A couple who left behind careers in teaching and hospitality to start an organic egg business have been named finalists in a national farming competition.
Rodrigo and Kirsten Navarro, founders of Wandering Feathers, launched their business on Kingsclere Estates in Hampshire and are now finalists in the British Farming Awards’ New Entrant category.
The business produces organic eggs from 600 hens, despite neither Rodrigo nor Kirsten having a background in farming.
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Rodrigo said: "When Kirsten suggested that we put Wandering Feathers forward for the British Farming Awards, I naively said not to bother.
"Because our business is very locally focused, I thought that even if we were picked for something, we wouldn't gain any customers from it. Excuses.
"I'm very grateful that she ignored me completely and put us forward anyway.
"The competition is fierce, but we are genuinely honoured to have been selected in the first place."
The couple turned to farming after experiencing burnout in their previous careers.
Rodrigo had spent 10 years working in London kitchens, while Kirsten was a primary school teacher.
Her time in the classroom made her aware of how disconnected many children were from understanding where their food comes from.
In early 2023, they decided to change direction.
Rodrigo began studying agriculture and together, they started learning from farmers across the UK, focusing on organic and regenerative systems.
Their break came through the Pitch Up! campaign, which connected them with Kingsclere Estates, a 1,000-hectare organic farm aiming to build a circular farming community.
Wandering Feathers now keeps 600 certified organic hens in mobile units that follow the estate’s dairy herd as part of a regenerative farming approach.
The couple plan to expand their flock in the future.
Eggs are sold locally, with the Navarro's delivering directly to customers’ doors.
Their eggs are also stocked by independent shops, butchers and pubs across Basingstoke and Deane, and they have begun supplying customers as far as south London.
The British Farming Awards recognise farmers and agricultural businesses demonstrating innovation, determination and commitment to the future of British agriculture.
For Wandering Feathers, reaching the finals is a significant milestone for a business that began as a leap into the unknown.
More information about Wandering Feathers is available at wanderingfeathers.co.uk.
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