Farm Labourer - Table Egg Chicken Production

Lydia Schouten

Table Egg Chicken Farming Overview

The ‘poultry and egg’ industry includes over 1000 egg farms that operate together under supply management and follow market trends to match what they produce with demand. Table egg production is managed to prevent surpluses or shortages.

Image Source: Egg Farmers of Canada

Canadians benefit by having continual and year-round access to fresh, local and high-quality eggs.

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Table Egg Chicken Farm Labourers perform a wide variety of tasks that depend on the type of operation.

Farm Labourers are fully supervised, may operate farm machinery, and acquire skills/ knowledge through on-the-job-training. Typically, farm labourers need no formal education or prior farm experience.

Typical Job Titles

Barn Labourer
Chicken Catcher
Egg Collector
Egg Picker
Farm Hand

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What are the major tasks associated to this job?

Farm Labourers assist with activities related to growing, raising, and harvesting livestock.

Comply with legislation, regulations and standards
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Follow environmentally sustainable work practices
Maintain health and safety of self and others
Maintain biosecurity
Assist with flock health and welfare
Prepare pullet barn
Receive chicks
Assist with pullet duties
Assist with preparation for transport to laying barn
Prepare laying barn
Assist with laying hen duties
Assist with preparation for flock removal
Assist with post-production activities
Assist with maintenance of facilities, infrastructure and environmental conditions
Use equipment, tools and technology
Assist with maintenance of equipment, tools and technology

What competencies are required for this job?

These competencies were identified as most important for successful job performance.

Agriculture Health and Safety
Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices
Table Egg Chicken Production
Animal Health and Welfare
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Continuous Learning
Biosecurity

What attracts people to this job?

This job is a good starting point for people seeking temporary or long term employment. In most cases it is not necessary to have farm experience or even any formal working experience, nor is it necessary to have a high school diploma or formal education. This job:

Provides people an opportunity to work with animals
Gives people an opportunity to work with machinery and equipment

Are there opportunities for growth in this job?

Table Egg Chicken Farm Labourers that gain experience and learn to perform more complex tasks and activities will become an experienced Worker. With more production experience and some training courses, they can become specialized in some aspect of table egg chicken production, or can become Table Egg Chicken Farm Supervisors to manage a crew.

What are the typical pay rates and benefits for this job?

Depending on the operation and the region of Canada, pay for this job ranges, but tends to be hourly at minimum wage or slightly higher.