By Aimee Mahony, NFU chief poultry adviser
I concluded last month’s column by reflecting on what might come of the autumn budget which was just days away at that point and was causing much anticipation from all industries but especially amongst the food and farming sectors. I knew that content from the budget announcement would feature at the Egg and Poultry Industry Conference (EPIC) and I was not wrong.
From NFU President Tom Bradshaw’s opening keynote speech to the passion and fury expressed by delegates in the audience during the various Q&A sessions, it was certainly clear to see that the labour government have started on the wrong foot in terms of their relationship with the nation’s food producers. It’s hard to see how the huge ditch that has been ploughed between the government and farmers can be smoothed over.
Last week we saw people flock to London to meet with MP’s and stand together for their future. It’s an extremely turmultuous time and coming together is a great strength of the rural community. We must therefore look out for each other – check in on your neighbour, ring a friend that you haven’t heard from for a while and make sure you also look after yourself – it’s ok not to be ok.
Turning to the more positive highlights of November and EPIC is a special conference in the poultry sector calendar. This prestigious event provides the opportunity for people working in and across the supply chain to come together, listen to new concepts, share ideas, empathise with each other’s challenges and celebrate success.
I was honoured to present this year’s EPIC Young Poultry Person of the Year award, and it was made even more special as I see day-in and day-out the dedication and passion that this year’s recipient James Mottershead has for the poultry sector. I’d also like to extend my congratulations to the BPC and ForFarmers Poultry Person of the Year award winner David Gibson and James Hook who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award – all thoroughly deserved.
There’s a lot going on at the moment in the sector and the added blow of confirmed avian influenza in poultry in the East Riding of Yorkshire was a stark reminder that winter is fast approaching. Please please please keep stringent biosecurity measures on farm, review protocols with staff members and be vigilant in order to protect your flocks. The risk levels in GB are increasing so every bird keeper needs to be on high alert and together create a scrupulous line of defence.