A NORTH Yorkshire free range egg producer has won a new contract to supply 54 Morrisons supermarkets.

Family-run James Potter Yorkshire Free Range Eggs already supplies Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and the Co-op from its base at Catton, near Thirsk.

The business has more than 300,000 laying hens and operate the highest welfare and environmental standards.

Adrian Potter, director, said: "The continued growth and demand for our eggs shows that strong quality and welfare values resonate with our Yorkshire customers. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve the wellbeing of our hens in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner."

In their latest investment, he and his brother, James, are installing biomass boilers which, once complete, will produce two Megawatts of carbon neutral renewable heat.

Biomass is part of the farm’s drive to become environmentally sustainable, adding to its existing solar power installations and thousands of native trees, which have been planted on the farm. Its policy is to sell locally to reduce food miles.

Adrian said: "Investment in biomass is very much part of our hen-centric approach to business and the environment. There’s a noticeable difference in the air quality and our birds seem more content. This really is about creating five-star accommodation for our hens."

The heat reduces ammonia build-up and results in fresher air for the hens to enjoy. Biomass also makes business sense, as the farm reports a noticeable improvement in egg production, whilst feed consumption has dropped as the hens require less energy to stay warm.

Keeping the hens cosy results in better quality eggs. The British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association advises reducing stress in hens improves performance.

The Potters recently revealed how their hens lay more and better quality eggs when they play them music by pop star Ed Sheeran, with songs Little Bird and Lay It All on Me.

The brothers’ business ethics also benefit Yorkshire communities as one pence per dozen eggs is donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Last year, they raised £50,000; the new Morrisons supply chain is expected to net even more for the charity.

The farm has built a firm reputation for high standards of animal welfare and was recently awarded a Good Farm Animal Welfare Award by Compassion in World Farming.