Royal Warrant crowns Humphrey Feed's 75th anniversary
Receiving a Royal Warrant for the supply of free-range poultry feed to the Royal Farms, Windsor, to be awarded in January 2008, will be regarded as the ultimate accolade by Winchester based company Humphrey Feeds. Especially as the warrant, presented for 6 years' continuous supply, also marks a high point in the Humphrey family's own history: the 75th anniversary of its involvement in the poultry industry.
Feed Sales Director, Martin Humphrey comments: "What better way to crown 75 years in the poultry business than with such an honour. Maintaining the quality and integrity of our free range and organic feeds is always an absolute priority. If a Royal Warrant doesn't say that we've succeeded, what does?"
The company's involvement with the Royal Farms, Windsor began in 2001 when their free range guru Mick Dennett was invited to Windsor to advise on the setting up of the free range poultry farm. "I spoke at length with the Privy Purse and was even asked which of the fields would be most suitable for free range poultry. Many were perfect, with shelter provided by thick walled gardens! Eventually the ideal location was found and a 2 – 3 acre site was established."
Having offered advice on the environment, Mr Dennett was keen to compliment it with the finest quality poultry feed. He recalls: "I called Martin Humphrey. When he realised I had an order for the Royal Farms, Windsor he replied that he'd be right there and deliver it personally - on his bike if need's be! Since the very beginning, Humphrey Feeds has supplied poultry feed to the Royal Farms, Windsor."
Having in the past experimented with both layers and broilers, Windsor's 1,200 bird poultry farm now concentrates on free range egg production with its predominantly Highline hybrids producing eggs that go on sale in the popular Windsor Farm Shop.
As with all Humphrey Feeds customers, feed supply is only part of the service. Mick Dennett offers support and advice to the Royal Farms, Windsor on all aspects of the poultry industry from feed and routine management to marketing and grading. Mr Dennett confirms, "If they have a problem, whatever it is, whatever the time or day or night, we sort it out for them, that's all part of the service on which Humphrey Feeds has built its reputation."
Founded by John Humphrey in 1932, who started a free range egg business after being pensioned from the RAF, the enterprise now encompasses both egg production and a specialist feed company and in total employs 115 people including John's son Peter Humphrey as Managing Director of Humphrey Feeds and grandson Martin Humphrey as Feed Sales Director.
Mr Dennett believes the Humphrey family ethos was a distinct advantage in gaining the royal contract. "As a family business, I'm sure the traditional values and commitment to personal service that runs through the company have always been appreciated. For my own part, it has been a tremendous honour to be of assistance to the royal family in this way. I've been in this industry now for over 46 years and to have played such a part in helping Humphrey Feeds gain a Royal Warrant has made me a very proud man".
