By Charles Bourns, broiler grower, Gloucestershire
At present the industry seems to be going through a quiet time but underneath there is a great deal of planning going on, whether it be at farm level or at other parts of our industry with new hatcheries being built or existing ones expanding, new processing plants being planned or again expanded. All of it is much needed as the demand for chicken is increasing and our home production is not keeping up, especially now most farms have destocked to 30kg per square meter.
It is vital that we do these expansions because we cannot rely on imports to make up the shortfall. I am told for instance that because of the greening policy in Europe there are now one million less breeders on the floor. This is just one example. So, we must get this message through to the those in the right places.
The egg market seems to be very good, although it is causing a few problems for the broiler breeder numbers as farms in Northern Ireland are changing from breeders to eggs. I do not blame the farmer for doing that, as it is the industry’s fault not paying enough. If they had we would not have the problem.
I also know the industry is investing in new egg products which will stimulate the demand for more eggs. The most innovative one I was told of was egg sushi. Apparently it very difficult to make which I can believe. I cannot wait to see it in the shops. My nephew who works at Lidl as a buyer says he has not seen it yet!
On the farm front my son has now really taken over and is looking to expand. My brother died and this made me realise that I am not immortal so need to do some things on my wish list and take up my relatives’ offers of a holiday. They all farm in Ireland and one has just put in a 920 cow dairy, which should be interesting to see.
It is also a time of change with the Hook2Sisters split. We are obviously going with Boparan, which I am told will change nothing, but personally I find it a little sad as I have had chicks from PD Hook for over 40 years.
This month I attended the National Egg & Poultry Awards. I thought I was there just as a judge, but much to my surprise I received the Lifetime Achievement award, which I would not have received without the help of all the people that I have worked with over the years, so a big thank you to all of them. I would also like to urge anyone who is thinking of getting involved to do so. You are better on the inside of the tent than shouting from the outside.