Latheron SWI: Egg farmer gives a cracking talk

Mrs Carol Grant, president, welcomed members of Latheron SWI to a snowy February meeting.

The Bulb Show takes place in the Assembly Rooms, Wick on Saturday, March 2. Institutes are asked to provide 24 cakes for the teas, a raffle prize, items for the sales table and two members to help serve teas.

The County Show Committee AGM is to be held on February 27 in Watten Hall at 7.30pm. They are looking for helpers both on show day and to help set up the tent.

Mrs Grant introduced Emma Ruff, who runs the egg farm at Upper Smerral, Latheronwheel. She said they have 32,000 on the farm. They receive the chickens at 16 weeks old and go on to lay until they are one year old.

She went on to explain the whole process from laying the egg until it is sent away to a factory to be graded and sent out to supermarkets.

Eggs are also used in vaccines, cosmetics, wines and beers as well as for eating and baking. Britain produces 10.4 million eggs a year and is 91 per cent self-sufficient. Only 7 per cent of eggs are organic due to the very strict rules and regulations governing their production.

She said there is no need to keep eggs in the fridge, but they should be kept at an even temperature. Eggs are old if they float in water but fresh if they sink.

Mrs Grant thanked Emma for her very interesting and informative talk. Members went on to enjoy a lovely tea served by hostesses Rita Sutherland and Veira Sutherland.

Competitions:

Wedge of Quiche - 1 Veira Sutherland, 2 Carol Grant, 3 Anne Sutherland, 4 Lynsey Macleod, vhc Donna Sutherland.

Greeting Card in any craft - 1 Lynn Hendry, 2 Anne Sutherland, 3 Pat Hendry, 4 Shona Sinclair, vhc Donna Sutherland.

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