Buying a poultry farm in Canterbury – due diligence guide

Buying a poultry farm is part property purchase and part business purchase. You are not only buying land and a dwelling – you are also stepping into a contracted, highly managed production system. This guide walks you through the main checks to make before you commit.

1. Understand the supply or grower contract

The contract is the income engine. Ask for:

• Current contract, including expiry or renewal date

• Payment structure and how performance affects income

• Any standards you must keep (shed specs, biosecurity, turnaround times)

• Confirmation that the processor will accept you as the new grower

If the contract is close to expiry or the processor still needs to approve you, build that into your timing and conditions.

2. Check production and performance history

You want to see how the farm has actually performed, not just how it could perform.

Request:

• Last 12–24 months of flock or batch reports

• Bird numbers, mortality, feed conversion or other KPIs the processor issues

• Notes on any missed targets and reasons why

• Evidence of shed downtime or interruptions

Consistent, repeatable performance is a good sign; big fluctuations need an explanation.

3. Verify consents and compliance

Canterbury treats poultry as an intensive activity, so make sure the farm is operating within the rules.

Confirm:

• Regional (Environment Canterbury) consents are current and match the way the farm operates

• District council approvals for the sheds and activity

• Any Farm Environment Plan and the most recent audit

• That the layout meets the separation/setback requirements from neighbours

If anything is missing, ask the agent or vendor how it can be rectified and what it is likely to cost.

4. Inspect sheds, plant and services

Sheds and equipment often represent a large portion of the value.

During inspection, look for:

• Age, construction and condition of the sheds

• Ventilation (tunnel or cross-flow), insulation and door/curtain condition

• Computerised or remote controllers and whether they are up-to-date

• Water supply, storage and quality

• Power capacity and backup generator, including service records

• Truck access, turning and hardstand areas

Ask for maintenance logs and invoices – they show whether the farm has been proactively managed.

5. Review biosecurity and animal welfare practice

Processors and regulators expect good on-farm hygiene.

Ask to see:

• Visitor/sign-in procedure

• Shed cleaning and disinfection routine

• Pest and vermin control

• Any standard operating procedures for shed entry and clothing

• Confirmation the farm has been operating to current animal welfare standards

This protects your production and helps keep your contract in good standing.

6. Consider the house and lifestyle component

In Canterbury many poultry farms sell to buyers who also want a rural lifestyle.

Assess:

• Condition and size of the home

• Privacy and separation from the sheds

• Shelter, planting and presentation

• Schooling and access to services

• Whether the home and land justify the overall asking price

A well-presented home can make the overall purchase much more attractive.

7. Finance and insurance

Because a poultry farm is a specialised asset:

• Talk to your lender early and give them the contract and consents

• Be ready to explain production history and any upcoming capex

• Ask your insurer about cover for sheds, plant and business interruption

• Build time into the contract for your bank to complete its assessment

The cleaner the information you supply, the simpler this step will be.

8. Site visit checklist

When you visit the farm:

• Note odour at different points on the property

• Look at neighbouring uses – are there lifestyle blocks close by?

• Check truck access and how weather-dependent it is

• Confirm what is included in the sale (feed systems, controllers, generator, fuel tanks, workshop items)

• Take photos of meter boards, pumps and controllers so you can review later

Frequently asked questions about buying a poultry farm

Do I need experience to buy a poultry farm?
Not always, but you do need to show the processor you can follow their systems. Good documentation and a willingness to be trained are important.

What if the contract hasn’t been transferred to me yet?
Make the offer subject to the processor approving you and transferring the contract. Do not assume it is automatic.

How long should I allow for due diligence?
Allow enough time to review contracts, consents and production reports, and for your bank to complete its assessment. Three to four weeks is common for a well-documented farm.

Can I expand the farm after purchase?
Possibly, but expansion in Canterbury can trigger new consents and separation checks. Ask for planning advice before you rely on it.

What is the biggest red flag?
A combination of unclear consents and unclear contract status. Both can be fixed, but you should know about them before you set your price.