the Bindoon Agricultural Show in October, too.

2. Bibbulmun Track

The Bibbulmum Track is one of the world’s greatest long-distance walking trails, rambling through almost one thousand kilometres of gorgeous terrain from Kalamunda in Perth’s eastern suburbs to Albany in the South-West. The kids will have great fun following the trail signs featuring a Waugal (an Aboriginal snake-like creature) as part of an awesome day hiking in the great outdoors. If you have the inclination and are feeling a little more adventurous, why not try camping overnight in one of the forty-eight campsites and shelters dotted along the way? Just remember the Track’s motto – Leave No Trace – so take your rubbish with you!

Highlight

What’s not to love about cooking fresh damper out in the bush? Children’s Camp Kitchen sessions are held regularly throughout the year, with the next one held in October.

Don’t forget

Sturdy walking shoes with thick socks, water, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, map, weather-appropriate clothing, energy snacks, bag for rubbish, first aid kit, charged mobile phone.

3. Gingin

Just an hour’s drive north of Perth is Gingin, a small town with a truckload of family things to do. Check out the wonders of space through a fully-retractable roof at the Gingin Observatory, then head next door to the Gravity Discovery Centre for a solar system walk. If the temperature’s rising, cool off at the aquatic centre or follow the coastal road out to Moore River, a mecca for Perth families. Hire a dinghy, jump on a horse for a trail ride, check out the spanking new farmyard zoo, or just stretch out on the sand for a bit of shut-eye - if the kids will let you.

Highlight

Caladenia mini golf is a local treasure, and one of the best we’ve seen. Eighteen holes in a lush setting, with animal feeding and a restaurant with home-cooked meals to boot.

Don’t forget

Bathers and towels (for Moore River), coins (to buy animal food at mini golf), your camera (to catch all the action).

4. Hillary's Boat Harbour

Hillary’s Boat Harbour is a Mecca for families, with lots of entertainment for the kidlets and lots of eating out for the adults. Go for broke on the waterslides or five hundred square foot rock climbing wall at The Great Escape or, for some more relaxed action, try your hand at their mini-golf, 6D cinema and trampolines. For a taste of marine action, head to AQWA or simply chillax on the sheltered swimming beach with nothing but a towel, bucket and spade.  When tummies start to rumble, there’s a mecca of kid-friendly dining options in the form of burgers, steak, pizza, fish ‘n chips, Tex-Mex, chocolate and ice-cream.

Highlight

Whale watching season runs through Spring, when the majestic humpbacks are on the move. We’re blessed to have them right on our doorstep. Whale watching tours run daily from Hillarys Boat Harbour, with guaranteed sightings.

Don’t forget

Sunscreen, hat, bathers and towel, snorkel gear, camera, water.

5. Lancelin

An hour’s drive due north of Perth, Lancelin boasts some of the best windsurfing in the world. There are also fourteen shipwrecks and a host of reefs along the coastline to explore via snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming. And let’s not forget boogie-boarding and surfing around the point at Back Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and pods of dolphins too – the area is renowned for them - or head over to Lancelin Island for birdwatching. For land lubbers, the enormous sand dunes will provide hours of thrillseeking, with sand boarding, dune buggy racing and four-wheel driving all on offer. Don’t forget a visit to the eerie majesty of the Pinnacles – it’s a must-do.

Highlight

At Lake Thetis, 3500 year old living stromatolites abound, and are linked to the earliest life on Earth. Explore the walkways and read up on these fascinating structures.

Don’t forget

Sunscreen, snorkel gear, water, camera.

 

6.    Penguin Island

This popular tourist destination has absolutely got it in spades. Close to Perth and only five minutes from the mainland? Tick. Gorgeous scenery? Tick. Cute little penguins? Tick. It’s also got dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, pelicans and around fifty species of sea bird, so it’s heaven for wildlife lovers. The kids will love penguin feeding time, held three times a day. Take a cruise of the wildlife sanctuary on a glass bottom boat, and check out the nesting sea birds on Seal Island. Get up close and personal with the sea lions on a sea kayak. Seriously folks, this place has it all.

Highlight

If you’re thirsting for adventure, jump aboard the dolphin, penguin and sea lion cruise.  Visit fossils in Aladdin’s Cave, watch ospreys nest and listen to the clicks and whistles of dolphins thanks to an underwater microphone.

Don’t forget

BYO food and drink, snorkel gear, camera, sunscreen, hat, water.

7.    Rockingham

Ah, Rockingham. We just can’t get enough of her gorgeous award-winning beaches. From the child-friendly waters of Cockburn Sound, snorkel spots dotted around Point Peron and surf beaches at Secret Harbour, paradise is only 40kms south of Perth. But it’s not all pristine waters and idyllic coastline. Tag along on the Naragebup Environment Centre’s night-time frog walk, browse around their monthly markets and check out the highlights of Lake Richmond, which boasts over one hundred species of birds. Hidden in Waikiki is Fantasy Park, with a sensory garden and touching panels for the hearing-impaired, interactive play sculptures and barbecue facilities.

Highlight 

Swimming around in the ocean with wild dolphins is right up there on most people’s bucket list. It’s the wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and it’s right here on our doorstep, so what are you waiting for!

Don’t forget 

Sunscreen, hat, waterproof camera (for swimming with dolphins), bathers, snorkel gear, towels, water, torch (for frog walk).

      8. Rottnest Island

What’s not to love about ‘Rotto’? Just a glimpse of its pristine waters will have you breathing easier. Only a short trip from the mainland by ferry, there’s bike riding (electric or manual to hire, or bring your own) that will take you around the tiny isle past an incredible sixty-three beaches, twenty bays, salt lakes, lighthouses and lookouts. See if you can spot the adorable quokkas on the way, or grab a bus to the outer reaches of the island, West End, and check out the colony of fur seals.  If you prefer something wetter, there’s world-class snorkelling, swimming and diving. And don’t forget to pop over for the inaugural family-friendly event Carnivale in September. We hear it’s going to be huge.

Highlight

Lying beneath Oliver Hill, which features a gun used in WWII, is a maze of underground tunnels just itching for kids to explore. Tours run several times a day.

Don’t forget

Sunscreen, hat, bike, snorkel gear, water,

9.    Swan Valley

Seriously, what’s not to love about the Swan Valley? It’s near to Perth. It has an abundance of wine, chocolate and cheese. Oh, and there’s stacks of things for the kids to do, too.  Want to let off some steam? Try Oasis Supa Golf, an eighteen hole golf course with oversized clubs and balls for the little ones. Or perhaps The Swan Valley Animal Farm is more your speed, including bottle and bucket feeding. Kids feeling peckish? Get yourself to Mondo Nougat, Oggies Ice-Cream Café or one of the two chocolate companies in the area. That’s not counting all the child-friendly cafes and wineries with play areas as well.

Highlight 

The Great Valley Rally is a fun trail that leads families around the Valley via a list of cryptic clues. There are ten different checkpoints and a prize waiting at the end.

Don’t forget 

Bring your appetite and, if you’re visiting grown-up wineries, some colouring-in books for the kids.

10. Whiteman Park

Whiteman Park is an awesome destination for all ages. Close to Perth, it has around four thousand hectares to explore with loads of things to do. Hand-feed the kangaroos, see Australia’s native animals and have a pic taken with a koala at Caversham Wildlife Park. Ride with style aboard a vintage bus, train or tram, get hands-on in the transport and tractor museums and sample sweets from all over the world at the lolly shop. Get wet at the water playground, take a night tour of Woodland Reserve and watch rare woylies feed. Have a barbecue, or pack a picnic, choose a stretch of grass and chill.

Highlight 

Explore the Children’s Forest, which has been planted by children. Discover the giant marching antis, colourful birds and the Forest’s ‘guardians’, the Boy of the Bush and his sister Fern.

Don’t forget 

Torch (for Woodland Reserve night tour), sunscreen, hat, picnic, camera.