By Charles Bourns, broiler grower, Gloucestershire
This month has been an interesting one with the British Pig & Poultry Fair, which gave me a time to catch up with people I have not seen for a long time.
It appears that most are doing reasonably well but there was concern over the introduction of the 30kg stocking density with some retailers but not others.
You have to question which version of the 30kg will be grown by whom as this makes a huge difference to the price. There was also concerns over supply as production will be reduced by 20%.
The other concern was that some retailers will not reduce to 30kg and will stick where we are now, thus causing price pressure on the 30kg producers. What it means is the correct price will not be paid for these birds. It should be remembered that several farms have invested heavily in new houses or refurbishment and they cannot afford a reduction in income.
I am sorry to be a real bore but if the industry is going to the reduced stocking we must start to promote it to our customers and keep imports out. It does take time to organise but is not as expensive as some make out, and having seen the stands at the NEC I am sure the industry could afford to do it if there was the will. It just needs someone to take the lead as the NFU did in 2006 with the support of three companies.
On the home front we have had some good news, as we have just heard we have got planning through for my son’s house. Now we just have to deal with the bank, but at least the first step has been successful.
We have had a few farms for sale in the south west and I am told they have all sold which is good news and shows confidence in our industry despite its problems.
In a strange turn of events I got caught up in a rumour this month. We farm close to the River Severn but someone told someone that I was selling my manure to a farmer in the Wye Valley and confronted me about it. It took three phone calls and emails to convince them I was not and never have done. In the end I had to invite them over to see where it was spread. Honestly, have people nothing better to do with their lives? I did say that maybe they should direct their attention to the local water company.
Lastly, I would like to thank all those who entered the National Egg & Poultry Awards for making my life so difficult as a judge. I have never known the standard to be so high, so my apologies to all those who do not win.