By the 1950’s, the facilities couldn’t keep up with the demand, so in 1952 we set up a bigger, more modern plant right on the Brisbane River at Stanley Street, South Brisbane. Today, it’s where Brisbane’s South Bank precinct sits.
Our farms aren’t just where our chooks live. They’re the heart of everything we do.
Each of our farms are run with care, pride, and generations of farming knowledge, passed down through families who have been doing this for decades. We believe better farming starts with giving our birds a better life – more space, less stress, and an environment that lets them behave like chooks should.
That’s why our free range chickens roam between spacious barns and open ranges, protected by custom-designed netting that keeps them safe while they explore. It’s freedom with care.
And for our barn-raised chickens, life means open, well-ventilated barns with cage-free spaces, all designed to RSPCA standards. They have plenty of room and fresh air to keep them comfortable and thriving.
Every detail, from the feed we use to the protection we provide, is designed with welfare in mind. It’s about doing things right, and we think that makes all the difference.
THE ELGIN VALLEY FARMS DIFFERENCE.
Here’s what sets us apart.
Our Free Range Chooks aren’t cooped up. They have the freedom to move between spacious barns and open ranges where they can peck, scratch, and explore, like a bird is supposed to.
Our chickens’ safety matters just as much as their freedom. That’s why our ranges are protected with specially designed netting. It keeps predators out, and our birds safe, while they enjoy Queensland’s sun and fresh air. The netting means less risk, less stress, and healthier birds.
Our barn raised chickens live in spacious, open-ventilated barns, completely cage free. Every barn is designed to meet RSPCA Approved standards, with fresh air, natural light, and plenty of room for our birds to move freely. From temperature control to clean, dry bedding, every detail is optimised for comfort and welfare.
We think beyond the now. We reckon good farming means leaving things better than we found them. That’s why sustainability is the core of everything we do. From our feed to our footprint, every choice is about caring for the land, the birds, and our people who depend on both. Our sustainable practices include:
Elgin Valley Farms is the result of two proud Queensland farming families coming together — Woodlands and Darwalla — united by a shared vision: to raise better chooks and provide Aussies with food they can trust. Our history goes back nearly 100 years.
Woodlands was born out of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, by Joseph Elks and Albert Sudlow, who started growing strawberries and pineapples. They then branched into poultry farming, and Joseph’s son Don became one of the first chicken graders in QLD.
Darwalla began its story in 1933 in Mount Cotton, when Dolf Benfer began growing chickens south-east of Brisbane in Mt Cotton. Initially an egg producer, as the market changed, Darwalla adapted, producing chickens for meat.
1952
By the 1950’s, the facilities couldn’t keep up with the demand, so in 1952 we set up a bigger, more modern plant right on the Brisbane River at Stanley Street, South Brisbane. Today, it’s where Brisbane’s South Bank precinct sits.
1967
Golden Cockerel’s main processing facility was built by the Benfer family in 1967 in Mount Cotton, where it still sits to this day.
1972
In 1972, the Elk and Benfer families joined together, supplying chickens to Golden Cockerel in Mount Cotton.
1980’s
From the 70’s to 80’s, chicken was quickly rising in popularity as Australia’s choice of protein. As a result, Golden Cockerel began a long term partnership with Coles, supplying food to families across South-East Queensland.
2016
In 2016, Golden Cockerel took another step forward, introducing our very first free range chickens. The free range farms combine open, grassy ranges with the protection and care we’re known for, so our chooks can peck, scratch, and explore in comfort.
2016 also saw our partnership with ALDI to provide consumers with Elgin Valley Farms chicken, one that stands today.
TODAY
Today we continue to feed families and communities, paddock to plate, with a whopping 30%+ of Queenslanders fed each week over 50+ farms.
Our People
Behind every bird raised is a team that cares. Farmers, processors, and partners who treat this work like more than a job. Many of our people are second or third generations, bringing decades of experience. If you share our values and want to be a part of business that’s proud of its heritage and excited for the future, we’d love to hear from you.