From what has happened in the past I would guess that the farmer is "releasing" his hens, meaning getting rid of them before the new batch come in.
If you want hens and are between Harrogate and Hampshire now is your chance to get probably one year old laying hens free or v cheap. We have had birds like this over the past 20 years and they are very productive and also rewarding as they change from being "battery" birds to being "real" birds. They will live for between 3 and 7 years after you get them.
If anyone is in the North Cambs area (or can collect from there) I will commit to collecting some for you and keeping them until you can get them from me.