Mokoena Fresh Poultry Farm Expansion

Five years ago, I left my full-time job with one goal in mind: to build a poultry business that could provide fresh, affordable eggs to families while creating stable employment opportunities in my community. I started with just 300 laying hens housed in a small structure that I built with my own savings. Every morning before sunrise, I collected eggs by hand, delivered them to local shops, and spent the evenings maintaining the poultry house. The work was demanding, but every satisfied customer reminded me why I had taken the risk.

Over the years, our reputation has been built on consistency, quality, and honesty. We never compromise on animal welfare, feed quality, or freshness. Today, our farm supplies eggs to neighborhood supermarkets, independent grocery stores, schools, restaurants, and several small businesses. Many of these customers have supported us from the beginning because they know they can rely on us for quality products delivered on time.

The business has continued to grow almost entirely through word-of-mouth referrals. Existing customers regularly recommend us to others, and new wholesale buyers contact us every month hoping to establish long-term supply agreements. While this is an exciting position for any small business to be in, it has also become our greatest challenge. Our existing poultry houses are operating at full capacity, leaving us unable to increase production despite growing demand.

During the past year alone, we have had to decline several large supply contracts simply because we do not have enough birds to meet the required daily volume. Every declined order represents income lost, jobs that could have been created, and customers who are forced to source eggs elsewhere. Rather than allowing these opportunities to continue slipping away, we are ready to take the next step in growing our farm responsibly.

Our expansion plan has been carefully prepared after months of research and consultation with experienced poultry specialists. We intend to construct two modern poultry houses that will significantly increase our production capacity while improving ventilation, hygiene, and bird welfare. These facilities will enable us to raise an additional 3,000 layer chickens and operate more efficiently than our current setup.

We are also planning to introduce automated feeding and watering systems. At the moment, much of this work is still done manually, which consumes valuable time every day and increases labor costs. Automation will allow us to maintain more consistent feeding schedules, reduce waste, improve productivity, and ensure healthier birds throughout the year.

To support the larger flock, we also need sufficient feed supplies and veterinary care during the early growth period. Purchasing these resources upfront will ensure the birds develop properly and begin laying eggs according to schedule. This investment will position the business for sustainable long-term growth rather than temporary expansion.

We are seeking R950,000 to make this expansion possible. Every contribution will be invested directly into increasing production capacity, improving operational efficiency, and creating a stronger agricultural business that benefits both our customers and our community.

The funds will be used for the following:

• Construct two additional poultry houses designed to safely accommodate 3,000 new layer chickens.

• Purchase healthy vaccinated layer chicks from reputable breeders.

• Install automated feeding and watering systems that improve efficiency while reducing waste.

• Purchase feed, vaccines, and veterinary supplies required during the expansion phase.

• Employ additional farm workers to manage the increased production and daily operations.

• Improve storage facilities and egg handling equipment to maintain consistent product quality.

This expansion is expected to more than double our daily egg production, allowing us to meet existing customer demand while securing new wholesale contracts that have previously been beyond our capacity. Increased production will strengthen our cash flow, improve long-term profitability, and allow us to continue investing back into the business.

Perhaps even more importantly, this project will create meaningful employment opportunities within our community. As the farm grows, we will need additional staff for poultry management, packaging, quality control, and distribution. Supporting local agriculture means supporting local families who depend on businesses like ours for stable employment.

Every contribution, regardless of its size, brings us one step closer to achieving this vision. By supporting our campaign, you are helping a hardworking local business expand responsibly, strengthen food security, and create opportunities that will benefit our community for many years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, believe in our vision, and become part of the next chapter of Mokoena Fresh Poultry Farm. We truly appreciate your support.