By Will Raw, NFU Poultry Board Chair
Never far away from the news headlines, the ongoing Iran crisis is already sending shockwaves through global energy and fertiliser markets, and the UK poultry sector is likely to feel the effects faster than most. Our industry is deeply exposed to volatility in raw materials, feed micronutrients, fuel and energy, and the current instability is a stark reminder of how interconnected our supply chains have become.
The most immediate pressure is on feed inputs. Disruption to ammonia and urea shipments through the Strait of Hormuz is tightening global fertiliser markets, pushing up the cost of producing cereals and the micronutrient premixes essential for poultry diets. These increases feed straight into farm costs. We must only look back to the start of the war to realise the potential impacts to the sector.
Energy inflation is another unavoidable hit. Poultry production relies on stable, continuous heating and ventilation; systems cannot simply be turned down, especially with summer fast approaching as bird welfare is paramount. As global gas and oil prices rise, producers face higher bills with no practical way to reduce consumption. Fuel inflation then compounds the problem, driving up haulage costs for feed deliveries, live bird transport and egg collections.
Looking further ahead, the Iran crisis exposes a deeper vulnerability in the sector. If geopolitical instability continues, the UK risks prolonged volatility in fertiliser derived micronutrients and sustained pressure on energy markets. This could accelerate the need for investment in on‑farm renewables, more efficient housing (don’t get me started on planning and permitting) and more resilient supply chains — but only if government policy supports that transition.
The NFU has already been engaging with various government departments to highlight these risks and members have been feeding into a risk register. We are pressing the government for recognition of the sectors exposure to global energy and chemical markets, calling for measures that strengthen domestic resilience, and ensuring ministers understand the cumulative impact of feed, fuel and energy inflation on poultry businesses.
The Iran crisis is more than a temporary disruption. It is a test of the UK poultry sector’s resilience — and a reminder that energy and feed security must sit at the heart of long term policy making.
Ending on a more positive note, it was fantastic to see the announcement of Krzysztof Knebloch of Forest Poultry as the NFU-Zoetis Poultry Trainee of the Year winner at the Pig and Poultry Fair in May. I was fortunate to be asked to sit on the judging panel for the award and the level of participants was truly incredible and something the industry should be very proud of. The future is in very safe hands. A huge congratulations to Krzysztof and all of the finalists.