Poultry Case Study - Devonshire Poultry Ltd

Award-winning poultry farmer Robert Lanning started his career as an enterprising 10 year old when he began selling eggs from the back of a push bike. As soon as he was old enough, he turned his passion into reality, and 13 years ago set up his own business, Devonshire Poultry Limited, based in Honiton.

Together with the assistance of Calor – the UK’s leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) – Devonshire Poultry now has three sites within three miles of each other, totaling 144,000 square feet, that are used to rear 240,000 chickens each crop. The latest unit, Tower Farm, has just begun production and will be an important part of the company’s operation.

In addition to raising ‘classic’ chickens from one day to 38 days old, Devonshire Poultry also raises a crop of 40,000 corn-fed RSPCA approved Freedom Food chickens. These are slower growing Lloyd Maunder Devonshire breed, raised for seven weeks and with a stocking density of a maximum 30kg per square metre.

Both ‘classic’ and Freedom Food chicks are collected for processing by Lloyd Maunder Limited, with whom Devonshire Poultry has had an excellent working relationship since it began in business.

Another company that Devonshire Poultry has remained with since owning its first site is Calor. The LPG provided by the company plays an integral role to chick rearing, as it provides the necessary fuel to power the Priva space heaters.

The broiler sites house heaters that are lit at least 24 hours prior to the chick fill and are used to ensure a consistent level of warmth throughout the rearing period. The recently installed Priva Eco Heaters – six in number – have already raised their first crop.

Using a substantial amount of LPG each year, Robert is very pleased with Calor’s commitment and customer service throughout their working relationship. ‘Calor’s first class service and competitive prices have reinforced my decision to remain a customer for such a long time,’ he says.

‘In addition to providing me with LPG at sometimes very short notice, the company’s vehicles also turn up spotless. This is vital as bio security is something we take very seriously and this proves that Calor understands the poultry sector. Their sales and accounts staff are also very professional and it’s clear that they genuinely want what’s best for my business,’ he adds.

Calor LPG is supplied for both the broiler sites and Robert’s newly built home, providing energy
for all the family’s domestic central heating, hot water and cooking.

Having the fuel contained within the tanks on site ensures Devonshire Poultry does not run out of fuel. ‘There has never been a time when we have run out of LPG,’ adds Robert, ‘but if we ever did, I’m confident that Calor would be able to renew our supply in hours. That confidence is absolutely essential.’

The recent acquisition of Tower Farm and its complete refurbishment illustrates Devonshire Poultry’s continued determination to lead the industry. ‘We’re always looking for further development,’ says Robert. ‘There’s no doubt that the industry has had its challenges, but the opportunities are there and our aim is to keep moving forward.’

‘With the new site, Calor also worked with us to ensure an easy and effective LPG installation,’ he adds. ‘Calor’s technical team already had a clear understanding of our needs and the tanks and supply pipes were quickly installed,’ he adds.

As with Devonshire Poultry’s existing sites, the heating equipment has been installed by Tiverton based company South West Poultry Installations, a local firm that provides 24 hour support. ‘Whether it’s the equipment or the gas supply, we want to deal with suppliers that understand our needs and our business,’ says Robert. ‘We want clean vehicles, clean suppliers and 24 hour support and that’s the service we get from Calor.’

Robert has won two industry awards– the national NFU Trouw awards in 1999 and 2001. He is also
proud to display the Red Tractor logo and the RSPCA Freedom Food marquee, meaning that his
chickens are reared to the highest welfare standards and are of genuine British quality.

‘It’s important for us that the highest standards are maintained,’ adds Robert. ‘We genuinely aim to
provide the highest levels of welfare to our birds. They are not a commodity, but living creatures –
and the UK consumer can buy British chicken with confidence. This is also Lloyd Maunder policy.’

‘Devonshire Poultry is a valued customer of ours and we are very pleased that they have remained
with us for so many years, adds Calor commercial specialist Paul Bennett. ‘We treat all our customers individually and aim to understand their business needs to meet their LPG requirements quickly and efficiently. Service is absolutely paramount and we keep this in the forefront of our minds at all times.’