Sunshine Coast chicken farmer calls it quits as sales dry up during COVID

Pasture-raised egg producer Paul Heaton is exiting the industry. (ABC Rural: Jennifer Nichols)

An exhausted Queensland egg producer is calling it quits, blaming the crippling impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry.

Paul Heaton, from Phat Belli Farm on the Sunshine Coast, needs to rehome 1,400 Hyline Brown laying chickens and has put the birds and all of the associated equipment up for sale.

Since 2016 Mr Heaton has been building his business up at Belli Park, but he said orders from cafes and restaurants had dramatically reduced because of the pandemic.

The stress of working 100 hours a week has left him with little time to spend with his family.

Paul Heaton is selling the chicken "tractors" he converted from old caravans. (ABC Rural: Jennifer Nichols)

"You're dealing with Mother Nature as well — she's not really friendly sometimes," Mr Heaton said.

"We've had vans blow over in the wind.

"Farming is a tough gig, it really is, and if I knew back then what I know now, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't go into it.

Lee McCosker from PROOF says plenty of smaller operators have done it tough during the pandemic. (ABC Rural: Kim Honan)

Mixed results

Lee McCosker from certification business PROOF (Pasture Raised on Open Fields) said the fortunes of pasture-raised egg and pork farmers depended on their markets.

"The people that sell to established farmers' markets or independent supermarkets have been doing well, but unfortunately those that rely on hospitality are struggling," she said.

Ms McCosker said small PROOF-certified farmers relied on local trade and did not sell into major supermarkets or produce at large scales.

Phat Belli Farm had high welfare standards and produced eggs on an open pasture. (ABC Rural: Jennifer Nichols)

Ready for a rest

A diesel mechanic by trade, Mr Heaton is still considering his next move, but wants to thank his supporters.

"There's been a lot of people, a lot of cafes and restaurants that kept us going," he said.

Mr Heaton said he was looking forward to not having his life consumed by work.

"So the kids can see daddy when he's not stressed — that'd be great," he said.

Hyline Brown chickens are a commercial egg-laying breed. (ABC Rural: Jennifer Nichols)

Phat Belli farm is based at Belli Park, between Kenilworth and Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast.

The layers have been priced at $18 each.

Mr Heaton is offering deals for purchasers to buy five and get one free or buy 10 and get three free.

The farm can be contacted via Facebook.

Since the ABC shared Phat Belli Farm's story Mr Heaton has been completely overwhelmed by the public response.

One hundred chickens are being rehomed this afternoon and the farmer is pleading with people to be patient while he works to get back to hundreds of people who have left messages wanting to buy his chickens.

He said he would need to call in a friend to help.