By Hannah Cargill, contract production manager, broilers, Avara Foods
As we step into 2025, it’s worth reflecting on one undeniable truth: predicting the future in the UK broiler industry is about as easy as predicting the British weather. One minute, it’s all sunshine and optimism, and the next, you’re caught in a downpour of shifting market demands, and unexpected challenges. But while crystal balls remain unreliable, there’s plenty we do know—and that’s where our focus should be.
By now, most of us are well aware that 2025 will usher in a new standard for the majority industry: the 30kg/m² stocking density program. For many growers, this means revisiting and rethinking key aspects of their operations. Ventilation systems will need tweaks to maintain optimum air quality, temperature profiles will require careful recalibration to keep the birds comfortable, and feeding patterns may need fine-tuning to ensure growth rates stay on track. It’s a lot to consider, but the good news is we don’t have to navigate it alone.
If there’s one thing 2024 politics has taught me, it’s that, despite the competitive nature of growing chickens, we are a farming community at heart. And in times of change and challenge, communities pull together. So, here’s a bit of advice: pick up your phone. Call that grower friend who’s already trialled 30kg and ask for their insights. What worked for them? What didn’t? Sometimes, the best advice doesn’t come from textbooks or consultants, but from those who have been there, done that, and got the metaphorical chicken-themed T-shirt.
Sharing knowledge isn’t just about solving immediate challenges; it’s also about fostering a sense of camaraderie. After all, we’re all in this together. The adjustments ahead may feel daunting but knowing there’s a network of growers ready to offer tips, commiserate over hiccups, and celebrate successes makes the journey a little less intimidating – Let’s embrace the spirit of collaboration. Whether it’s swapping notes on ventilation tweaks, sharing temperature-setting hacks, or laughing over the inevitable surprises that come with trying something new, we’ll all be stronger for it.
Yes, predicting the future is hard. But supporting each other? That’s something we can all do with confidence. Here’s to a year of learning, adapting, and growing—both top notch chickens and our sense of community.