From first-time poultry farmers to a future-ready egg operation

United Kingdom - How the Morrice family worked with Vencomatic Group to diversify its Scottish farming business with an integrated housing, egg handling and automation solution.

For Mike and Louise, moving into poultry farming was an opportunity to diversify the existing agricultural business and invest in a new, potentially profitable long-term enterprise. It was also a significant step. This would be the farm’s first poultry shed, and the team had no previous experience of managing a laying flock. Choosing the right equipment was important, but finding a supplier that could provide dependable guidance, training and ongoing support mattered just as much.

Finding the right partner
Before deciding, the farm considered several suppliers and different equipment options. The process moved forward when the team spoke with DJ, Vencomatic UK’s Technical Engineering Director;

“We received a prompt response, with a clear solution and price. That gave us confidence from the beginning.”

There were relatively few Vencomatic systems operating locally in Scotland so they hadn’t seen the system directly in use before, so we arranged to visit another Scottish poultry producer using the equipment to experience how it worked and learn from their experience. Speaking directly with an existing customer proved particularly valuable.

“The farmer spoke very highly about the service, support and back-up he had received. Seeing how happy he was with the equipment gave us the confidence that Vencomatic would support us as first-time poultry farmers.”

That reassurance helped Mike and Louise choose Vencomatic Group as its long-term equipment partner.

One integrated solution

The new poultry house was equipped with a complete solution covering bird housing, lighting, egg handling, inspection, packing and palletising. The installation included:

• Bolegg Gallery Single
• HATO lighting
• Meggsius Count and Control
• Prinzen 100 egg packer and PS4 tray stacker
• Ovoclear
• Meggsius Detect
• Palletiser 110

“Everything is working as it should. We are learning, building confidence and getting the support we need at each stage.”

Working with one supplier for the main systems was a deliberate decision. The farm had heard about projects where equipment from several suppliers created challenges around compatibility, co-ordination and servicing. By choosing an integrated solution, the team wanted to make both the installation and the future operation of the farm as straightforward as possible.

“With one company, there is one place to call. Everything was designed to work together, and it gave us a future-ready system from the start.”

An installation that exceeded expectations

The planning and installation process proved easier than the customer had anticipated. Equipment arrived when promised, was packed efficiently and was straightforward to unload. The installation team from Baza was also praised for its organisation and professionalism.

“The fitting team did an excellent job. They were efficient, tidy and finished ahead of schedule.”

The installation was completed well before the birds arrived, giving the team time to become familiar with the system without the pressure of an active flock. Importantly, the egg packing equipment was also installed, configured and ready before egg production began.

“Everything in the egg room was set up and ready to go before the birds came in. Now that the eggs are starting, we are prepared. It was one less thing for us to think about.”

Support throughout the project

As newcomers to poultry farming, access to practical expertise was one of the farm’s main priorities. Support was provided not only to the farm team, but also to the local contractors involved in the project. The farm’s electrician worked closely with Dion Smith, Electrical Engineering Supervisor during the installation.

“Our electrician praised Dion for always being available to answer questions. He had the technical back-up and expertise he needed throughout the process as he’d never worked on a poultry house before.”

The farm also received initial equipment training before production started. Further sessions have been planned as egg numbers increase, allowing the team to learn in manageable stages and apply the training directly to the daily operation. 

“We had heard that with some suppliers, once the equipment is installed, their role is over and you are left to work things out yourself. With this being our first flock, we didn’t want that. Vencomatic has stayed in touch, organised ongoing training and continued to be there whenever we need help.”

A positive start for the flock

The first weeks have provided an encouraging start. The birds settled into the house quickly and began moving into the system almost immediately. During the first veterinary inspection, the flock was described as calm and well settled. The farm is now gradually building confidence and fine-tuning the environment as the flock develops. Marco van Zelst part of Vencomatic Group’s After Sales team flew out from the Netherlands to support the farm during the birds’ first days in the house. This helped the team understand how small adjustments could support bird movement and behaviour throughout the day.

“We are starting to fine-tune things like the lighting. By making some adjustments in the afternoon, we are seeing the birds move down and back up through the system even better.”

Building confidence for the future

Although the project is still in its early stages, the farm has already gained confidence in both the equipment and the support surrounding it. For a business entering poultry farming for the first time, the combination of an integrated system, an efficient installation and accessible technical guidance has helped make the transition more manageable.

By investing in an integrated and future-ready solution, the Morrice family have created a strong foundation for its new poultry enterprise; supported by one supplier and a team committed to helping the farm succeed over the long term.