Finally, a list has been published showing each the stocking density for 35 “Free Range” egg brands in Australia. Choice have lifted the veil on an industry that’s notoriously difficult to get information on, although the list is still not comprehensive as some companies are still keeping a lid on their numbers. For eggs to be labelled free range, the Model Code of Practice says there should be a maximum of 1500 hens per hectare.
Given that we’re always buying local where we can, the SA brands on the list were particularly of interest to us.
Hoods Earth Eggs from SA actually top the national list, with only 7 hens per hectare, giving true meaning to the term free range! Katham Springs Bio-dynamic Free Range also have a mere 150 hens per hectare. The SA brands meeting the guidelines of 1500 hens per hectare to be considered free range, are Kangaroo Island Free-Range Eggs, Modra’s Kangaroo Island Free-Range Eggs & Rohde’s Clare Valley Free-Range Eggs.
The SA free-range egg brands that don’t meet the Model Code include Gourmet Breakfast Free Range Eggs (5,000 hens/hectare), Hens On The Range Free Range (5,000 hens/hectare), Country Fresh Free Range (10,000 hens/hectare) and Foodland Free-Range Eggs (10,000 hens/hectare).
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