By Gary Ford, head of strategy and producer engagement, BFREPA
We seem to be in the middle of a slightly bizarre period, if that’s the right word. On one hand, the job is good, and long may that continue. On the other, we are living through uncertain times. Uncertainty brings stress and dents confidence, yet with the current market situation the overriding feeling should be one of positivity. That contrast is what makes this moment feel so unusual; you may well have your own word for it.
When I stop and think about it, as I have done while writing this article, much of this stems from the challenging period of avian flu we have just come through. We lost a total of 3.8 million birds – the third‑worst season on record, with more than 100 cases. Although the situation is easing, we are now concerned about the threat posed by Newcastle Disease, with the risk level raised to “medium” for the first time since 2006.
At the same time, we are experiencing a significant rise in costs, particularly fuel, driven by the crisis in the Middle East. How long this continues, and where it may lead, is troubling and understandably unsettling.
While we have a large degree of control over disease through farm hygiene and, in some cases, vaccination, one area we cannot influence is geopolitics. That lack of control contributes to the current “mood music” just at a time when spring is in the air, the market is strong, and all should feel well in the world.
It is at times like this that talking matters. We need to look out for one another and support each other. As a sector, we must pull together. That will take many forms, but above all, each of us has a role to play.