Today, the number has jumped to over 8000, and Mr Tarasenko is expecting it will continue to climb. 

The pair are close to becoming one of the five largest chicken farms of their kind, keeping their chickens in portable a-frame structures that can be moved to different areas of the property, rather than a fixed shed. 

It’s known as regenerative farming, a method of production that promotes the fertility of the soil by evenly distributing the chickens’ manure across the land. 

“It improves the soil, but this type of farming actually has multiple benefits,” Mr Tarasenko said. 

“The manure isn’t left to collect all on one place, so there is no damaging the ground or need for big clean ups, and the chickens are kept off their mess, so there are no hygiene issues.”

This farming style is conducive to multiple enterprises, giving them the option to introduce cattle to their property in the future. 

Currently, the chickens have access to about 40 hectares of land. They are restricted to around 1.5 hectares each week, so over the course of a year they scratch and fertilise each section at least once. 

Mr Tarasenko said this allows him to produce on his land, while simultaneously improving its quality.

“The best part is that their eggs are just getting better and better everything they rotate around the farm, because they are eating this regenerated grass, which they’ve helped to improve, so the whole thing works in a cycle,” he said. 

When the sun goes down, or when they feel an egg on its way, the chickens retire to their a-frame abodes. A conveyor belt system within each a-frame structure transports and stores eggs as they are laid.

To relocate to another part of the farm, the a-frames are towed by tractor. “Skids”, resembling snow skis, are installed at the base of each a-frame, allowing them to glide over the terrain. 

Mr Tarasenko said they were a very low cost chicken shelter well suited to people making their first step into farming. He reduced his costs even further by sourcing recycled materials from local builder.

in about 12 to 18 months, when the chickens have done a few more rounds of the property, Mr Tarasenko intends to introduce cattle to his property. 

“It’s symbiotic to have chooks and cattle running together, so I’m really looking forward to making that next step,” he said. 

Mr Tarasenko said his farm has benefited from taking this sustainable approach to land management.