Aviagen has hosted the first-ever UK European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) club event on 5 March, honouring broiler growers who have achieved an EPEF of 450 or higher. While Ross EPEF club awards were previously presented individually on-site, this new format brought together a group of top achievers.
These elite growers—representing the top 1% of UK broiler production—proved that success comes from the right combination of genetic potential, expert flock management and seamless teamwork. To-date 822 farmers have received over 3,000 EPEF awards.
After a morning of outdoor activities, Stuart Thomson, regional technical manager for Northern Europe, welcomed over 60 attendees to the evening segment, including 450 Club winners and representatives from poultry companies across the UK as well as the Aviagen UK sales & technical team.
Thomson shared insights on Ross EPEF club trends, highlighting how flock performance has steadily improved since the club’s introduction in 2009. Back then, the Ross 400 club set the benchmark. As customer outcomes soared, so did the entry level—first to 420, then 440 and in 2024 the 450 milestone.
Membership has grown alongside these achievements. From just three members in 2009, the club expanded to 590 by 2020 and now boasts an impressive 824 inductees representing over 3,000 qualifying flocks.
The highlight for the Aviagen team was presenting the winners with certificates and promotional items for their farms. Aviagen was especially proud to announce the highest EPEF of the year 2024 as 498, with one winner surpassing 450 in every flock of the year. In total, 44 farmers took home an impressive 63 awards.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks for such a fantastic day. I had an incredible time getting involved in the activities, enjoying the camaraderie with the team, and connecting with fellow farmers and managers who have achieved such outstanding results,” said Robert Francis, who scored an EPEF of 464.