The conversation also covers the social side of the event, future guest possibilities, Women in Poultry’s growing presence, and a special mention for Nick Bailey as he marks 30 years in the industry.

In This Episode

Tom and Tom discuss:

• The atmosphere at the Pig & Poultry Fair 2026
• A renewed sense of optimism across the poultry sector
• The buzz around the NEC and the effort exhibitors have put into their stands
• Catching up with previous podcast guests and industry contacts
• Feedback from listeners and the importance of different perspectives
• Encouragement for more people across the industry to come on the podcast
• Plans for day two of the show
• The growing visibility of Women in Poultry
• A nod to Nick Bailey’s 30 years in the industry

Key Moments

The episode opens with Tom and Tom reflecting on how tiring, but valuable, the first day of the fair has been. They note that the mood around the poultry end of the show feels notably positive, with businesses investing in strong stands and plenty of people seeming optimistic about the state of the sector.

They also talk about the importance of using the podcast as a platform for the industry. After receiving feedback from listeners at the show, they encourage anyone with a story, business, product or perspective to get in touch and consider joining a future episode.

The pair also look ahead to the second day of the fair, with plans to spend more time visiting stands, speaking to people in more detail and catching some of the talks and presentations.

People and Organisations Mentioned

• Pig & Poultry Fair
• Poultry Network
• Egg Base
• Hy-Line
• Crediton Milling
• Rosehill
• Aviagen
• Elanco
• ABN
• Women in Poultry
• Nick Bailey

Sponsor / Event Information

Muck Management UK takes place on 3–4 June 2026 at Bodrhyddan Hall, North Wales. The event showcases manure handling, spreading and storage, with live working demonstrations and a practical conference programme.

Visitors can expect more than 40 exhibitors, live machinery demonstrations and sessions covering organic manures, storage infrastructure, slurry separation, application techniques and air quality.

The live demonstration schedule runs three times each day:

• 9:00am–11:15am
• 11:30am–1:45pm
• 2:15pm–4:30pm

Featured machinery and brands mentioned include Vervaet, Vredo, Bauer, Holmer, Richard Western, Strautmann, Vogelsang and Future Grass Technology.

The Pig & Poultry Fair discount code is valid until 21 May. Use code:

PIGPOULTRYFAIR

Book tickets at muckmanagement.com.

The episode also covers recent sector headlines, including the Joice & Hill hatchery salmonella investigation, 2 Sisters Food Group’s latest soy sourcing commitment, Cranswick’s proposed poultry processing site near Grimsby, the latest Defra egg production figures, pressure around the future of colony cages, and the ongoing River Wye legal case involving Avara Foods and Welsh Water.

In this episode

Tom and Tom discuss:

• Why the British Pig & Poultry Fair remains such an important meeting point for a sector spread across the country.
• The forum sessions worth watching, from AI and market outlooks to women in agriculture and retaining talent on farm.
• Poultry Network’s show stand, the Fortnum & Mason hamper competition, and the etiquette of trade show freebies.
• Joice & Hill’s return to operations following hatchery restrictions linked to salmonella detection.
• 2 Sisters Food Group’s new approach to soy sourcing and British-grown protein in poultry feed.
• Cranswick’s proposed new poultry processing site near Grimsby and what it could mean for growers in the east of England.
• The latest UK egg production trends, including continued free-range growth and falling colony cage share.
• BVA and BVPA calls for enriched cages to be phased out, and the industry debate around welfare, food security, affordability and import equivalence.
• The River Wye court case and why environmental scrutiny remains high on the poultry sector agenda.
• Why continuous improvement is likely to be more constructive than simply calling for production systems to be scrapped.

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Poultry Network’s British Pig & Poultry Fair Preview, a special preview ahead of the British Pig & Poultry Fair 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham on 13–14 May. The preview includes reasons to attend, forum highlights, poultry meat and egg outlooks, and exhibitor insight across biosecurity, water, bedding, housing and climate control. Poultry Network will be on Stand 6-228.

In this episode, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Rebecca Tierney, specialised poultry advisor at Teagasc, to discuss the current pressures facing Ireland’s egg sector.

Rebecca explains how Irish egg consumption has risen sharply in recent years, moving from around 181 eggs per person to approximately 215–225 eggs per person. Despite strong consumer demand, production has not expanded fast enough to keep up, leading to visible gaps on supermarket shelves.

The conversation explores why producers are hesitant to invest, including the high cost of building new free-range units, Ireland’s substantial land requirements, limited farmgate returns, and ongoing risks such as avian influenza. Rebecca also discusses the role of retailers, the need for fairer value to be passed back to farmers, and the importance of better industry data and longer-term confidence.

The episode closes by looking at lessons Ireland may be able to learn from the UK egg sector, where severe shortages eventually led to changes in pricing, contracts and supply-chain relationships.

Key talking points

Teagasc and Rebecca’s role

Rebecca introduces Teagasc as Ireland’s agriculture and food development authority, covering advisory, education and research across sectors including poultry, dairy, beef, sheep, tillage, horticulture, forestry and pigs.

Ireland’s growing appetite for eggs

Egg consumption in Ireland has increased significantly over recent years, but production has not expanded at the same pace. This has contributed to empty shelves and pressure on the supply chain.

Why producers are not expanding fast enough

Rebecca explains that a standard 16,000-bird free-range unit may now cost around €1.5–€1.6 million to build. At the same time, current producer returns are not seen as sufficient to justify that level of investment.

Land requirements for free-range systems

Ireland’s free-range land requirement is discussed as a major barrier. Rebecca notes that producers require one hectare per 1,000 birds, compared with one acre in the UK, creating a much larger land commitment for Irish farms.

Farmgate prices and producer confidence

The discussion highlights the gap between Irish producer prices and those available in GB and Northern Ireland. Rebecca says Irish free-range producers are receiving around €1.53 per dozen, inclusive of VAT, while still facing rising feed, fuel, pullet and energy costs.

IFA calls for price increases

The Irish Farmers’ Association is seeking higher egg prices for producers, including a clearer premium for free-range eggs compared with barn eggs. The episode also references recent poultry farmer protests and retailer engagement.

Retail prices versus farmgate returns

Rebecca notes that at least one major retailer has increased the shelf price by around 30 cents per dozen, but that this had not yet clearly translated into higher returns for producers at the time of recording.

Imports, consumer preference and the brown egg market

The conversation examines whether European imports could play a bigger role in Ireland. Rebecca explains that Irish consumers strongly prefer large brown free-range eggs, while imported white eggs have struggled to gain traction.

Lessons from the UK egg shortage

Tom Willings reflects on the UK experience, where falling flock numbers, avian influenza and poor margins eventually forced pricing and contract changes. He argues that longer-term contracts, greater transparency and better data helped rebuild confidence.

The need for better data in Ireland

Rebecca closes by highlighting the value of robust industry data, similar to the UK’s use of figures from organisations such as BFREPA and ADAS, to support clearer conversations across the supply chain.

Chapter markers

00:00 – Introduction to Rebecca Tierney and Teagasc

Rebecca explains Teagasc’s role in Irish agriculture and her work across advisory, education and research.

01:05 – Teagasc’s poultry podcast and the video learning curve

The hosts discuss Rebecca’s podcast, The Poultry Edge, and the practicalities of podcast production.

02:13 – Setting the scene: Ireland’s egg sector under pressure

Tom Woolman introduces the issue of shortages and recent visits to Irish poultry businesses.

02:44 – Rising egg consumption in Ireland

Rebecca outlines the sharp increase in egg consumption and the production gap behind current shortages.

03:54 – Empty shelves and producer confidence

The discussion turns to supermarket availability and the lack of investment confidence among farmers.

06:27 – Inflation, returns and the cost of a new unit

Tom Willings asks about the economics of building a new free-range shed in Ireland.

07:49 – Build costs, land requirements and farmgate prices

Rebecca explains the cost of a 16,000-bird unit, Ireland’s larger land requirement, and current producer prices.

09:36 – Investment risk and minimum-wage comparisons

The hosts discuss the risk of tying up large sums of capital for relatively limited returns.

11:18 – Succession and the next generation

Rebecca reflects on whether young people are being encouraged to enter the poultry sector.

12:53 – Farmer protests and IFA action

The episode references recent protests in Monaghan and the IFA’s formal push for higher prices.

15:20 – Imports, Europe and the brown egg preference

The group discusses the European market, imports and why Irish consumers remain attached to brown free-range eggs.

17:51 – Retailer response and price movement

Rebecca discusses recent shelf-price increases and whether these may support the IFA’s case.

19:53 – What is the solution?

The hosts explore how the sector can move beyond short-term price disputes and build long-term confidence.

21:07 – UK lessons: shortages, contracts and transparency

Tom Willings explains how the UK egg sector changed after a painful period of shortages and poor margins.

25:00 – Final reflections

Rebecca highlights the need for better data, stronger industry conversations and a more positive future for Irish egg producers.

In this episode of The Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak to Dr Lisa Ackerley, a public health and hygiene scientist and Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner with more than 40 years’ experience in food safety.

Dr Ackerley has followed the egg sector since the Salmonella crisis of the late 1980s, and says the progress made by the British egg industry since then has been “dramatic”. In particular, she points to the British Lion scheme as one of the clearest examples of how industry-led controls, vaccination, traceability and biosecurity have helped rebuild confidence in eggs.

But she warns that confidence could be put at risk if imported eggs and egg products continue to enter the UK food chain without the same safeguards.

The discussion follows the publication of the Shell Shocked report, which raises concerns about the rise in egg imports and the potential implications for food safety, animal welfare, traceability and fair competition.

According to the report, UK egg imports have risen from around 1 billion to 1.6 billion eggs a year since 2021.

Tom Willings breaks that figure down in practical terms: around 31 million eggs a week, or roughly 100 full artic lorryloads entering the country every week.

For Dr Ackerley, the timing is critical. Hospitality and foodservice businesses are under intense financial pressure, and cheaper ingredients can be tempting.

But she argues that many buyers may not realise the difference between British Lion eggs and imported alternatives — particularly when eggs are destined for cafés, pubs, care homes, hospitals, schools or food manufacturers.One of the central concerns is consumer expectation.

In the UK, shoppers are used to seeing British Lion eggs on supermarket shelves, and many people now assume eggs are safe to eat runny.

Dr Ackerley says that assumption may not hold if the egg being served in a café, restaurant or care setting is imported and not produced to Lion-equivalent standards.

The podcast also looks at what happens at the border. Imported eggs are subject to documentary checks, but Dr Ackerley explains that physical inspections are limited, and microbiological or residue testing is not carried out on every consignment.

With such large volumes entering the country, she questions whether the current system gives enough reassurance.And the issue is not just Salmonella.

The Shell Shocked report also highlights concerns around chemical contamination, antibiotic residues, mislabelling, country-of-origin issues and traceability failures.

Dr Ackerley says antibiotic residues are especially concerning because of the wider public health risk posed by antimicrobial resistance.

The welfare question is also firmly on the table. The episode discusses imports from Ukraine, where conventional battery cages are still in use, despite similar systems having been banned in the UK since 2012.

British producers, meanwhile, have invested heavily in higher welfare systems, biosecurity and assurance standards.For Tom Woolman, the issue comes down to visibility.

When consumers buy shell eggs in a shop, they can see the production system and country of origin. But when eggs are used in foodservice, manufacturing or processed foods, that information is often invisible.

Dr Ackerley’s position is clear: if UK producers are expected to meet certain food safety and welfare standards, imported eggs and egg products should be held to the same benchmark.

As she puts it, the UK has worked hard to build a safe egg supply chain. The concern now is that lower-standard imports could leave a “chink in the armour”.

Sponsor note

This episode of The Poultry Network Podcast is sponsored by Lanxess, celebrating 40 years of Virkon S, its globally recognised disinfectant first introduced in 1986.

Named from “Virus Kill On Contact”, Virkon S is designed to inactivate viruses, bacteria and a wide range of animal pathogens, supporting biosecurity across surfaces, boot dips, vehicles and water systems.

LANXESS says Virkon S was launched in 1986 and has been tested against more than 230 microorganisms, including virus strains, bacterial strains, fungi and yeasts.

Lanxess Biosecurity Solutions will also be at the British Pig & Poultry Fair in Birmingham on May 13th and 14th. Visit Hall 20, stand 520, and join the Virkon S anniversary celebrations at 1.30pm on both days.

The official British Pig & Poultry Fair website confirms the 2026 event takes place at the NEC on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May, and lists Lanxess Biosecurity Solutions at stand 20-520.

In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman speak with Josh Davison about the new option of a fourth dose of AviPro Duo in lay, and why it matters for egg producers managing longer-lived flocks.

Josh explains that the traditional three-dose AviPro Duo programme in rear was developed for shorter production cycles, with up to 68 weeks of immunity for the enteritidis component.

As birds are now being kept for longer, the industry has been looking for a way to extend protection.

The result is a booster dose that can be given at around 50 weeks of age, designed to provide up to a further 50 weeks of Salmonella protection.

The episode also covers how the vaccine is administered through drinking water, why there is zero day egg withdrawal, and what producers can expect in practice on farm.

Josh stresses that this is a prescription product and that any decision to adopt a fourth dose should sit between the producer and their clinical vet.

Alongside the technical detail, the discussion looks at the wider commercial and reputational context for the UK egg industry.

With Salmonella control a core part of consumer confidence, Lion Code strength and whole-industry reputation, the conversation explores whether a fourth dose of AviPro Duo should be seen as a practical extension of existing control measures for longer laying cycles.

What’s covered in this episode

• Why longer laying cycles have increased demand for longer Salmonella immunity in laying flocks
• How the three-dose rear programme compares with the new in-lay booster option
• Why the fourth dose is given at around 50 weeks of age
• How the vaccine is delivered through water on farm
• What producers need to know about stress, production impact and zero day egg withdrawal
• Why uptake is expected to be a producer-and-vet decision, not a mandatory step
• The wider business case around risk reduction, consumer confidence and industry reputation
• Josh’s estimate that the cost of the extra dose is less than the farm-gate value of a single egg

Paul explains how a routine day-18 boot swab, taken as part of the National Control Programme, came back as a Group B positive suspect, with confirmation arriving six days later from APHA. By then, the birds were at an age when thinning would normally begin, so the delay added major feed costs and operational pressure. Once confirmed, the flock could not enter the normal food chain, and Paul had to organise on-farm culling, carcass disposal, cleaning and disinfection, and all the practical next steps himself.

A key theme in the discussion is how different the response felt compared with avian influenza. Rather than APHA taking control, Paul says much of the burden fell on the farmer to arrange culling, disposal, shed cleanout and future planning. He also warns producers that there may be no restriction on placing the next flock, so it is essential to stay on top of APHA testing dates, especially if medication or management issues could delay sampling and affect thinning plans.

Paul shares the lessons he has taken from the experience: tighten biosecurity at every stage, improve clothing and access control between farm areas, communicate early with processors and APHA, and plan for the worst as soon as a suspect result appears. He has since introduced day-one vaccination for Salmonella Typhimurium and says the flock after the outbreak was the best crop the farm has had, showing the value of a truly deep clean.

Sponsor’s note: This episode is sponsored by Kersia. Learn more about the Fumagri range here: https://www.kersia.uk/farm-hygiene/fumagri/

The discussion sets the issue in context: DEFRA has raised the risk level to medium, outbreaks in Europe have moved west, and nearly 2 million birds have reportedly been lost over the last 18 months.

Mr Parker explains that a new genotype is circulating in Europe, with cases highlighted in Poland, Germany, Spain and Belgium, making this a preparedness issue for the UK poultry sector rather than a reason to panic.

The episode breaks down why Newcastle disease matters commercially.

It is a notifiable disease, comparable in seriousness to avian influenza in terms of mortality, production loss, trade disruption, and the likelihood of culling and movement controls if an outbreak occurs.

Mr Parker outlines how it may present, including egg drops in layers and breeders, high mortality in broilers and adult stock, and broader production losses.

While wild birds may play a role, Mr Parker stresses that people, vehicles, equipment and shared crews are likely to be critical risk pathways.

He also warns that this virus is more robust than avian influenza, harder to disinfect and able to survive longer in the environment, raising the bar for on-farm cleansing and disinfection.

For producers, the most useful section is on vaccination strategy.

Vaccination against Newcastle is allowed, and existing vaccines can reduce mortality, even if they do not fully stop shedding.

Mr Parker’s advice is clear: longer-lived birds such as layers, breeders and turkeys should have robust, well-monitored vaccination programmes, with attention paid to storage, application and titre levels.

Broilers are a different commercial decision because vaccination can affect performance, but hatcheries and farms should be ready to move quickly if the situation changes.

This episode gives producers, hatcheries, vets and the wider supply chain a calm, credible assessment of risk and a clear action plan: tighten biosecurity, review vaccination programmes, and prepare now rather than react later.

Speaking on a technical episode focused on the laying sector, Mr Hodson drew on decades of experience working with commercial flocks and said producers should think less about vaccination as a routine task and more about whether every bird is genuinely receiving a live, effective dose.

He said that in free-range egg production especially, disease pressure can build quickly if detail is missed. While older cage systems were designed to reduce challenges such as worms and coccidiosis, modern free-range systems have reintroduced many of those risks, alongside greater contact with wild birds and more variable range conditions.

That makes good vaccination programmes important, but also means they cannot be looked at in isolation. Mr Hodson said flock health depends on controlling several areas at once, including respiratory disease, parasite burden, water quality and the condition of the range.

A key point from the discussion was that vaccine handling and administration matter just as much as the product itself. Once a live vaccine is mixed, it begins to lose viability, meaning storage, mixing and delivery through the water system all need careful attention. He also highlighted tongue staining as a practical way of checking whether birds have actually taken in the vaccine, alongside serology and close monitoring of flock performance.

Infectious bronchitis was one of the main examples discussed, with Mr Hodson warning that vaccination intervals still need to be right even when administration is good. Push protection too far, he suggested, and flocks can still be left vulnerable.

The conversation also widened into the broader management picture on free-range units. Red mite, poor water quality, worm burden and weak range management were all identified as common factors that can undermine performance, regardless of how well a vaccination programme looks on paper.

Throughout the episode, the emphasis was on stockmanship. Mr Hodson argued that the best producers are those who know what normal looks like in their birds, spot changes early and deal with problems before they become expensive.

For UK egg producers, the message was not about chasing one silver bullet. It was about building consistency – one flock after another – through better vaccination, better observation and tighter control of the everyday factors that shape hen health and output.

Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode.

Aimee reflects on nearly a decade with the NFU and explains how the poultry sector is working to raise its profile within wider farming and government policy.

The conversation explores the key themes from this year’s poultry breakout session, which focused on resilience, horizon scanning, and the opportunities and pressures shaping the future of both poultry meat and egg production.

Topics include the continuing challenge of planning permission for new poultry buildings, the growing influence of welfare and environmental policy, and the need to balance rising expectations with affordable food production.

She also discusses how the NFU engages with stakeholders across the supply chain and why the sector must do more to tell its story proactively rather than simply reacting to criticism or misinformation.

The episode also looks at new shed age survey data from the laying hen sector, revealing the age profile of infrastructure across the industry and why that matters for future investment.

Aimee shares insight into regional differences, the implications of the cage consultation, and what the data means for the sector’s ability to modernise.

There is also discussion of the latest developments within the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, including new biosecurity visit support for poultry producers in England, and a wider reflection on food security, sector resilience and the policy choices that will shape the future of British poultry production.

Aimee closes with a reminder of several important deadlines, including the colony cage consultation, National Poultry Board elections, and the National Planning Policy Framework consultation.

A useful episode for anyone wanting a clearer view of the policy landscape, the current pressures on the sector, and the work being done to make sure poultry producers are heard.

If you farm broilers or hens, or work in the broader poultry sector, subscribe to the Poultry Network newsletter at poultry.network for weekly news, insight and analysis.

This week’s Poultry Network podcast reviews three issues with direct impact on UK producers, integrators, egg packers and the wider poultry supply chain.

1. Better Chicken Commitment (BCC): UK Hospitality says a group of 18 major foodservice brands (including KFC and Nando’s) will step away from the BCC—often linked to down-stocking (lower stocking density) and slower-growing breeds. The episode explores why: sustainability trade-offs (more feed/water), plus the operational reality of spec-driven cuts/weights, carcass balance and continuity of supply. The group says it will instead create a “Sustainable Chicken Forum” to pursue practical welfare and sustainability progress.
2. Laying-hen cages consultation: discussion turns to the government consultation on banning enriched colony cages. The hosts argue the proposal leans heavily on public perception rather than welfare science, and warn that a five‑year timeframe could remove around 14% of UK egg production (and potentially 15–20% of capacity), with European imports likely to fill the gap—raising “level playing field” concerns if European timelines are longer. The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) asks stakeholders to: (a) write to your MP, (b) respond to the consultation, and (c) tell BEIC what action you’ve taken. The consultation closes 9 March (as referenced in the episode).
3. Funding window: from the NFU conference, the hosts flag that the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund opens on 17 March (match funding), plus wider support cited at £120m (£50m for equipment/tech and £70m for the Farm Innovation Programme). Grants can support welfare and efficiency upgrades (e.g., sensors, curtains, split feeding, lighting, drinkers, egg packing equipment).

The updated standard applies across poultry sectors—laying hens, broilers, turkeys and ducks—and is positioned as a refresh of a document last published in 2017, rather than a wholesale rewrite. The most substantive strengthening is in the section covering humane killing: RSPCA Assured reviewed current best practice and incorporated relevant guidance, including Humane Slaughter Association material, alongside clearer expectations on contingency planning. Other updates include additions intended to be consistent across species, such as a section on wild animal control.

Consultation is a central theme. Because hatcheries span multiple species schemes, the guests explain that proposals have historically been worked through the relevant species Standards Technical Advisory Groups (STAGs) and targeted meetings with affected members. They point to a focused 2023 session involving laying-hen hatchery members and BEIC representation, and acknowledge that an unusually long gap between sign‑off and publication—linked to a wider pause on standards releases—may have created a perception gap about how much engagement took place. Looking ahead, RSPCA Assured has convened a dedicated hatchery STAG to give hatchery-specific issues more focus.

For businesses assessing compliance and supply chain risk, Kelly and Kate emphasise that the revision was issued with a three‑month notification and they are not aware of major new requirements that should disrupt operations; where bigger changes are needed, longer lead times would normally apply. The discussion also highlights the egg sector’s sensitivity, given the small number of assured laying-hen hatcheries underpinning end‑to‑end continuity.

Finally, they unpack the document’s “iBoxes”—forward‑looking signals on areas such as in‑ovo sexing, AI use and potential future expectations for feed and water provision in hatcheries. The message to operators is to engage early on innovation and investment so welfare aims and practical delivery can be aligned. RSPCA Assured reiterates its welfare‑only focus and cites YouGov research indicating 85% of consumers look for welfare assurance.

Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak with BEIC CEO Nick Allen, eight months into the job after a career in soft fruit, on what the Government’s animal welfare strategy means for the sector.

Mr Allen sets out the BEIC’s remit across 11 trade bodies and the Lion Food Safety Scheme, then previews a £1.5m consumer campaign for 2026 aimed at health, protein and convenience, with millennials a key audience.

The demand signals are strong. UK sales hit 13.6 billion eggs in 2024 (around 26,000 a minute) and per‑capita consumption is put at 209 eggs a year, up from 199. Kantar points to roughly 5% volume growth through 2025.

On enriched colony cages, the consultation’s preferred 2032 end‑date (options range to 2038) raises feasibility questions. Replacing 6–7m hens could mean around 200 standard 32,000‑bird free‑range units and 2,500–3,000 hectares of land, on top of £400m+ already invested in the last transition out of conventional cages to colony.

Trade equivalence is the other pressure point. Ukrainian egg product imports have risen to around 11,000 tonnes in the year to Sept 2025, largely into manufacturing and foodservice and typically around 20% under UK equivalents. The UK is extending tariff‑free access from 31 March 2026 to 31 March 2028, while the EU runs a tariff‑rate quota.

Also covered are beak trimming progress via the Laying Hen Welfare Forum and why “zero‑day” in‑ovo sexing is the key milestone for male chicks.

Sponsor message — Morspan Construction. UK market leader in clear‑span steel‑framed poultry buildings, handling planning, design, project management and construction. https://morspan.com | 01291 672 334

In this Poultry Network Podcast episode, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman revisit one of the poultry sector’s biggest food‑safety challenges and ask why Campylobacter remains a leading cause of gastroenteritis — with an estimated ~500,000 cases a year in the UK and a cost to the economy of over £1 billion.

Joining them is Professor Brendan Wren (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine), Co‑Director of the Vaccine Centre and Co‑Director of the GlycoCell Engineering Biology Mission Hub.

Brendan explains why Campylobacter is so well adapted to birds (optimum growth around 42°C), how tiny doses (around 100 cells) can cause severe illness in humans, and why the “Campylobacter conundrum” persists: the bacterium is oxygen‑sensitive and doesn’t generally spread person‑to‑person, yet seems ever‑present in the food chain.

The conversation explores a provocative “missing link” — free‑living amoebae. Brendan’s research suggests amoebae can act like a Trojan horse, sheltering Campylobacter inside durable cysts and potentially making it more invasive when it emerges. If that’s true, it could reshape on‑farm thinking about prevention, surveillance and water hygiene.

Key topics include:

• What changed after the FSA findings — boot barriers, thinning practices and supply‑chain controls

• Why Campylobacter peaks in summer (and why it’s not just barbecue season)

• PCR‑based detection of Campylobacter within amoebae, and what it means for understanding transmission

• Practical interventions: drinking‑water filtration, UV, improved hygiene and targeted anti‑amoebae approaches

• Next steps: systematic farm sampling (including free‑range) to test the hypothesis and refine control strategies

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes every Friday.

Inside the episode:

• Broiler sector outlook: demand for chicken, improved efficiency and the need for continual reinvestment in housing and equipment

• Partnership in an integrated supply chain: why contract growers matter to integrators (including Moy Park and Avara) and the role of the British Poultry Council (BPC) in pushing the case for new capacity

• Choosing your operating model: contract grower vs managed contract (including outsourced farm management) vs farm business tenancy / fully repaired lease — and how risk and margin differ

• People and performance: how to keep control as you scale, the role of farm managers, and practical options for stepping back from day‑to‑day work

• Planning and permits: site selection, separation from neighbours, pre‑application advice, and building a “pipeline” so you’re ready when planning starts to move

• Expanding existing sites: how stocking‑density changes and existing permissions can sometimes unlock additional shed capacity

• Biosecurity and public confidence: avian influenza risk, why farms can feel “closed”, and how open farm events and viewing access can help

• Nutrient management and poultry litter: treating litter as a storable by‑product, plus solutions such as biogas/biomethane, CO₂ capture and turning digestate into balanced fertiliser

If you’re in the UK researching broiler sheds, broiler farm expansion, planning applications, environmental permits, contract growing or managed broiler production, this conversation will help you focus on the decisions and the conversations that matter.

In Part 1, David looks back on a career that started in a Northern Ireland dairy co-op in 1979, moved through the marketing board, a stint as a McDonald's franchisee (from cleaning toilets to Hamburger University), liquid egg processing, and senior technical roles with O'Kane Poultry and Moy Park.

He explains what drives survival and growth in a consolidating industry: governance, compliance, and the institutional memory carried from businesses like Padley's (farm discipline and hygiene) and Dove Valley (customer focus).

David also shares how workplace culture has shifted - from smoking in canteens and meetings, and strict hierarchies and dress codes, to more open day-to-day leadership.

The trio discuss why board training matters if farmers are to play a bigger role in modern governance, and the importance of partnership: no integrator without growers, and no chicken without farmers.

They highlight one of the most positive changes in David's time: women moving from support roles into technical and senior leadership, influencing everything from factory management to HR and how people work together. Subscribe today to make sure you never miss an episode!

This episode focuses on the government’s new animal welfare strategy (described as “the most ambitious in a generation”) and what it could mean for UK livestock — with a poultry‑first lens.

They also reflect on how the announcement was timed and packaged alongside other news, and why the media attention landed where it did.

Key topics:

• Egg sector: the direction of travel on colony systems, the future of infrared beak treatment, and the momentum behind in‑ovo sexing.

• Meat sector: how to interpret government language on moving away from fast‑growing broiler breeds, and the practical uncertainty for the supply chain.

• The big missing piece: trade. If UK standards tighten, how are imports handled, and can welfare ever be a meaningful lever in trade policy? (They discuss the view that WTO rules don’t treat welfare as a straightforward “distinguishing factor”.)

• Joined‑up policy: why welfare strategy, the National Food Strategy and farm profitability need to be hand‑in‑glove.

To close, they look ahead to 2026’s big unknowns - geopolitics (Ukraine/Russia) and what any shift could mean for commodities, energy and feed markets - with the usual reminder not to make purchasing decisions based on podcast chat.

Follow/subscribe for more weekly insight from across the poultry sector.

Avian influenza dominates the conversation. Housing orders are framed as a recurring strain on the industry – birds finally going out around 15 May, then heading back in from late October/early November.

The discussion also touches on how AI has complicated the cage-free transition, including the January 2025 outbreak at Griffiths that removed 1.3 million birds (layers and pullets) and put extra pressure on barn supply.

Iceland’s brief wobble on its cage-free commitment is revisited too, followed by a swift reversal after campaign pressure, including Joanna Lumley’s involvement and support from Compassion in World Farming.

On eggs, the focus shifts to tight supply in the UK and across Europe, plus the wider context of expected laying-hen reductions in the Netherlands (talk of another 5–6 million birds exiting in 2026).

Per-capita consumption is flagged as a growth opportunity, with the UK at around 200 eggs per person versus roughly 220–250 in parts of Europe.

Broilers get a more upbeat report card: 2025 is described as a standout year for physical performance, with the first UK crop hitting 500 EPEF and more following. Strong prices and lower feed costs also feature, with feed easing by roughly £20–£25/tonne over the year.

The episode also takes in structural change and deal activity: the PD Hook/Two Sisters joint venture split (and PD Hook’s hatchery plans), 2Agriculture’s move to acquire two feed mills, and a run of egg-sector M&A including Eurovo’s investment in Two Chicks, the Griffiths/Eureden joint venture, Noble Foods’ acquisition of Just Egg, Bumblehole’s sale to the Hardeman Group, and Sunrise’s sale to Latvian firm Agrova.

In the meat sector, Gressingham’s majority sale to France’s LDC is noted, alongside a broader discussion about why European investment is still flowing into the UK despite post-Brexit friction.

The year ends on a lighter note with the South West Chicken Association Christmas dinner (4 December): an auction prize to guest-edit the podcast raises £250 for South West air ambulance charities (bought by Robert Lanning) – before festive wishes and a sign-off until 2026.

RoboScientific has spent around 10 years developing a system that samples the air in poultry houses and analyses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – the chemicals that make up smells – to detect disease.

Each shed is monitored using a compact box (about 18 inches cubed) containing 24 sensors.

Different combinations of those sensors respond to different conditions, producing a distinctive “digital fingerprint” for specific diseases or challenges.

Rather than continuous streaming, the system draws shed air for around an hour, often between 5–6am, pulling roughly 3,000 litres across an adsorbent pad before analysis.

This concentrates VOCs from across the whole building, giving a much more representative picture of flock health than boot swabs or individual bird checks.

Once processed, results are sent to the cloud – or via Bluetooth where connectivity is limited – and presented to the farmer through a simple dashboard or smartphone alert.

A major advantage is that VOC changes are not dependent on visible symptoms.

RoboScientific’s broiler trials suggest the system can identify disease one to two days before clinical signs, and in the case of viruses such as Newcastle disease or avian influenza, potentially two to four days earlier.

Alerts are designed to be practical and actionable for farmers, for example “likely infectious bronchitis – check this shed”, or a general prompt when something unusual is detected.

A deeper veterinary dashboard is also in development, enabling flock-history analysis and tracking of disease progression, such as the transition from coccidiosis to necrotic enteritis.

The technology has shown strong performance in broilers and is now moving into layers.

Early work is focused on diseases such as erysipelas and Mycoplasma, and RoboScientific is exploring whether VOC patterns could even detect red mite infestation levels. APHA trials are planned to confirm early detection windows for key notifiable diseases.

Commercial rollout for broilers is expected by the middle of next year.

Work in layers, hatcheries and rearing units will follow as disease signatures are mapped, with layer deployment anticipated around 2027 once validation and on-farm trials are complete.

Units are expected to cost £7,000–£8,000, with one or two typically required per broiler shed depending on size and airflow.

Angela encourages producers and vets interested in the technology to get in touch or visit RoboScientific’s website or LinkedIn page.

The episode highlights how rapidly developing sensing technologies could reshape flock management, enabling earlier intervention, better decision-making and a more complete understanding of flock health than traditional sampling methods can provide.

Industry momentum on full display

Both presenters note the strongest footfall in years, with a striking increase in farmer attendance and a noticeable uplift in the professionalism and investment seen across trade stands. Senior figures from government, major retailers, integrators and industry bodies were visible throughout the day – a clear signal of the event’s growing influence.

Award highlights

The hosts run through this year’s winners, noting standout performances from:

• Chippendale Foods – multiple category wins including Marketing Initiative, Chuckle Eggs, and Best Trade Stand
• Stonegate and Noble Foods – strongly represented across categories
• James Baxter – recognised by the British Egg Association for a decade of service as Bfrepa chairman
• Martin Troop – awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions across both the egg and meat sectors

Hatchery Standards: a new storm brewing

The conversation shifts to the RSPCA Assured hatchery standards, announced with minimal notice and due to take effect in February.

Key concerns raised include:

• Lack of sector consultation, echoing frustrations from the 2023 Laying Hen Standards rollout
• Operational uncertainty for the very small number of hatcheries underpinning the entire RSPCA Assured supply chain
• Ambiguity around new concepts – such as definitions of viable chicks – and unclear expectations across several technical areas
• A wider set of future topics flagged by RSPCA (AI, in-ovo technologies and more), prompting questions about the organisation’s methodology and communication approach

The hosts express a willingness to openly discuss the standards and extend an invitation to RSPCA Assured and the Pullet Hatcheries and Breeders Association (PHBA) to appear on the podcast.

What’s next on the podcast

Angela Curtis of RoboScientific will join a future episode to discuss real-time flock monitoring using VOC detection technology.

Listeners are also reminded of the Southwest Chicken Association dinner, where a guest editorship of the podcast will be auctioned.

Both guests share how they “fell into” poultry – from family egg farms and weekend egg collecting to technical roles in biosecurity, pullets and sales. They reflect on why so many people stay in the sector once they arrive, and how varied the career paths can be.

The discussion then turns to the origins of Women in Poultry. What began as a dinner for ten women in May 2023 has quickly grown into a national network of more than 200 members, supported by sponsors including Aviagen, Lohmann GB and Premier Nutrition. Emily and Kelly explain how the group moved from a WhatsApp chat to a formal committee, with in-person workshops and online sessions.

They outline what the initiative is trying to achieve:

– creating a safe space to swap experience and contacts

– supporting women who can feel isolated in on-farm or field-based roles

– offering practical learning on topics such as gut health and mental health

– making events accessible around busy work and family lives

There’s also discussion of a recent online session with Herefordshire charity We Are Farming Minds, looking at mental health in agriculture from the partner’s perspective; how employers have responded to Women in Poultry; and the broader value of visible, structured support networks in retaining talent in the industry.

Finally, Emily and Kelly explain how to get involved, how membership works, and why the initiative is very deliberately open, non-clicky and not “anti-men” – with anyone in the sector welcome to engage, attend events, and support future activity.

A practical, people-focused conversation that underlines how much quiet work is being done to support the next generation of talent in UK poultry.

They start with a quick catch‑up, a livestock update from Tom’s small sheep flock, and a chance encounter with the “poet of Paddington” who delivers an impromptu chicken-themed poem on the station concourse.

The main focus is on what’s coming up for UK poultry producers over the winter: key conferences, dinners and technical meetings that shape discussion in both the egg and broiler sectors. They also talk about the value of these regional events as a barometer for confidence in the industry – and where the mood feels to be as 2025 draws to a close.

Tom and Tom explain a new charity auction prize for the South West Chicken Association Christmas dinner: the chance to guest‑edit an episode of the Poultry Network podcast. The winner will be able to choose the topic and guests, with the team doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

The episode closes with an important bit of governance news: NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead has stepped down, with vice chair Will Raw stepping in on an interim basis. The hosts reflect on the workload that comes with NFU roles and the value of members who give up time alongside running their own farms and businesses.

In this episode:

• Welsh housing order now in place
• Key dates for the diary: BFREPA Live, regional dinners and the Northern Broiler Conference
• How the “guest editor” podcast auction prize will work
• NFU Poultry Board leadership change and what it means for representation

Aaron outlines his route into poultry – from a small mixed farm in Northern Ireland with a strong interest in dairy, through a graduate scheme at Moy Park, to his current role.

He also explains how the business supported him through a doctorate focused on Campylobacter, working with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast and AFBI.

The conversation then turns to the move from Moy Park to Pilgrims Europe.

Aaron sets out what the change in name and structure has meant on the ground and how the integration of several large businesses is going.

Recent group results have highlighted the European division as a strong performer, which has helped underline that the new structure is working.

On farming, Aaron talks about Pilgrims Europe’s long history of producing at 30kg/m², particularly in Northern Ireland, and how that experience meant they were more confident than most when the wider GB market moved to lower stocking densities.

He argues that 30kg/m² is a good balance between welfare, efficiency and affordability.

He shares recent figures from 2025, including an average EPF over 470 across three weeks and more than ten flocks exceeding EPF 500, alongside improving FCR and low mortality.

The episode also covers grower relationships and investment.

Aaron describes how liveweight prices and on-farm returns have improved, helping farmers reinvest in sheds and infrastructure.

He gives examples of new builds on contract farms in England and a major redevelopment of a company-owned rearing site, replacing older buildings with modern houses.

On sustainability, Aaron explains how lessons from projects such as Beech Farm – with rainwater harvesting, solar and battery storage, heat exchangers and ground-source heat pumps – are informing what should become “standard spec” on new builds.

He also updates listeners on Pilgrims’ Tully 1 anaerobic digestion plant, which runs on poultry litter and supplies heat and power to local homes, and plans for Tully 2, which will allow all NI broiler litter to be directed into AD and nutrients recovered into fertiliser products.

Looking ahead, Aaron says the priorities for the next 12 months are to maintain current performance levels and to work with planners and regulators to unlock new poultry development, so the sector can continue to invest and keep pace with UK chicken demand, which he estimates is growing at around 5–6% a year.

With Professor Ian Brown warning that this season could be the worst yet, England has extended a mandatory housing order nationwide, while Northern Ireland follows suit.

Wales, however, has not (yet) announced a housing order.

That divergence is creating headaches for free-range farmers and packers who are weighing biosecurity, welfare and insurance realities against inconsistent policy lines.

On EPIC, the mood was wary but not bleak. Recognition for sector leaders (including Turkey Producer James Chalmers and Young Poultry Person of the Year Hannah Cargill) underlined how collaboration and openness still cut through in a tough year.

We also touch on the conference theme, the long-range consumer picture - yes, even GLP-1 drugs - and what shifting demand could mean for poultry by 2050.

Finally, we unpack a striking trade statistic: summer shell-egg imports were at record levels, with a sharp recovery from EU sources.

For processors and packers, this hints at supply tightness, stock rebuilding, and changing sourcing dynamics as disease risk rises.

AI: early season, uneven policy, real market risk.

A regional mandatory housing order takes effect on 30 October across much of northern England and the Midlands/East Anglia, but excludes Wales, southern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The hosts question the geographic carve-up given the pattern of wild-bird positives and recent outbreaks nearby.

It's noted that it's unusually early in the season, and case numbers have accelerated in the past week.

Producers - particularly in Wales - face operational uncertainty and potential divergence between national administrations.

Commercially, recent culls in the UK and mainland Europe (notably the Netherlands and Germany) tighten supply just as the market was edging back towards balance.

For eggs, the combination of early AI pressure and seasonal demand could turn sentiment quickly; for turkeys, significant sunk costs as the risk heightens in the run-up to Christmas.

Egg grading: pressure on what counts as a 'second'

Separately, egg marketing inspectors have been visiting packing sites amid indications that guidance on external faults may be applied more strictly.

The discussion focuses on two recurring triggers: dust (largely a farm-origin hygiene issue) and albumen "glazing" that can occur downstream when a shell breaks on the grader and residue contacts subsequent eggs.

Operators note that graders are configured by humans within tolerance bands, and inspector spot-checks sit against standards that can feel subjective in the grey areas.

If thresholds tighten materially, more eggs could move from Class A to B.

That would reduce retail-grade output, increase commercial friction over liability (farm vs packer), and exert inflationary pressure on Class A pricing.

At a national level, a lower Class A yield risks pulling in more imported shell and product - potentially with different assurance profiles.

Episode takeaways:

• Volatility ahead in Q4. Early avian-influenza pressure, uneven regional policy and EU flock losses point to a tighter market and higher operational risk.
• Layers and packing. Pay close attention to how grading guidance is applied in practice; even small shifts in "seconds" criteria can move Class A yield, producer settlements and retail availability.
• All species. Keep biosecurity audit-ready and tighten comms discipline, as policy lines may shift again with November data.

The episode ends on a sober note: the picture is fluid, and the next few weeks are likely to set the tone for the winter.

After some road-warrior and makeshift-office banter, Tom W reports back from the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo in ’s-Hertogenbosch: a wave of robotics and AI, a colossal chicken/turkey harvester, and a spotlight on feed form innovation.

He flags AgriFirm’s “Crunch” – a mash/crumb hybrid – to open a wider discussion on particle size, digestibility and early-life feed waste (including a mini-pellet revival).

The Toms then turn to unpacking live legal and standards stories: the River Wye civil action (Leigh Day, Avara and others) and potential ramifications across the value chain; the Red Tractor TV ad that was pulled and what “farming with care” does – and doesn’t – claim; plus welfare campaigning from Compassion in World Farming.

They tie these threads into the Try Some Chicken initiative – balancing welfare, environment and cost – and probe the gap between what we say as citizens and what we buy as consumers.

A light sign-off rounds things out: weekend plans, and a nudge to catch the earlier episode and stay tuned for sector updates.

Together, they map the practical route from ESG intent to on-farm results.

The discussion opens by grounding ESG in the realities of European and UK regulation: net-zero trajectories, corporate sustainability reporting, due diligence duties and finance-sector disclosure frameworks.

The message is that measurement and reduction will be expected across supply chains, not just corporate offices.

From there, the panel reframes poultry’s opportunity. Chicken already delivers ~30% of global animal protein while accounting for a materially smaller share of livestock GHGs.

Yet scale and scrutiny demand continuous improvement across three pillars – economic viability, animal welfare, and environmental footprint – without “solving” one by inflating the others.

That trade-off mindset is replaced with a systems view: define the target precisely (FCR, welfare KPIs, carbon intensity), then choose interventions that move multiple pillars in the right direction.

A critical insight for operators: 70–80% of a broiler’s carbon footprint sits in feed, and ~80% of emissions occur off farm.

Energy tweaks at the house may help resilience and costs, but carbon outcomes are won primarily through feed formulation and feed efficiency.

Elanco frames its response as “inside the bird” (gut health and disease control that improve FCR) and “outside the bird” (formulation decisions that reduce the embodied carbon of the ration).

Two technology tracks illustrate this. First, Hemicell (a beta-mannanase) breaks down beta-mannans that otherwise trigger a costly feed-induced immune response and raise digesta viscosity.

By sparing energy and improving intestinal integrity, nutritionists can remove ~60 kcal from the matrix and maintain performance, enabling the substitution of higher-carbon fats/oils while maintaining output.

Independent, ISO-aligned lifecycle assessment and modelling against representative European diets indicate ~2.5–3% reductions in carbon footprint attributable to Hemicell-enabled reformulation, alongside feed-cost benefits.

Second, Elanco’s anticoccidial programmes (e.g., Maxiban®/Monoban®) anchor coccidiosis control – a health prerequisite that also supports better FCR.

Elanco commissioned ISO-conformant LCAs on the products and then collaborated with external experts to build a product-agnostic FCR-to-carbon calculator.

Teams can input live parameters (country, target weight, feed price, baseline FCR) to estimate the carbon impact of a given FCR improvement under standard diets by market.

It’s a decision tool to rank scenarios before implementing and validating with farm-level measurement platforms (e.g., poultry-specific tools that include land-use change in feed footprints).

Elanco’s approach is to:

• Keep investing in rigorous science and third-party assurance so customers can trust claimed impacts
• Quantify hidden co-benefits of health technologies (welfare ↑, performance ↑, carbon ↓)
• Develop the next wave of innovations designed explicitly for sustainability outcomes.

For producers, integrators, nutritionists and veterinary advisors, this episode offers a practical takeaway: start where the carbon is (feed), protect gut health relentlessly, use modelling to prioritise interventions, then measure and report with defensible methods. 

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings catch up on the latest from Aviagen’s producer roadshows and discuss why UK broiler performance is comparing favourably with results seen elsewhere in Europe. While some of the improvement may reflect down-stocking, they note that good margins are allowing reinvestment in housing, equipment and farm infrastructure – small but important details that continue to lift performance.

That discussion leads neatly into one of the more striking messages from Poultry Network Live, where Gordon Hickman OBE warned producers against grazing poultry alongside sheep or cattle. Similar advice has since been circulated by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The Toms consider what this could mean in practice for mixed farms with free-range or organic flocks, and how any future policy shift might test the balance between maintaining livestock enterprises and outdoor access for laying hens.

The conversation broadens to the global disease picture following a recent BBC documentary on “the next pandemic”. The programme focused on H5N1 infections now found across more than a thousand dairy herds in the United States. The hosts reflect on scientists’ concern that the virus is becoming more resilient in mammalian conditions – a reminder that avian influenza remains a live risk for agriculture and public health alike.

A second emerging story catching their attention is the concept of “layers laying broilers.” Developed by the international research project NextHen, it involves inserting broiler germ cells into sterile layer embryos, creating parent stock capable of laying broiler chicks rather than conventional hatching eggs. The technology could, in theory, simplify breeder management, free up rearing capacity and improve efficiency – but also raises complex regulatory questions. The company claims the process does not constitute genetic modification, yet it is unclear how that position would be treated in the UK or EU markets.

The pair also take a lighter look at their own livestock ventures. Tom Willings reports on the challenges of integrating his small flock of Beulah crosses and Black Welsh Mountain ewes, while Tom Woolman admits to discovering an unexpected resident at his new home – a peacock that insists on visiting his window each afternoon.

LiveTec, prime contractor to government for AI outbreak response, now puts most of its effort into prevention — its “four Ps”: Prevention, Protection, Planning and Prediction.

Having worked on nearly 300 UK outbreaks in the past eight years, the team has learned first-hand what a confirmed case means for farms and businesses, and how to reduce the odds of it happening again.

Jules explains why this past summer raised eyebrows: unusually high numbers of detections despite heat that would typically knock back virus persistence in the environment.

The likely explanation is a maintained pool of virus within wild bird populations.

August also saw outbreaks linked to pheasants in the South West and reports of dead gulls on farms — reminders that under-reporting masks the true extent of viral pressure.

While LiveTec’s broad forecast suggests this season may be “heavy” (roughly two-thirds of the 2022–23 peak), timing and scale still hinge on weather and migration patterns through late October.

Expect a lag: wetter conditions can seed problems that only show several weeks later.

A standout segment covers LiveTec’s work with GPS-tag data from gulls. Though only a snapshot (c. 60–70 birds), it reveals daily UK–Netherlands movements, long ranging during certain months, and roosting behaviour around freshwater — all of which can “move” virus across landscapes.

Jules stresses: it’s less that virus is “blown on the wind” and more that birds travel with it, often following prevailing winds.

On resilience, the message is practical. Beyond “biosecurity fatigue,” focus on infrastructure: drainage and curtilage to prevent water ingress, roof and gutter maintenance, rigorous rodent control (especially during harvest and cultivations), and wild-bird exclusion.

Many UK sheds are ageing; refurbishment is surging, but design choices matter.

Build biosecurity in from the start: site layout, traffic routes, delivery/drop-off points and office access that minimise entries to clean areas.

The same measures help against salmonella — another reason to double down now.

For further reading and tools, the episode points listeners to EFSA’s biosecurity toolkit (multi-language infographics), Poultry.Network’s recent coverage of Gordon Hickman (Defra/APHA) on this winter’s risk, and a previous episode with Wayne Olbison (LANXESS) on the nuts-and-bolts of cleaning and turnaround.

LiveTec's own podcast (hosted by Jack Hughes) dives deeper into biosecurity, and its free mobile app lets users view outbreak and wild-bird data around their farms.

This winter, expect the unexpected, prepare for higher viral pressure than last year, and invest in the simple, site-level fixes that pay off when it counts.

What sets this project apart is its “socio-metabolic” lens. Rather than model only physical supply-chain flows, the researchers are mapping how materials, practices, power dynamics and consumer behaviours interact across a tightly integrated system — from genetics and feed to processing, retail and what ends up on the plate. The work is being built with extensive industry input so the outputs are practical, not theoretical.

Where the system is most exposed

• Disease and biosecurity — Avian influenza remains a first-order risk and the team is linking with parallel AI research to avoid duplication and widen the view.
• Climate shocks — 2022’s extreme heat is a case study. Beyond shed environments, prolonged temperatures over 40°C challenge cold-chain reliability and plant operations. The question is whether current infrastructure and incentives are ready for more frequent, hotter events.
• Feed markets — The system is optimised around soy. Geopolitics and trade shifts since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have pushed input prices higher and re-routed global flows (e.g., China sourcing more from Brazil). As a relatively small buyer, the UK’s access and pricing remain vulnerable.
• Just-in-time fragility — High efficiency and vertical integration are strengths — until a single dependency fails. The 2022 CO₂ shortage, intertwined with gas and fertiliser markets, showed how quickly plant-level stunning capacity can become a bottleneck with immediate welfare consequences on farm.

Public perception vs production reality

New to broilers after work on cattle and sheep, Simmons highlights a deeper public disconnect with chicken than other species — few outside the sector grasp the separation of meat and egg lines, or how changes such as down-stocking from 38 kg/m² to 30 kg/m² ripple into carbon footprint, costs and throughput. Better dialogue is needed so welfare, sustainability and affordability trade-offs are understood, not assumed.

What ‘good’ could look like

The team is not writing another prescriptive standard. Instead, they are developing a flexible ethical framework — a set of principles stakeholders can use to weigh options when shocks hit or when policy and market changes tweak the system. Crucially, that means enabling long-term investment in resilience (heat-hardening sheds, stronger cold chains, alternative feed strategies) at a time when financial pressure pushes operators to think quarter-to-quarter.

Call for farmer input

A major workstream now underway is interviewing broiler farmers across geographies and systems — including different litter, energy, and waste strategies — to capture what resilience looks like in everyday practice. If you run broilers and are willing to contribute, contact details are in the show notes and on the Poultry.Network episode page.

Trade-offs for a Resilient Broiler Sector – An Industry Stakeholder Workshop SAVE THE DATE: 23 October 2025 10:00-16:00 Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham, B15 2RS. Email to register: resilient.chicken@soton.ac.uk

Prof Hughes opens with the big picture: global food prices spiked to levels last seen in 1973, eased a touch, but remain ~35% above pre-COVID – leaving consumers vexed and farmers squeezed as inputs have risen too.

He cautions against fixating on US tariff noise alone and flags the World Economic Forum’s “green risks” as the structural headwind shaping food over the next decade.

Turning to protein, poultry keeps gaining share globally – up from ~36% of meat consumption in 2013 to ~41% today – mainly at pork and beef’s expense.

Yet the quiet outperformer is fish, especially salmon and pangasius, reminding poultry and egg sectors that competition isn’t just red meat.

In the UK, per-capita meat intake is gently drifting down while total volumes are propped up by population growth; we’re eating meat just as often, but there’s less of it in products.

Hughes contrasts US and UK patterns (Americans now eat ~53 kg of poultry per capita vs ~35 kg in the UK), arguing there’s still upside here.

Eggs are “in good shape” with strong retail value growth; prices are high historically but the UK remains cheaper than several Western peers.

However, income polarisation is redefining retail: a third of UK households are struggling, pushing supermarkets into relentless value positioning and producing “meat for the haves and have-nots” – from £3/kg whole chickens to premium cuts exceeding £50/kg. Eggs show the same split: value mixed-weight lines versus luxury tiers.

On the shop floor, he sees space and theatre shifting away from raw counters toward “meals and meal components.”

Food retail and foodservice are converging; convenience rules. UK egg merchandising lags, he says – look to Spain and Asia for how to celebrate eggs with range, packaging and presentation.

Convenience chains like 7-Eleven in Thailand and Japan have become meal-solution hubs for under-40s; expect UK formats (e.g., Co-op) to lean harder into ready-to-go food.

Gen Z and Gen Alpha – true digital natives – define convenience as “right now,” buying snacks, mini-meals and components rather than ingredients.

That’s a tailwind for chicken (bites, nuggets, protein snacks) and a missed opportunity for eggs: the UK under-indexes on egg snacks compared with Asia and Latin America.

Add eating occasions (breakfast and “anytime”), borrow global formats (Korean egg drop sandwiches), and market eggs as portable protein.

He also notes GLP-1 weight-loss medications may nudge demand toward higher-protein, lower-calorie options – good news for poultry and eggs – while sustainability intent remains high but temporarily deprioritised by cost-of-living pressures (younger shoppers still care most).

Finally, Prof Hughes tracks the scale game: four of the world’s ten largest packaged food companies are protein giants (JBS, Tyson, Marfrig, WH Group). JBS is moving into eggs; Cal-Maine alone produces roughly the UK’s total egg volume.

As value-added products grow, origin becomes opaque – raising a strategic question for UK self-sufficiency if more snacks and components are imported.

His closing message is optimistic but pointed: poultry and eggs win on price, nutrition, family acceptance and convenience – air-fryer-friendly chicken, microwaveable eggs – but the sectors must continually innovate to thrive.

Their guest is Wayne Olbison, Head of Sales for UK and Ireland at Lanxess Biosecurity Solutions, who discusses the company’s role in agricultural hygiene and offers practical biosecurity advice in light of recent avian influenza outbreaks.

Wayne introduces Lanxess as a global chemicals business, with the Biosecurity Solutions division focused on cleaning and disinfection products for agriculture and aquaculture.

The timing of the conversation is significant: in late July five new cases of avian influenza were confirmed in the UK, including several in Somerset.

Such unseasonal outbreaks underline that AI may now be endemic in wild bird populations, with risks present year-round rather than only in winter.

Both the hosts and Wayne emphasise vigilance and strict farm hygiene as critical defences.

Wayne stresses that biosecurity is often misunderstood.

Some see it purely as terminal hygiene – cleaning and disinfecting once birds leave a house – while others recognise continuous measures during a flock cycle.

In reality, both are essential.

The first day of the next flock cycle starts immediately after the previous flock leaves, and any carry-over risks must be eliminated.

Farmers may handle cleaning themselves, use in-house teams, or hire contractors, but consistency and thoroughness matter most.

Too often, people look for shortcuts: a fast clean rather than a correct clean, which leaves organic matter behind and undermines disinfection.

The discussion then focuses on common pitfalls.

Continuous farm practices frequently fail due to poor maintenance or incorrect use.

Wheel washes may not contain active disinfectant if pumps aren’t working or chemical drums are empty; foot dips, the “first line of defence,” are often contaminated, degraded by sunlight, or incorrectly mixed.

Without lids or regular replacement, disinfectant quickly becomes ineffective.

During terminal cleans, failure to fully remove organic matter or using disinfectants at the wrong concentration reduces efficacy.

For example, a DEFRA-approved product rated at 2% may be ineffective if applied at 1.5%.

Wayne stresses that washing and disinfection are separate processes: muck must be removed before applying disinfectant, otherwise the chemistry is neutralised.

Attention to dilution rates, contact time, and correct rotation of chemistries is also critical.

Oxidising products are often best used first to knock down viruses, but order matters – misapplication can cancel out effectiveness.

Tom probes Wayne on wheel wash technology, from simple knapsack sprayers to integrated spray bars.

While drive-through systems are ideal, they are costly and require space, so most farms rely on sprayers.

Whatever the system, doing nothing is not an option. Equally, over-mixing or combining incompatible products can reduce performance or create hazards.

Wayne underlines that advice should be tailored: the target pathogen, the chemistry in use, and the sequence of application all matter.

1. Control entry – restrict visitors and ensure every vehicle entering has wheels properly disinfected with working, charged systems.
2. Prioritise foot dips – maintain them with the correct product, at the correct dilution, and replace them frequently to ensure they are active.
3. Enforce accuracy – whether cleaning houses or mixing disinfectants, precision matters. Guesswork or shortcuts leave pathogens behind and waste money.

The conversation begins with talk of Yorkshire weather before turning to Graham’s transition from corporate employment to independent consultancy.

He reflects on the nerves of setting up on his own but explains how a “varied diet” of work – spanning data, technology, health and welfare, pharmaceuticals, writing, and increasingly direct work with producers – has kept him busy and engaged.

The core focus of the discussion is on egg supply contracts – a subject Graham has been exploring through his work and in a recent article in The Ranger magazine.

The hosts and guest dig into what makes a good contract, why producers should pay closer attention to detail, and how contracts can balance fairness for both producers and packers.

Graham notes that today’s strong producer margins are historically unusual and unlikely to last indefinitely.

Many farmers, he says, underestimate or misunderstand the small print of contracts.

Some have traditionally relied on trust-based relationships without formal agreements, while others sign documents without fully grasping their obligations.

Both situations can leave producers exposed when market conditions change.

The podcast explores specific contract components:

• Egg supply agreements vs. pricing terms – often handled in separate documents, which can create confusion.
• Force majeure clauses – usually vaguely drafted; Graham argues for clearer definitions, including explicit reference to avian influenza.
• Price adjustment mechanisms – highlighted as the most contentious element of any deal. The team stress the importance of transparency over when and how prices move.

One major development has been the use of the ADAS cost of production model, pioneered by BFREPA.

This independent reference point has been increasingly incorporated into contracts, giving producers and packers a clear, mutually agreed basis for pricing.

Graham welcomes this as a step forward, though he cautions that adoption remains patchy.

The discussion also touches on wider market dynamics. The hosts argue that while cost-of-production models provide fairness, there must still be space for diversity: different farms with different business models will inevitably need different contractual terms.

Spot markets will continue to play a role, as not every producer will opt for (or be offered) a long-term cost-linked agreement.

Looking ahead, the panel link these debates to the DEFRA Fairness in the Supply Chain Review, which outlines a potential code of practice for farm-gate contracts.

Government is pushing for greater transparency from buyers, particularly around price changes – a demand that could be very difficult for packers to meet given the complexity of their operations and customer mix.

As the episode closes, Graham offers his advice to farmers:

1. Read your contract in detail – don’t assume you know what it says.
2. Seek advice on unclear clauses.
3. Look beyond today’s price – focus on how price is structured and adjusted.
4. Clarify protections around force majeure and other critical risks.
5. Work with packers as partners to create agreements both sides can sustain.

The conversation underscores that contracts are not just paperwork but the foundation of long-term, resilient relationships across the egg supply chain.

Tracey outlines the progress so far – 82 % of UK laying hens are now cage-free, compared with 50 % in 2016 – and the 2025 commitments made by major retailers. The conversation covers Iceland’s recent U-turn on its original pledge, public pressure driven by NGOs and high-profile campaigns, and the importance of retail alignment in creating industry change.

The discussion also addresses the 18 % of hens still in cages, the role of legislation in levelling the playing field, and the need for equivalent standards for imported eggs to avoid undermining UK producers. Funding and support for farmers transitioning to barn or free-range systems are explored, as are future welfare priorities such as enriched environments, veranda and natural light requirements, and phasing out beak trimming.

Tracey also comments on global cage-free efforts, the challenges and slower progress of the Better Chicken Commitment compared with eggs, and the balance of “carrot and stick” in driving corporate commitments. She emphasises the importance of early action, transparent reporting, and maintaining momentum toward higher welfare standards.

CTA:

If you’re involved in egg production, retail, foodservice or manufacturing, now is the time to act. Ensure your cage-free commitments are on track for 2025 and report progress by March 2026 to be included in the 2025 EggTrack. Contact Compassion In World Farming for more information.

Jake outlines this year’s theme — growth, optimism and ambition — and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store for delegates, including:

• A keynote from Professor David Hughes, exploring global protein trends and poultry’s competitive edge.
• A health and biosecurity session featuring Gordon Hickman OBE from APHA, covering avian influenza insights and Defra policy developments.
• A practical panel on expanding your poultry enterprise, with speakers from NatWest, Maelor Foods, Farmlay Eggs, and Morspan Construction.
• Afternoon sector-specific sessions — including broiler and laying hen topics, with a special mention for Vincent Beyer of Laying Hen Pros, bringing big-industry data expertise to egg production.

With lively discussion, insights into the speaker line-up, and a reminder on how to book tickets, this episode offers a great preview of what to expect from one of the UK poultry industry’s key events of the year.

📅 Poultry Network Live takes place on 4 September 2025. To attend, email graeme@poultry.network to reserve your ticket.

The conversation opens with an explanation of the relationship between the RSPCA and RSPCA Assured.

The RSPCA is responsible for writing the welfare standards, informed by peer-reviewed science, practical trial data, and veterinary input. RSPCA Assured supports implementation, conducts assessments, and helps producers apply the standards on farm.

The guests discuss how scientific research, outcome-based measures, and producer feedback are all considered when updating standards.

While RSPCA Assured has gathered over a decade of farm-level welfare data, such as feather cover and flock behaviour, they acknowledge that analysing this data in a more strategic way is a future priority.

To support this, they’ve invested in a new Impact and Insights team to enhance how data informs benchmarking and continuous improvement.

The Standards Technical Advisory Group (STAG), comprising researchers, vets, and producers, plays a central role in developing and refining the standards.

For the 2023 laying hen standards, discussions began in 2021 and included consultations with producers, manufacturers, and industry experts.

After implementation, an additional working group—comprising regional producers and STAG representatives—was formed to address practical concerns.

This led to clarification in wording and, in a few cases, adjustments to make implementation more feasible while preserving welfare goals.

The episode highlights the importance of broad and ongoing consultation, especially in light of external reviews, such as the AHDB and NFU-led Farm Assurance Review and Defra’s review into fairness in the supply chain.

Both have reinforced the value of engagement at a practical level, something the RSPCA is committed to embedding in future revisions.

Looking ahead, the next version of the laying hen standards is expected in 2027.

While major changes are not anticipated, the team will begin consulting on topics flagged in the current version’s information boxes.

These may signal future aspirations or focus areas but will undergo the same robust review and consultation process.

Kelly and Kate also share how producers can engage in the development process—whether through the regional working group, contact with the farm and technical engagement team, conversations with assessors, or by reviewing publicly available summary notes on the RSPCA websites.

The podcast closes with a discussion on the role of supermarkets. While retailers are not directly involved in STAG, RSPCA Assured has strong relationships with agricultural teams within retail businesses and has created a new team focused on engaging them around welfare strategy alignment.

Crucially, however, the standards remain independently set.

The episode underscores the challenge and necessity of balancing science, practicality, and commercial viability in welfare assurance—and the importance of collaboration at every stage.

Bex reflects on a milestone year for the business—winning Packer of the Year at the National Egg & Poultry Awards, a Grocer Gold Award nomination, and recognition by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s Top 100 fastest-growing companies, where St. Ewe placed 53rd.

While the three joke about needing a bigger boardroom for all the trophies, Bex explains why awards matter: they honour the hard work of their team and farming partners.

The discussion also covers the creation of a new Agricultural Director role, signalling St. Ewe’s continued expansion.

Bex extends an open invitation to passionate candidates—even those outside the egg sector—highlighting the value of a fresh perspective.

A key focus of the episode is B Corp certification, which St. Ewe recently achieved after a three-year journey.

Bex explains how it provided a valuable framework for clarifying company values, strengthening governance, and challenging day-to-day decision-making through the lens of sustainability, people, and purpose.

It’s a journey she believes many agricultural businesses could—and should—embark on.

The conversation also dives into the power of brand-building in eggs.

Bex shares the story of how St. Ewe’s now-iconic packaging was born—complete with chickens on the beach—and how a strong brand became essential for communicating values directly to consumers.

This branding focus, she argues, has driven egg category growth in contrast to sectors like meat, which remain largely own-label.

Looking ahead, Bex reveals plans to expand their packing centre, reinvest in pasteurisation equipment, and launch new value-added products in 2026 aimed at increasing egg consumption.

It’s all part of St. Ewe’s mission to grow efficiently while staying grounded in core values.

On a more personal note, Bex speaks candidly about balancing business with family life, especially while supporting her father through vascular dementia.

This shift is giving her space to think more creatively about future innovations, brand strategies, and community impact.

The episode closes with reflections on long-term growth.

While St. Ewe may appear to be an “overnight success,” its 19-year journey has been built on consistent investment in people, process, and vision.

This year, says Bex, is about fine-tuning the engine before they gear up for another phase of growth.

Packed with insight, humour, and optimism, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the business of eggs, the power of purpose-driven leadership, and what it takes to build a bold, modern agricultural brand.

🎉 Plus: Find out why Bex once took chickens to the beach, what Jeremy Clarkson has to do with St. Ewe’s growth ranking, and why she believes the next wave of agri-brands is just around the corner.

Described as "planning royalty" in the poultry world, Ian shares insights from nearly two decades of experience helping producers across the UK navigate an increasingly complex planning system.

Responsible for thousands of poultry units nationwide, Ian explains the current realities facing farmers who want to develop or expand poultry operations - especially in light of tightening environmental thresholds and regulatory changes.

The conversation begins with a walk-through of the planning process from first contact through site screening.

Ian outlines how the ammonia impact threshold is now the biggest barrier, ruling out around 80% of initial enquiries.

Most applications fail before they begin — unless mitigation technologies like air scrubbers can be justified.

Despite these challenges, Ian says demand is booming, particularly in the broiler sector, with stocking density changes driving the need for more housing.

He and his team are seeing record volumes of planning applications, working 80-hour weeks just to keep pace.

New activity is concentrated along the east side of England (Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire), with additional development in Shropshire and north of the border for layers.

However, regions like Wales and Herefordshire are essentially closed to new developments, with planning frozen due to Natural Resources Wales policies and nutrient neutrality rules respectively.

In Herefordshire, the fallout from a court ruling classifying manure as waste remains largely confined to that local authority’s policy framework — although campaigners are using it as ammunition elsewhere.

Jake and Tom raise the growing influence of well-organised anti-lobby groups, whose tactics and PR strategies can amplify local objections.

Ian acknowledges their presence but argues that such campaigns often overstate their impact.

Even in cases where judicial reviews have succeeded — such as the recent one in Shropshire — the outcomes are typically technical adjustments rather than blocks to development.

Ian stresses that well-prepared, environmentally robust applications are still succeeding, particularly for replacement of old buildings with modern equivalents.

In England at least, planning authorities are still accepting arguments for betterment, especially where new builds reduce emissions and meet higher environmental standards.

The episode closes with a reminder of the strategic importance of the poultry sector to UK food security and health.

A must-listen episode for poultry producers, integrators, and stakeholders navigating the intersection of agricultural growth, regulation, and environmental responsibility.

👉 Visit harrisonpick.co.uk to contact Ian Pick and his team.

👉 Subscribe to the Poultry Network Podcast and sign up to the Poultry.Network newsletter at poultry.network

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman welcome Paul Kelly, managing director of Kelly Turkeys, renowned for producing the slow-grown, high-welfare KellyBronze turkey.

Paul shares insights on the turkey sector’s evolution, the challenges it has faced in recent years, and what the future holds - including exciting plans for a major milestone in 2026.

🔧 Challenges in the Sector

Paul reflects on a turbulent few years for turkey producers, describing a “perfect storm” of Brexit-related labour shortages and avian influenza.

Post-Brexit, many of Kelly’s experienced seasonal workers felt unwelcome and didn’t return, creating a lasting challenge. Avian influenza hit hard in 2022, costing Kelly Turkeys over 87,000 birds and testing the resilience of their operation.

💼 Why Turkey Still Matters

Despite setbacks, Paul remains a vocal advocate for turkey farming as a profitable diversification option for mixed farms. He emphasises the unique advantage turkeys offer: being able to process and sell directly from the farm gate - without needing licensed abattoirs.

While AI and generational changes have discouraged some small producers, he believes seasonal turkeys remain one of the highest-margin products available, especially when paired with community engagement and direct sales.

🎄 Creating a Christmas Experience

Paul explains how Kelly Turkeys has turned turkey collection into a festive event. Customers now associate collecting their Christmas bird with the start of the holiday season, thanks to mulled wine, sausage rolls, and even Santa Claus at the farm. He sees this as more than marketing—it's about building loyalty and tradition across generations.

📜 2026: 500 Years of Turkey in the UK

Kelly Turkeys is preparing to mark a historic moment: 500 years since turkeys were first brought to the UK by explorer William Strickland in 1526.

Plans could include a documentary hosted by Jimmy Doherty, retracing historical turkey drover routes to London and celebrating the bird’s cultural importance beyond the Christmas table.

🥩 Turkey Beyond Christmas

Paul argues that turkey is undervalued in the UK. In contrast to countries like Russia - now Europe’s second-largest turkey producer - UK consumption remains seasonal.

Russia has built its turkey sector by positioning it as a premium, versatile alternative to red meat, with cuts like turkey steaks. Paul believes the UK should reposition turkey similarly.

📣 Speaking Up for the Industry

Paul urges the sector to embrace media openness. He recounts years of engaging with journalists to educate them on practices like artificial insemination, arguing that transparency builds trust.

In contrast, reluctance to engage leads to suspicion and fuels negative narratives. He applauds producers who install viewing galleries in new poultry units, giving the public an unfiltered look into modern poultry farming.

🌐 Final Thoughts

Paul's passion and humour shine throughout, from world records for turkey plucking and carving to calling on the industry to step forward as advocates. As he puts it, “If you're not willing to show your customer what you’re doing, you have to ask why.”

🎧 Listen Now

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in poultry farming, consumer engagement, or how one farmer with flair is keeping turkey at the heart of British agriculture - every day of the year.

🔹 Major Industry News: Hook2Sisters Sale

The episode opens with analysis of the landmark announcement that Hook2Sisters, the long-standing 50/50 joint venture between PD Hook and 2 Sisters Food Group, will be fully acquired by the Boparan Private Office—the investment vehicle of Ranjit Singh Boparan.

• This marks consolidation in the broiler supply chain.
• PD Hook will continue to operate a hatchery business, focusing on the independent market.
• Tom Willings gives a historical overview of the venture, which began in 2006 to secure chick and broiler supply chains for both companies.

🔹 Egg Sector Shake-Up

Attention then turns to a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the egg sector, which, although smaller in scale, signal significant change:

1. Noble Foods acquires Just Egg, enhancing their processed egg capability.
2. Hardeman Group (Netherlands) takes over Bumblehole Foods, bringing a large European player into UK processing.
3. The Griffiths family announces a joint venture with French firm Eureden, expanding processing ambitions beyond fresh shell egg.

These moves reflect an evolving focus on value-added egg products and defensive strategies to maintain customer relationships and production viability.

The hosts reflect on low per capita egg consumption in the UK compared to Europe, and opportunities to expand “egg occasions” through product innovation.

🔹 What’s Ahead: RSPCA & Industry Events

Upcoming discussion points and events include:

• RSPCA Welfare Standards Updates:1 July: RSPCA Member webinar on new laying hen standards.
• 8 July: RSPCA attending the West Country Layers Association meeting in Cullompton.
• Poultry Network Live:Taking place on 4 September at Harper Adams University.

Richard offers insights into his career, which began in mining engineering before he transitioned to the poultry sector nearly two decades ago.

He reflects on how the industry has changed dramatically and why it remains as interesting and vital as ever.

The core discussion focuses on the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) law changes announced in May, aimed at easing post-Brexit friction in trade between the UK and the EU.

Richard explains the broader context of food security and how future trade frameworks must serve the long-term goal of feeding the nation reliably and sustainably.

He argues that the UK must build a resilient, fair trading system, and that improved SPS arrangements with the EU are a step in the right direction.

This is essential, not just for the poultry meat trade, but for genetic exports too – an often-overlooked pillar of the UK’s poultry industry.

Some key points discussed:

• Food security must underpin all future policy decisions. The UK needs a long-term strategy that prioritises domestic production while maintaining productive trade links.
• Post-Brexit, UK poultry producers have faced five years of disproportionate trade barriers compared to EU exporters. New SPS streamlining could help reverse a 33% drop in exports since 2019.
• The UK’s poultry sector depends on balancing imports and exports: particularly dark meat exports and breast meat imports, due to consumer preferences.
• Speed, shelf life and just-in-time supply chains are critical. Friction in trade undermines the viability of fresh meat exports.
• There’s a growing shift toward “just-in-case” supply chains, building resilience into the system post-COVID, Brexit, and other global shocks.
• The UK must maintain high animal welfare and environmental standards, but ensure those don't outpace trading partners and put domestic producers at a disadvantage.

The conversation also touches on stocking density reductions in UK broiler production.

While viewed positively as a welfare improvement, the changes have reduced production capacity, raising questions about how the UK balances regulation with affordability and competitiveness in a global market.

Finally, the episode acknowledges the complexity of interlinked challenges — from trade policy to environmental impact — and the need for government to avoid siloed thinking.

As Richard notes, a close relationship with the EU should not be seen as a trade-off, but a strategic necessity for long-term stability.

From farm to fork, we bring you expert insights, latest trends, and stories that shape the sector. 

Whether you’re a farmer, processor, or simply passionate about poultry, this podcast is your go-to source for all things poultry in the UK.

Aviagen is a business pioneering scientific research, accelerating the implementation of technology to protect valuable natural resources and, perhaps above all, acting as an influential force for good in sharing knowledge and recognising best practices across a diverse network of customers and global stakeholders.  

Tim, who has devoted a career of thirty years to the company, uses his extraordinary commitment and experience to guide the global Aviagen Group on policies and developments seeking to champion and further advance bird welfare and sustainability. In his role, Tim travels extensively, presenting as an authority to the wider industry and sharing his vast knowledge. 

An active contributor and chair of multiple sustainability-focused working groups across the world, there can be no-one better placed to kickstart the conversation. 

In a wide-ranging dialogue, Tim and Tom discuss the nitty-gritty of the Aviagen breeding program. 

Tim brings to life the strategic balancing act of keeping a steady yet progressive eye on the selection process, ensuring a pragmatic approach to the levers of productivity and welfare. 

Rather than presenting such a balance as a compromise, Tim explains the resources at Aviagen to create the ideal blend of features for a given market.   

Tim points to the importance of farm management along with genetics in outcomes of health and performance. 

Aviagen’s long-term corporate program of recognising success at the grassroots level is a resounding success and has created the blueprint for continuous improvement, from individual farms to integrated supply chains. 

Looking ahead to the changing marketplace facing the sustainability challenges of the present day, the pair explore how the sector at large is well prepared not only to adapt but to thrive. 

As a global poultry industry, we’re providing an all-important healthy and cost-effective protein source, but doing so with ever-greater care and responsibility to the bird and the planet. 

With thanks to our sponsors, Alltech, Aviagen, Elanco, Moy Park, Trouw Nutrition, UK Agri-Tech Centres