Free-Range egg supplier to local shops and cafes

Cafes, bakeries, grocers, farm shops and restaurants, plus households buying through a subscription or farm gate sales.

Wholesale price per dozen or tray to businesses, with a higher retail price for direct customers. Regular standing orders make income steadier.

• Flock management and animal welfare
• Organising feed, packing and deliveries
• Building relationships with local buyers

• Many states require egg producers to register and follow food safety schemes above certain flock sizes, so check with your state food authority
• Free-range labelling must meet Australian consumer law and the national information standard on stocking density, so check before using the term
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and a food safe delivery vehicle
• Avian influenza biosecurity, feed costs and predator losses
• Land use and council approvals for poultry sheds, plus neighbour concerns about smell and noise

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on flock size, mobile coops or sheds, packing equipment and a suitable delivery vehicle. Feed and land set-up also affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on flock size, how many cafes, shops and households you supply, and the season. Feed costs and predator losses can reduce what you keep.

Check your state food authority on registration and food safety schemes above certain flock sizes. Also check free-range labelling rules, council approvals for poultry sheds, insurance, and avian influenza biosecurity.