Bespoke pullet finance initiative launched by UK egg packer

The initial 3-month period of birds coming in to peak lay can weigh heavy on cashflows as feed, staff and other operating costs continue.

Created in conjunction with agricultural bank Oxbury, it is structured to complement free-range egg production cycles. There are 2 flexible pullet finance options available:

• Stonegate 13 Pullet Finance Scheme – a 13-month facility with interest only repayments for the first 3 months, followed by 10 capital and interest repayments. This term is tailored for a standard production cycle of 16-76 weeks.
• Stonegate 15 Pullet Finance Scheme – a 15-month facility with interest only repayments for the first 3 months, followed by 12 capital and interest repayments. This favours a longer white bird production cycle of between 16-100 weeks.

Both facilities are flexible and farms can apply for a minimum of £25,001 in finance up to the full or part cost of the pullet invoice and choose to either stick to the scheduled terms or start to make repayments early. Both options have a fixed interest rate of 8%. There is no arrangement fee and there is no requirement to move the farm’s current banking arrangements.

Supporting farmers

Adrian Gott, CEO of Stonegate, said the pressure of cashflow can be hugely stressful for egg producers: “I am delighted that we are able to support our farmers tackle these potentially difficult periods with the launch of our scheme. Ultimately, our aim is to create a supportive environment for our farmers where they and their businesses can thrive. I am also very pleased how Stonegate is working in partnership and in collaboration with Oxbury on such an important area of the supply chain.

“The expertise here in Stonegate, to help advise and counsel farmers across every aspect of setting up and running a successful production facility, is second to none. This knowledge, coupled with the close collaborative working relationships, allow us to identify the challenges farmers face and deliver real solutions.”

Last year, the company worked with the National Farmers’ Union to launch the first of its kind avian influenza insurance policy scheme to reduce farmer risk.

Huw Tudor, Oxbury senior agricultural relationship manager, said he was excited to see the new opportunities the product and the relationship would bring. “Launching this bespoke pullet finance product allows us to continue to support British farmers to thrive and grow.”

Interest in greater fairness and support across the egg supply chain is an important issue for the sector. The Government announced at the end of October that it had set up a new review to promote fairness, transparency and accountability across the egg supply chain, delivering on key commitments from the Farm to Fork Summit.