FARMER Susie Macmillan is cock-a-hoop after winning a prestigious award for her work teaching people about free range eggs.

Mrs Macmillan, who runs the Macs Farm in Ditchling with her husband, two brothers and children, is well known for her love for the thousands of hens in her care.

She is passionate about organic farming and educating people about the realities of what farming is all about.

The 44-year-old was this week crowned Free Range Champion 2016 at the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) annual awards.

She said: “We are so delighted that our hard work and passion for farming has been recognised.

“We love what we do, and we feel it is our duty as farmers to educate and inform people honestly about where their food comes from and exactly how it is produced.

“Letting people into farms to meet the farmers and see what goes on behind closed gates is vitally important. We are just one of many farming families up and down the country that look after and care for their animals with compassion and kindness.

“Our hens are given lots of space to roam around and can come in and out whenever they like throughout the day.

“We also give them the best feed possible and we never used pesticides or any chemicals.

“One of our mottos is that farm animals live and farm animals die.

“So it’s what you can do in between about their welfare which is so important.”

The Macs Farm regularly donates eggs to help local organisations and welcomes campers who are encouraged to meet the chickens, collect eggs and learn about what they do.

Locals are encouraged to visit the egg shed daily to buy eggs and Mrs Macmillan and her family regularly blog about life on the farm on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

BFREPA chairman James Baxter said: “This is a one-off very special award given to someone who is pretty unique in the work she does for free range and organic egg production.”

“Susie has gone above and beyond for the free range egg industry and we wanted to acknowledge her unique and brilliant work by awarding her the Free Range Champion Award.

“As well as participating in numerous local media interviews and events, Susie has opened the farm to hundreds if not thousands of the general public over the years, hosting various events and open days.

“We are impressed by Susie and her passion for communication with the public and her willingness to open the farm to those interested.”

For more details visit themacsfarm.co.uk.

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST EGG

1. According to Susie the most important thing is a happy hen. “A well cared for animal is always first and foremost.”

2. Good food. Scraps are OK for an occasional treat but the most important thing they should have is a well-balanced mash or pellets.

3. Plenty of clean water, even though Susie’s hens love to head for muddy puddles after it’s been raining and take a drink from there.

4. Plenty of nest boxes to provide peace and quiet for hens to lay their eggs in relaxed and calm environment.

5. Lots of space where hens can move about, choose whether to come in or out and have dust baths.