The cost of chicken
Jayne Duveen
The majority of the chickens sold by us come from Springfield Farm in Herefordshire. Although we would prefer to source more locally, we are currently using Springfield because they are one of the few chicken producers nationwide that are organic, farming to the Soil Association Standards with over 50 years experience.
The chickens are produced in small batches and roam free during the daytime on Springfield's pasture land, coming in during the evening to be kept safe from predators. The chickens consume a natural diet of grains, fresh grass and insects in the fields. They are reared to at least ten weeks which is double that of a conventional bird. Most importantly the birds are never given any unnatural growth promoting drugs or hormones. The breed is hubbard which is a slow growing breed.
Many of us who shop at Plaw Hatch have enjoyed and appreciated the flavour and texture of these pasture reared birds, happy to pay more for a feathered creature that we know has had a much better life than conventionally reared chickens. It is now that we are faced with the challenge of paying even more (currently 10% more) for peace of mind, nutrition, and consideration for our planet.
Since January, chicken producers have faced extraordinary prices increases. The major contributor to this is the cost of feed which has risen by 30%. A lot of the grain comes from Ukraine and Russia - all the more reason why we should feel happy with our decision to support biodynamic farmers who aim to be self sufficient on their farms. All the more reason why we should consider buying biodynamic, pasture fed lamb and beef that is grown locally than grain-fed chicken and poultry which is not suited to the soil type of the Weald. I personally will still continue to purchase chicken and sausages which our family love so much but I will consciously try to use it as a peppering in my meat mix rather than a staple. Other increases have been in energy, labour, packaging and delivering.
Springfield are unable to say that this will be the only increase that will be required. It will depend on how and when grain markets stabilise or how well the in house methods of absorbing increases work in practice. During these uncertain times we may have to consider treating our organic, pasture reared chicken with even more appreciation and reverence than we have done in the past.
