Sam Clothier
South Australian egg producer Sam Clothier receives a Nuffield scholarship to study free range poultry systems, hen health, productivity and longevity.
His family run 10,000 laying hens in a pasture-based system, selling through their newly established brand – Limestone Coast Eggs. This operation sits alongside a 3000-ewe prime lamb and trade cattle enterprise.
Sam describes himself as a passionate ambassador for agriculture with a strong focus on innovation in free-range poultry systems.
He is now setting out to research world-leading strategies to incorporate into egg production systems across Australia. He is especially interested in exploring automated mobile housing systems and cooperative farming models in the USA and Canada.
He was motivated to apply for the scholarship after having scores of conversations with egg producers, all with a similar question – how can we manage bird health and disease threats in a free-range system?
He will examine how to close the mortality and laying rate gaps between pasture-based and cage production systems, along with ways to maximise production while optimising bird health and contributing to hen longevity.
With avian influenza having a devastating impact on egg producers in Australia and abroad, the research is timely and aligns with the Australian Egg Corporation’s goals for sustainable production and health and disease management.
With caged egg production systems being phased out by 2036, his study is relevant to the future of the industry.
Investor Information:
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is one of Canada’s largest pension investors with $299.7 billion of net assets under management as of March 31, 2025. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in capital markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, credit investments – and is a leading global investor in agriculture and timber through its Natural Resources group.
The Natural Resources group focuses on partnering with best-in-class local operators committed to sustainability, employee health and safety, and being positive long-term contributors to their communities.
Website: investpsp.com
