ProTen development manager Ashley Etherington with Inghams’ general manager farming and milling Sheridan Alfirevich on site at Charlton, Vic. Photo: Inghams

INGHAMS has sold country in Charlton in north-central Victoria to ProTen so it can build two new poultry breeder production farms to be managed by Inghams upon completion.

ProTen is Australia’s largest corporate meat chicken grower, and the partnership capitalises on ProTen’s proven expertise in poultry farm development and operations.

Costing around $50 million, the project will see the construction of 16 highly automated production sheds across the two farms, with construction commencing this month.

Operations are expected to begin in the first half of 2029.

The ASX-listed Inghams already has breeder farms in operation in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

The Charlton breeder farms will incorporate the latest technology in egg grading and sorting, using AI-based systems to assess each egg produced.

This is expected to enhance Inghams’ operational efficiency and contribute to reduced transport costs.

The project represents a commitment to regional Victoria and is expected to create employment opportunities within the Charlton community during the construction and operational phases.

“This development represents an important investment in our Victorian farming operations and the Charlton community,” Inghams’ general manager farming and milling Sheridan Alfirevich said.

“Building on our long-standing presence in the region, these new state-of-the-art breeder farms will meaningfully expand our national breeding capacity and deliver world-class animal welfare and biosecurity outcomes.

ProTen chief executive officer James Wentworth said ProTen was pleased to partner with Inghams in creating the facility.

“We are also very grateful for the support Buloke Council has provided for the project,” Mr Wentworth said.

Source: Inghams