52 - December 2011

Welcome to another edition of eChook! The free range sectors of the poultry industry are growing rapidly in Australia, representing 28.4% of all eggs sold and approximately 15% of chicken meat produced in 2010. These sectors are expected to continue to expand as some consumers express their preference for free range production. In this edition,

On some free range egg and broiler (meat bird) farms the outdoor range is a fenced open field with no overhead cover for birds. This does not allow the birds the opportunity to seek shade/shelter while in the range. The number of birds in the range depends on the availability of overhead cover and it is possible

Recently, the Poultry CRC undertook two projects aimed at making life easier for school teachers wishing to teach Poultry in Schools. The first was to revise and update the existing Secondary School teaching materials, the second, to develop new teaching materials for Primary Schools. The Secondary materials were reviewed and re-formatted by retired University Lecturer, Garry Clark.

Are you passionate about the future of farming? Do you have a story to tell about your own career in agriculture? What are your ambitions for agribusiness? We know that you belong to a group of people already pro-actively networking in rural Australia. We want to talk to you… Australian Year of the Farmer is looking for talented committed communicators to help raise

While modern farming (like other industries) has been greatly aided by technology, research and development, many consumers feel disengaged with these practices and do not recognise the modern farm as aligning with their minds-eye view of how a farm looks and/or operates. Bridging the gap between these mental images and the realities of the modern