Higgins Family Farm – Three generations of care, for the love of hens

Founded by the Higgins grandparents and passed down through the family, the farm now cares for 100,000 cage-free hens with a philosophy grounded in continuous improvement and compassion.

With a commitment to going beyond best practice, Higgins Farm is driven by one guiding belief: they’re in it for the birds.

How long have you been an SPCA Certified member?

We’ve been a member for 12 years now.

What makes farming layer hens special to you, and what do you enjoy most about it?

It’s so much more than a job—it's a way of life that has been in my family for generations. I love walking among the birds, watching them roam freely, and knowing I’m part of a legacy started by my grandparents. There’s something deeply fulfilling about carrying forward this tradition, with the hope that one day I’ll pass it down to my own children.

What I enjoy most is the connection we have with our customers. When we receive feedback from someone who loves our eggs, it reinforces everything we put into the farm.

Since becoming a part of SPCA Certified, what welfare changes have you implemented on farm that you are most proud of?

We've planted extensively—shelterbelts and paddock trees alike—to draw the birds out onto the range and create a more natural, enriching environment. These plantings offer safe spaces for dustbathing under tree cover, helping protect them from predators while encouraging natural behaviours. I'm also proud to say that our farm is completely free of Caged and Colony Caged systems.

What message would you like to share with people about the importance of buying food products from farms with high welfare standards, like those who carry the SPCA Certified blue badge?

Buying products with the blue badge gives customers the assurance that they are getting what they are paying for – truly cage-free and animals farmed to standards higher than best practice.