Macedon Ranges farmer Ben Way reckons his commitment to bird welfare has paid off – his Springfield Pastured Eggs brand was recently named a state winner in the 2017 Delicious Produce Awards.
“[The award] is complete validation that our farming methods are translating into a premium product, as judged by the country’s top food critics and chefs,” said Mr Way.
Award contenders are nominated by chefs who use the products. The produce then faces a blind tasting panel of 33 Australian food leaders.
Mr Way said the title is recognition that his ethical principles of maintaining low stock densities, raising truly pasture-fed birds and using premium hen feed with no additives does make a difference.
Springfield Pastured Eggs farms at 500 birds per hectare – the commercial free range standard is 10,000 birds per hectare. Mr Way said his “happy birds” live outside as free range hens, producing more nutritious eggs with a more intense flavour.
“Our birds eat grasses, seeds, bugs and insects all year round, and get to engage in their natural behaviours like dust bathing.”
Springfield Pastured Eggs will face national judging in Sydney next month.
Mr Way established his farm 18 months ago, and launched his retail brand in February.
