By Aimee Mahony, NFU chief poultry advisor
I’m writing this latest column following two informative and jampacked days at NFU conference in Birmingham. It’s always such a good opportunity to engage with members and sector stakeholders and I felt attendees created a positive and upbeat atmosphere.
With rising demand for both British poultry meat and eggs we have a good story to tell as a sector and participants in the poultry breakout session were full of enthusiasm for the opportunities for future success. Despite there always being challenges, these were explored with a solution-based focus, and the panel discussion offered different views on a range of topics, from regulations to marketing and everything else in between.
The discussion covered what was dubbed the ‘good AI’ (artificial intelligence) and the ‘bad AI’ (avian influenza) with Ele Brown, UK DCVO (Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer) praising the poultry sector for focusing on biosecurity and minimising the chance for disease incursion. Having more of a background in the ruminant sector, Ele said she was impressed from how she had seen poultry farms being run, noting how data driven producers are which helps manage flocks more efficiently.
The overall theme of conference this year was resilience and I’ve certainly seen those working in the poultry sector showcasing such strength and determination in abundance in recent years.
Alongside the positives it was inevitable that any challenges being faced would also be explored. A government review of animal health and welfare, planning system barriers and NGO pressures were all addressed but speakers encouraged a proactive approach with the sector working collaboratively to set out a strategy for success.
I specifically emphasised the importance of everyone involved in the poultry sector contributing to the government’s live consultation on ending the use of colony cages in the egg sector. The proposals are set to affect everyone and therefore if you can respond by the 9 March deadline I strongly encourage you to do so to ensure that your voice is heard.
The panel heard that some producers feel like they are constantly firefighting multiple issues, which puts pressure on their time and limits the opportunity for strategic thinking. This is one of the great things about creating moments to discuss and consider how far the sector has come and where those working within it want it to go in the future.
On that note the NFU is currently recruiting members for the National Poultry Board who will meet for the first time in March and vote their Chair and Vice Chair for the next two-year term. One of the first things for consideration by the board is a review of their priorities and I look forward to working alongside them to promote poultry meat and eggs and lobby for the changes needed to allow the sector to thrive rather than just survive.