Turkey hatchery set to open in US

The $30m project was first announced 18 months ago, and is due to begin production shortly. When up and running, the Beresford hatchery will produce around 35 million day-old turkey poults a year, which will be transported with a fleet of specialised trucks equipped with technology that simulates a hatchery environment during transport. The investment involves the construction of two new hatcheries, as well as multiple new farms to supply them. This modern hatchery is state of the art and dedicated to hatching grandparents for multiple genetic lines. Meanwhile, one of Hendrix Genetics’ turkey breeds has been awarded the top level in the Dutch Beter Leven rating system. Twan Jenniskens focuses on one of Hendrix’s alternative turkey breeds, known as the Cartier, and was awarded a 1 on the rating system. The program designates a 1-, 2- or 3-star system for meat production. It began a decade ago, when six poultry farmers gave their chickens more room and a covered outdoor space. This qualified them for the new certification. Since then, the program has grown to include more than 800 farms and 31 million animals being raised under this standard. The criteria for certification include the conditions on the farm, the health of the animals, and how fast they grow. Chief innovation and technology officer at Hendrix Genetics Johan van Arendonk explained that “increased transparency and focus on quality will mean the consumer can know even more about the food they eat and provide to their family”.

Turkey hatchery set to open in US

Hendrix Genetics has finished work on its turkey hatchery in Beresford, South Dakota.

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