Profitable poultry production depends on success at both the farm gate and further up the supply chain, and visitors to the British Pig & Poultry Fair can learn plenty about both.
The Poultry Forum Theatre will bring together top speakers to cover off the hot topics of the day, from the popular Poultry and Egg Outlooks to supply chain fairness, and farm assurance to supporting the next generation.
“We always work hard to choose thought-provoking subjects, helping visitors to plan ahead and challenge established thinking,” says Fair organiser, Alice Bell. “This year we have a great mixture of practical advice and blue-sky thinking in what is a constantly evolving sector, and from which visitors are sure to take ideas to implement at home.”
Opening the first day will be Defra farming minister Mark Spencer, who is sure to be quizzed on government policy ahead of the upcoming election.
In the Poultry Outlook, Justin Coleman, agri business and live production services director at Moy Park, and Ruth Edge, head of supply chain sustainability at KFC, will be giving their views on prospects for the industry in the year ahead – and there’s a lot to discuss. “I don’t think there’s been a more interesting time to be in poultry meat, in terms of the amount of change that needs to happen between now and the end of the year,” says Coleman.
The drive to improve animal welfare and reduce stocking densities is coming at the same time as policy limitations on farm expansion. There are also public concerns over air quality and water pollution – particularly around the River Wye. So quite how farmers are going to continue producing enough British chicken to meet consumer demand is a tricky question, he adds.
Throw into the mix the drive to net zero and move away from unsustainable soya sources, and there’s a lot to tackle. “There are some big macro issues to deal with,” notes Coleman. But demand for chicken continues to grow – it now comprises 53% of all protein consumed. “The public still has an insatiable appetite for chicken meat, so it will be interesting to see where this all lands.”
Following a very difficult time in the egg sector, prices are now on the up, which is driving poultry producers to consider a switch into egg production, he adds. “Unless policy changes to allow producers to create more farming space or repurpose farming space, we’re a bit stuck.”
In the British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association forum, egg costings and supply chain fairness will take centre stage. Speakers will explore how fairness in the supply chain can be achieved through a combination of legislation and accurate cost-of-production models.
A little over two years on from the cost-of-production crisis which engulfed the free-range and organic sectors, BFREPA says it has taken significant steps to protect the industry from being cut adrift again. In December 2022, it called for a Supply Chain Fairness Review in the egg sector, at the Defra Ministerial Summit on egg shortages. That consultation has now concluded, and Defra is set to reveal its findings at the Fair.
John Powell, Defra’s Head of Agriculture Sectors Team, will join the panel to present the results, and is expected to outline sector reform to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability across the egg supply chain. The aim of the Review was to help the egg sector operate with greater confidence and protect consumers’ access to high-welfare British eggs.
Part of that is creating fair contracts, and BFREPA has spent several months meeting members across the UK and Northern Ireland to hear their views on how the industry’s costings model could evolve to support that. “We produce a huge amount of really accurate data for our members, which details the average cost of production as well as tracking the average price being paid to farmers for their eggs,” says Robert Gooch, chief executive at BFREPA. “We know that this data is already used at various stages of the supply chain but we feel it could be adopted even more widely.”
Agricultural consultancy ADAS surveys farmers each month to provide costings on inputs like feed, pullets, energy and bird flu insurance. Its technical director, Jason Gittins, will join the panel to explain how the costings are formulated, what has changed as a result of BFREPA membership feedback, and the potential uses for the data in forming fairer relationships between farmers, packers and retailers.
“My objective for the seminar at the Fair is to show how independent, sector-accepted costings are the cornerstone for creating fairness in the supply chain, particularly when included in good and fair contracts like ‘cost-of-production plus’ contracts,” adds Gooch.
“This will ensure we will not get a repeat of 2022-23 when there were egg shortages, as a result of producers halting production due to a lack of profitability and a lack of confidence in their contracts.”
Other hot topics will include a Forum on assurance schemes, with Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured setting out the future for such schemes. Gary Ford, chief executive at BEIC, will be discussing the Lion Code, concluding with a question-and-answer session chaired by Poultry Business editor Chloe Ryan.
Defra is also holding a seminar on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (AHWP), which will outline what is available to poultry keepers through and how to get involved. Developed through careful co-design with vets, farmers, academics and other industry groups, the Pathway is designed to support keepers to continually improve the health, welfare and productivity of their flocks.
Visitors can also head to the new Innovation Theatre to hear about the latest production aids on the market. For example, International Water Solutions will be demonstrating a new solution to remove phosphates, nitrates and other contaminants from wastewater. Delegates will find out how to deal with wastewater that could be non-compliant with Environment Agency regulations without it costing too much to treat.
In addition, they will be able to browse new products among the 330 exhibitors, including Kew’s red LED lighting which is proven to calm birds and boost egg production when used in housing. Gut health is always a hot topic, and Interhatch’s new Agrivite ProStart Chick Gel could be one answer that producers are looking for, by providing quick hydration, energy and gut protection for day-old chicks. “We’re really excited about this innovative product; it’s making a very real difference to poultry performance, where every small gain counts,” says the firm’s Casi-lee Smith.
Ultimately, profitable and sustainable poultry and egg production depends on solid relationships, networks and knowledge-sharing throughout the supply chain, says Danny Johnson, general manager at Fair partner ABN. “It’s about taking a joined-up approach to achieve efficiency, performance and growth, and ensuring there’s a viable future for the next generation. And everything we’re doing with the Fair is working to deliver that.”
Note new venue and days for 2024!
The 2024 Fair will be taking place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, in halls 10, 11 & 12 at the NEC. Centrally located adjacent to the M42 and M6 the Fair is easily accessible by car, train and air. The NEC offers ample car parking and a bus transfer to the halls. Visit the website to book your FREE ticket and for more travel information www.pigandpoultry.org.uk