We spoke with the family behind Rohde Egg Co. to learn more about their family business.
Tell us about your family business.
Rohde Egg Co. (formally Rohde’s Free Range Eggs), is based near Tarlee, South Australia and started back in 1957, when Ian and Jill Rohde purchased a few chickens to provide some supplementary income for their sheep and cropping enterprise.
Over the years, the ‘egg business’ steadily evolved and grew as John (Ian and Jill’s son), and his wife Ange, became more actively involved. In recent years, the business has grown further and is now into the third generation, with John and Ange’s son, Martin the General Manager and their daughter Brooke also involved.
We now have over 150,000 chickens across two farms and are producing close to 30 million eggs per year and supplying retailers all across South Australia.
Being a multi-generational family business, an advantage we have is the unconditional passion and care we share for the business. Although we have grown and employ many non-family members, we still strive to uphold the family values that enabled us to get to this point.
What has been your greatest success?
Our business continuing to battle on with family involved.
Like all industries and businesses, there are plenty of challenges but when reflecting, we wouldn’t have it any other way. It is nice to have reached the third generation… hopefully a few more to come.
What do you value about FBA?
We enjoy the network and connections you can tap into. We have realised we are not alone with some of the issues we encounter.
Family businesses of all sizes and industries often have the same challenges and pressure points, and we can learn a lot from others.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Don’t underestimate what you can learn from others. It’s not always easy but there is always someone else out there that has faced the same problem.
Additionally, celebrate the wins. We can often brush over key moments or successes because we’re too busy but it’s important to stop and smell the roses.
Learn more about Rohde Egg Co.
New website coming soon: www.rohdeeggco.au
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