About Us
Quail Valley Free Range Farm
Welcome to Quail Valley Free Range, a proudly family-owned and operated egg farm nestled in the beautiful Nelson region. Our family has been farming hens and producing eggs since 1981, when Lloyd and Gwen moved north from their sheep and cattle farm in North Otago to begin their poultry journey in Nelson. What began as a small, traditional mid-sized farm has grown and evolved through decades of change in the New Zealand egg industry.
The deregulation of the poultry industry in the late 1980s allowed us to take control of our own markets and expand our vision. Since then, we’ve continued to modernise, upgrade, and improve our farming systems - always striving to exceed the industry code of welfare and provide the highest standards of care for our hens.
In 2005, we recognised the growing demand for free-range eggs and purchased a small dairy block in Belgrove. This tranquil valley, with its rolling pastures, mature native trees, and natural streams, became the perfect home for what is now Quail Valley Free Range. Here, our hens roam, forage, and enjoy a natural outdoor environment that supports their health and happiness.
We bring in day-old chicks and raise them in purpose-designed rearing sheds. All our hens are fed high-quality, GE-free feed made in our own feed mill, ensuring their diet is fresh, natural, and traceable. Our focus remains on excellent hygiene, natural nutrition, and creating healthy living conditions for our birds.
Quail Valley Free Range is truly a multi-generational family business. Paul and his wife Jill now manage the farm, with Lloyd and Gwen still involved in supportive roles, and the third generation stepping in to help shape the future of our operation.
Our vision has always been Quality, Service, and Innovation. As the egg industry continues to evolve, our commitment stays the same:
to provide high-quality, safe eggs
to offer choice
to prioritise the welfare of our hens
to care for our environment
to help feed our growing population
At Quail Valley Free Range, we believe that the natural, peaceful environment our hens enjoy is reflected in the taste and quality of the eggs they produce. We’re proud to bring wholesome, delicious free-range eggs from our family to yours.
Caring For The Land That Cares For Us
At Quail Valley Free Range, sustainability isn’t a trend it’s a responsibility we take seriously. We believe caring for the land today protects the future of our farm for generations to come.
To reduce our environmental footprint, we have installed a solar farm capable of powering our entire operation, allowing us to harness clean, renewable energy every day. We use recyclable packaging and actively reuse materials wherever possible, helping to minimise waste across all areas of our business.
We also mill our own feed on-site, giving us complete control over exactly what goes into it. By carefully selecting quality ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives, we ensure our hens receive balanced, natural nutrition while maintaining transparency in our farming practices.
Sustainable farming is at the heart of everything we do from the way we power our farm to the way we care for our hens and our environment.
