Farm Visit to Uncle Rani Organic Farm by Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers Organization Report:

Date of Visit: July 27, 2024   |   Venue: Uncle Rani Organic Farm, Kuang, Selangor
Facilitators:Uncle Rani (Farm Owner and Facilitator) and Humane Society International (HSI)

Objectives of the Visit

1. To understand and observe the hybrid cage-free egg production system.
2. To learn about free-range village egg production methods.
3. To explore the use of low-cost, economic feed in organic and sustainable farming practices.
4. To encourage knowledge exchange between members of MCEPO and Uncle Rani regarding sustainable farming practices.
5. To foster cooperation and networking among cage-free egg producers in Malaysia.

Key Highlights of the Farm Visit

1. Hybrid Cage-Free Egg Production System

• Uncle Rani introduced participants to the hybrid cage-free egg production system, which combines the advantages of both free-range and cage-free farming. The system allows the hens to roam freely in a protected environment while optimizing egg production.
• Participants learned how the system enhances animal welfare, ensuring the chickens have adequate space and access to natural light, while also maintaining efficiency in egg production.

2. Free-Range Village Egg Production

• The free-range village production system was showcased as a traditional and community-based method of farming. The hens are allowed to roam freely in open spaces, foraging on natural vegetation and insects, which results in more nutrient-dense eggs.
• Uncle Rani discussed the economic benefits of this system for small-scale producers, noting how minimal input costs can lead to higher profitability, especially when targeting niche organic markets.

3. Low-Cost, Economic Feed Production

• One of the most important aspects of the visit was learning about the farm's approach to low-cost feed production. Uncle Rani demonstrated how locally available resources, such as crop residues, agricultural by-products, and insects, could be efficiently used to formulate feed at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.
• This low-cost feed production method not only reduces expenses but also ensures the feed is organic and free from chemicals, aligning with the farm’s sustainable practices.

4. Sustainability and Economic Viability

• Uncle Rani stressed the importance of balancing sustainability with economic viability. Participants were given insights into how adopting organic and free-range practices can be profitable, especially when targeting conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for ethically produced eggs.

Facilitation by Humane Society International (HSI)

Humane Society International (HSI), a global leader in animal protection, played a pivotal role in facilitating the visit. HSI has been actively involved in promoting cage-free egg production in Malaysia and around the world. During the visit, HSI representatives highlighted the organization’s initiatives and efforts in supporting the transition to cage-free and free-range systems.

HSI provided educational materials, facilitated discussions on animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, and emphasized the global demand for cage-free eggs, encouraging producers to transition toward more higher welfare farming methods.

Feedback from Participants

The participants expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that it provided them with valuable insights into sustainable egg production systems. Many members indicated that they were inspired to incorporate the practices observed during the visit into their own farms. The knowledge shared by Uncle Rani on low-cost feed production was particularly well-received, as it offers a viable solution to one of the major challenges faced by small-scale producers – reducing input costs while maintaining high-quality production.

Conclusion

The farm visit to Uncle Rani Organic Farm was a successful and enriching experience for the members of the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers Organization. The opportunity to observe and learn from Uncle Rani’s hybrid cage-free and free-range egg production systems, as well as the low-cost feed production techniques, provided participants with practical knowledge that they can implement in their own operations.

The visit also reinforced the importance of adopting sustainable and higher welfare farming practices, which not only promote animal welfare but also open up new economic opportunities in the growing market for ethically produced food. With the support of organizations like HSI, MCEPO members are well-positioned to lead the way in transforming Malaysia’s egg production industry toward more sustainable and humane practices.

Prepared by:

Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers Organization