In this episode of the Poultry.Network podcast, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman talk to Aaron McKenna, Head of Broiler Operations UK at Pilgrims Europe. Aaron outlines his route into poultry – from a small mixed farm in Northern Ireland with a strong interest in dairy, through a graduate scheme at Moy Park, to his current role.  He also explains how the business supported him through a doctorate focused on Campylobacter, working with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Queen's University Belfast and AFBI. The conversation then turns to the move from Moy Park to Pilgrims Europe.  Aaron sets out what the change in name and structure has meant on the ground and how the integration of several large businesses is going.  Recent group results have highlighted the European division as a strong performer, which has helped underline that the new structure is working. On farming, Aaron talks about Pilgrims Europe's long history of producing at 30kg/m², particularly in Northern Ireland, and how that experience meant they were more confident than most when the wider GB market moved to lower stocking densities.  He argues that 30kg/m² is a good balance between welfare, efficiency and affordability.  He shares recent figures from 2025, including an average EPF over 470 across three weeks and more than ten flocks exceeding EPF 500, alongside improving FCR and low mortality. The episode also covers grower relationships and investment.  Aaron describes how liveweight prices and on-farm returns have improved, helping farmers reinvest in sheds and infrastructure.  He gives examples of new builds on contract farms in England and a major redevelopment of a company-owned rearing site, replacing older buildings with modern houses. On sustainability, Aaron explains how lessons from projects such as Beech Farm – with rainwater harvesting, solar and battery storage, heat exchangers and ground-source heat pumps – are informing what should become "standard spec" on new builds.  He also updates listeners on Pilgrims' Tully 1 anaerobic digestion plant, which runs on poultry litter and supplies heat and power to local homes, and plans for Tully 2, which will allow all NI broiler litter to be directed into AD and nutrients recovered into fertiliser products. Looking ahead, Aaron says the priorities for the next 12 months are to maintain current performance levels and to work with planners and regulators to unlock new poultry development, so the sector can continue to invest and keep pace with UK chicken demand, which he estimates is growing at around 5–6% a year.

THIS week, the Poultry Network Podcast recorded a last-minute episode to consider the latest avian influenza situation – particularly the Welsh government's reluctance to declare a housing order. With Professor Ian Brown warning that this season could be the worst yet, England has extended a mandatory housing order nationwide, while Northern Ireland follows suit.  Wales, however, has not (yet) announced a housing order.  That divergence is creating headaches for free-range farmers and packers who are weighing biosecurity, welfare and insurance realities against inconsistent policy lines. On EPIC, the mood was wary but not bleak. Recognition for sector leaders (including Turkey Producer James Chalmers and Young Poultry Person of the Year Hannah Cargill) underlined how collaboration and openness still cut through in a tough year.  We also touch on the conference theme, the long-range consumer picture - yes, even GLP-1 drugs - and what shifting demand could mean for poultry by 2050. Finally, we unpack a striking trade statistic: summer shell-egg imports were at record levels, with a sharp recovery from EU sources.  For processors and packers, this hints at supply tightness, stock rebuilding, and changing sourcing dynamics as disease risk rises.

This week the Toms unpack two fast-moving issues with real commercial consequences for UK poultry businesses: the regional housing order for avian influenza and industry rumblings over how "seconds" are classified at egg packing centres. AI: early season, uneven policy, real market risk. A regional mandatory housing order takes effect on 30 October across much of northern England and the Midlands/East Anglia, but excludes Wales, southern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The hosts question the geographic carve-up given the pattern of wild-bird positives and recent outbreaks nearby. It's noted that it's unusually early in the season, and case numbers have accelerated in the past week. Producers - particularly in Wales - face operational uncertainty and potential divergence between national administrations. Commercially, recent culls in the UK and mainland Europe (notably the Netherlands and Germany) tighten supply just as the market was edging back towards balance. For eggs, the combination of early AI pressure and seasonal demand could turn sentiment quickly; for turkeys, significant sunk costs as the risk heightens in the run-up to Christmas. Egg grading: pressure on what counts as a 'second' Separately, egg marketing inspectors have been visiting packing sites amid indications that guidance on external faults may be applied more strictly. The discussion focuses on two recurring triggers: dust (largely a farm-origin hygiene issue) and albumen "glazing" that can occur downstream when a shell breaks on the grader and residue contacts subsequent eggs. Operators note that graders are configured by humans within tolerance bands, and inspector spot-checks sit against standards that can feel subjective in the grey areas. If thresholds tighten materially, more eggs could move from Class A to B. That would reduce retail-grade output, increase commercial friction over liability (farm vs packer), and exert inflationary pressure on Class A pricing. At a national level, a lower Class A yield risks pulling in more imported shell and product - potentially with different assurance profiles. Episode takeaways: * Volatility ahead in Q4. Early avian-influenza pressure, uneven regional policy and EU flock losses point to a tighter market and higher operational risk. * Layers and packing. Pay close attention to how grading guidance is applied in practice; even small shifts in "seconds" criteria can move Class A yield, producer settlements and retail availability. * All species. Keep biosecurity audit-ready and tighten comms discipline, as policy lines may shift again with November data. The episode ends on a sober note: the picture is fluid, and the next few weeks are likely to set the tone for the winter.

The "Two Toms" – Tom Willings and Tom Woolman – return with a relaxed but purposeful take on what's moving the poultry sector.  After some road-warrior and makeshift-office banter, Tom W reports back from the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo in 's-Hertogenbosch: a wave of robotics and AI, a colossal chicken/turkey harvester, and a spotlight on feed form innovation.  He flags AgriFirm's "Crunch" – a mash/crumb hybrid – to open a wider discussion on particle size, digestibility and early-life feed waste (including a mini-pellet revival). The Toms then turn to unpacking live legal and standards stories: the River Wye civil action (Leigh Day, Avara and others) and potential ramifications across the value chain; the Red Tractor TV ad that was pulled and what "farming with care" does – and doesn't – claim; plus welfare campaigning from Compassion in World Farming.  They tie these threads into the Try Some Chicken initiative – balancing welfare, environment and cost – and probe the gap between what we say as citizens and what we buy as consumers. A light sign-off rounds things out: weekend plans, and a nudge to catch the earlier episode and stay tuned for sector updates.

In this episode of the Sustainability Hub podcast, host Tom Willings is joined by three veterinary voices connected to Elanco Animal Health: Jackie Skelly (Head of Veterinary Technical Services, UK & Ireland and ESG lead), George Gould (Technical Advisor, International Poultry Team) and George Tice (former Elanco leader, now consultant after 28 years with the company). Together, they map the practical route from ESG intent to on-farm results. The discussion opens by grounding ESG in the realities of European and UK regulation: net-zero trajectories, corporate sustainability reporting, due diligence duties and finance-sector disclosure frameworks. The message is that measurement and reduction will be expected across supply chains, not just corporate offices. From there, the panel reframes poultry's opportunity. Chicken already delivers ~30% of global animal protein while accounting for a materially smaller share of livestock GHGs. Yet scale and scrutiny demand continuous improvement across three pillars – economic viability, animal welfare, and environmental footprint – without "solving" one by inflating the others. That trade-off mindset is replaced with a systems view: define the target precisely (FCR, welfare KPIs, carbon intensity), then choose interventions that move multiple pillars in the right direction. A critical insight for operators: 70–80% of a broiler's carbon footprint sits in feed, and ~80% of emissions occur off farm. Energy tweaks at the house may help resilience and costs, but carbon outcomes are won primarily through feed formulation and feed efficiency. Elanco frames its response as "inside the bird" (gut health and disease control that improve FCR) and "outside the bird" (formulation decisions that reduce the embodied carbon of the ration). Two technology tracks illustrate this. First, Hemicell (a beta-mannanase) breaks down beta-mannans that otherwise trigger a costly feed-induced immune response and raise digesta viscosity. By sparing energy and improving intestinal integrity, nutritionists can remove ~60 kcal from the matrix and maintain performance, enabling the substitution of higher-carbon fats/oils while maintaining output. Independent, ISO-aligned lifecycle assessment and modelling against representative European diets indicate ~2.5–3% reductions in carbon footprint attributable to Hemicell-enabled reformulation, alongside feed-cost benefits. Second, Elanco's anticoccidial programmes (e.g., Maxiban®/Monoban®) anchor coccidiosis control – a health prerequisite that also supports better FCR. Elanco commissioned ISO-conformant LCAs on the products and then collaborated with external experts to build a product-agnostic FCR-to-carbon calculator. Teams can input live parameters (country, target weight, feed price, baseline FCR) to estimate the carbon impact of a given FCR improvement under standard diets by market. It's a decision tool to rank scenarios before implementing and validating with farm-level measurement platforms (e.g., poultry-specific tools that include land-use change in feed footprints). Elanco's approach is to: * Keep investing in rigorous science and third-party assurance so customers can trust claimed impacts * Quantify hidden co-benefits of health technologies (welfare ↑, performance ↑, carbon ↓) * Develop the next wave of innovations designed explicitly for sustainability outcomes. For producers, integrators, nutritionists and veterinary advisors, this episode offers a practical takeaway: start where the carbon is (feed), protect gut health relentlessly, use modelling to prioritise interventions, then measure and report with defensible methods. 

A chilly house, ten uncooperative sheep, and some serious industry talking points. In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings catch up on the latest from Aviagen's producer roadshows and discuss why UK broiler performance is comparing favourably with results seen elsewhere in Europe. While some of the improvement may reflect down-stocking, they note that good margins are allowing reinvestment in housing, equipment and farm infrastructure – small but important details that continue to lift performance. That discussion leads neatly into one of the more striking messages from Poultry Network Live, where Gordon Hickman OBE warned producers against grazing poultry alongside sheep or cattle. Similar advice has since been circulated by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The Toms consider what this could mean in practice for mixed farms with free-range or organic flocks, and how any future policy shift might test the balance between maintaining livestock enterprises and outdoor access for laying hens. The conversation broadens to the global disease picture following a recent BBC documentary on "the next pandemic". The programme focused on H5N1 infections now found across more than a thousand dairy herds in the United States. The hosts reflect on scientists' concern that the virus is becoming more resilient in mammalian conditions – a reminder that avian influenza remains a live risk for agriculture and public health alike. A second emerging story catching their attention is the concept of "layers laying broilers." Developed by the international research project NextHen, it involves inserting broiler germ cells into sterile layer embryos, creating parent stock capable of laying broiler chicks rather than conventional hatching eggs. The technology could, in theory, simplify breeder management, free up rearing capacity and improve efficiency – but also raises complex regulatory questions. The company claims the process does not constitute genetic modification, yet it is unclear how that position would be treated in the UK or EU markets. The pair also take a lighter look at their own livestock ventures. Tom Willings reports on the challenges of integrating his small flock of Beulah crosses and Black Welsh Mountain ewes, while Tom Woolman admits to discovering an unexpected resident at his new home – a peacock that insists on visiting his window each afternoon.

The Poultry Network Podcast welcomes Julian "Jules" Sparrey, Group Technical Director at LiveTec, to unpack what producers should expect from avian influenza (AI) this winter and how to harden farm resilience. LiveTec, prime contractor to government for AI outbreak response, now puts most of its effort into prevention — its "four Ps": Prevention, Protection, Planning and Prediction.  Having worked on nearly 300 UK outbreaks in the past eight years, the team has learned first-hand what a confirmed case means for farms and businesses, and how to reduce the odds of it happening again. Jules explains why this past summer raised eyebrows: unusually high numbers of detections despite heat that would typically knock back virus persistence in the environment.  The likely explanation is a maintained pool of virus within wild bird populations.  August also saw outbreaks linked to pheasants in the South West and reports of dead gulls on farms — reminders that under-reporting masks the true extent of viral pressure.  While LiveTec's broad forecast suggests this season may be "heavy" (roughly two-thirds of the 2022–23 peak), timing and scale still hinge on weather and migration patterns through late October.  Expect a lag: wetter conditions can seed problems that only show several weeks later. A standout segment covers LiveTec's work with GPS-tag data from gulls. Though only a snapshot (c. 60–70 birds), it reveals daily UK–Netherlands movements, long ranging during certain months, and roosting behaviour around freshwater — all of which can "move" virus across landscapes. Jules stresses: it's less that virus is "blown on the wind" and more that birds travel with it, often following prevailing winds. On resilience, the message is practical. Beyond "biosecurity fatigue," focus on infrastructure: drainage and curtilage to prevent water ingress, roof and gutter maintenance, rigorous rodent control (especially during harvest and cultivations), and wild-bird exclusion.  Many UK sheds are ageing; refurbishment is surging, but design choices matter.  Build biosecurity in from the start: site layout, traffic routes, delivery/drop-off points and office access that minimise entries to clean areas.  The same measures help against salmonella — another reason to double down now. For further reading and tools, the episode points listeners to EFSA's biosecurity toolkit (multi-language infographics), Poultry.Network's recent coverage of Gordon Hickman (Defra/APHA) on this winter's risk, and a previous episode with Wayne Olbison (LANXESS) on the nuts-and-bolts of cleaning and turnaround.  LiveTec's own podcast (hosted by Jack Hughes) dives deeper into biosecurity, and its free mobile app lets users view outbreak and wild-bird data around their farms.  This winter, expect the unexpected, prepare for higher viral pressure than last year, and invest in the simple, site-level fixes that pay off when it counts.

In this episode, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman speak with Dr Paul Hurley (University of Southampton) and Dr Pippa Simmons (University of Gloucestershire) about Tri-SoMe CHICKEN — a three-year, UKRI-funded project examining the resilience of the UK's chicken meat system. With chicken now accounting for around half of UK meat consumption, the team argues that understanding where the broiler sector bends or breaks under pressure is a national food-security question, not a niche academic exercise. What sets this project apart is its "socio-metabolic" lens. Rather than model only physical supply-chain flows, the researchers are mapping how materials, practices, power dynamics and consumer behaviours interact across a tightly integrated system — from genetics and feed to processing, retail and what ends up on the plate. The work is being built with extensive industry input so the outputs are practical, not theoretical. Where the system is most exposed * Disease and biosecurity — Avian influenza remains a first-order risk and the team is linking with parallel AI research to avoid duplication and widen the view. * Climate shocks — 2022's extreme heat is a case study. Beyond shed environments, prolonged temperatures over 40°C challenge cold-chain reliability and plant operations. The question is whether current infrastructure and incentives are ready for more frequent, hotter events. * Feed markets — The system is optimised around soy. Geopolitics and trade shifts since Russia's invasion of Ukraine have pushed input prices higher and re-routed global flows (e.g., China sourcing more from Brazil). As a relatively small buyer, the UK's access and pricing remain vulnerable. * Just-in-time fragility — High efficiency and vertical integration are strengths — until a single dependency fails. The 2022 CO₂ shortage, intertwined with gas and fertiliser markets, showed how quickly plant-level stunning capacity can become a bottleneck with immediate welfare consequences on farm. Public perception vs production reality New to broilers after work on cattle and sheep, Simmons highlights a deeper public disconnect with chicken than other species — few outside the sector grasp the separation of meat and egg lines, or how changes such as down-stocking from 38 kg/m² to 30 kg/m² ripple into carbon footprint, costs and throughput. Better dialogue is needed so welfare, sustainability and affordability trade-offs are understood, not assumed. What 'good' could look like The team is not writing another prescriptive standard. Instead, they are developing a flexible ethical framework — a set of principles stakeholders can use to weigh options when shocks hit or when policy and market changes tweak the system. Crucially, that means enabling long-term investment in resilience (heat-hardening sheds, stronger cold chains, alternative feed strategies) at a time when financial pressure pushes operators to think quarter-to-quarter. Call for farmer input A major workstream now underway is interviewing broiler farmers across geographies and systems — including different litter, energy, and waste strategies — to capture what resilience looks like in everyday practice. If you run broilers and are willing to contribute, contact details are in the show notes and on the Poultry.Network episode page.  Trade-offs for a Resilient Broiler Sector – An Industry Stakeholder Workshop SAVE THE DATE: 23 October 2025 10:00-16:00 Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham, B15 2RS. Email to register: resilient.chicken@soton.ac.uk

This week on the Poultry Network Podcast, host Tom Woolman is joined by editor Jake Davies for a special post-Poultry Network Live edition. Two weeks after the conference at Harper Adams, the pair introduce an exclusive: Professor David "Professor Food" Hughes' keynote, captured on video by our on-site filmmaker Finn. The episode sets up that talk and why it matters now—then hands the mic to David. Prof Hughes opens with the big picture: global food prices spiked to levels last seen in 1973, eased a touch, but remain ~35% above pre-COVID – leaving consumers vexed and farmers squeezed as inputs have risen too.  He cautions against fixating on US tariff noise alone and flags the World Economic Forum's "green risks" as the structural headwind shaping food over the next decade. Turning to protein, poultry keeps gaining share globally – up from ~36% of meat consumption in 2013 to ~41% today – mainly at pork and beef's expense.  Yet the quiet outperformer is fish, especially salmon and pangasius, reminding poultry and egg sectors that competition isn't just red meat.  In the UK, per-capita meat intake is gently drifting down while total volumes are propped up by population growth; we're eating meat just as often, but there's less of it in products. Hughes contrasts US and UK patterns (Americans now eat ~53 kg of poultry per capita vs ~35 kg in the UK), arguing there's still upside here. Eggs are "in good shape" with strong retail value growth; prices are high historically but the UK remains cheaper than several Western peers.  However, income polarisation is redefining retail: a third of UK households are struggling, pushing supermarkets into relentless value positioning and producing "meat for the haves and have-nots" – from £3/kg whole chickens to premium cuts exceeding £50/kg. Eggs show the same split: value mixed-weight lines versus luxury tiers. On the shop floor, he sees space and theatre shifting away from raw counters toward "meals and meal components."  Food retail and foodservice are converging; convenience rules. UK egg merchandising lags, he says – look to Spain and Asia for how to celebrate eggs with range, packaging and presentation.  Convenience chains like 7-Eleven in Thailand and Japan have become meal-solution hubs for under-40s; expect UK formats (e.g., Co-op) to lean harder into ready-to-go food.  Gen Z and Gen Alpha – true digital natives – define convenience as "right now," buying snacks, mini-meals and components rather than ingredients. That's a tailwind for chicken (bites, nuggets, protein snacks) and a missed opportunity for eggs: the UK under-indexes on egg snacks compared with Asia and Latin America.  Add eating occasions (breakfast and "anytime"), borrow global formats (Korean egg drop sandwiches), and market eggs as portable protein.  He also notes GLP-1 weight-loss medications may nudge demand toward higher-protein, lower-calorie options – good news for poultry and eggs – while sustainability intent remains high but temporarily deprioritised by cost-of-living pressures (younger shoppers still care most). Finally, Prof Hughes tracks the scale game: four of the world's ten largest packaged food companies are protein giants (JBS, Tyson, Marfrig, WH Group). JBS is moving into eggs; Cal-Maine alone produces roughly the UK's total egg volume.  As value-added products grow, origin becomes opaque – raising a strategic question for UK self-sufficiency if more snacks and components are imported. His closing message is optimistic but pointed: poultry and eggs win on price, nutrition, family acceptance and convenience – air-fryer-friendly chicken, microwaveable eggs – but the sectors must continually innovate to thrive.

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, host Tom Willings is joined by editor Jake Davies. Their guest is Wayne Olbison, Head of Sales for UK and Ireland at Lanxess Biosecurity Solutions, who discusses the company's role in agricultural hygiene and offers practical biosecurity advice in light of recent avian influenza outbreaks. Wayne introduces Lanxess as a global chemicals business, with the Biosecurity Solutions division focused on cleaning and disinfection products for agriculture and aquaculture. The timing of the conversation is significant: in late July five new cases of avian influenza were confirmed in the UK, including several in Somerset. Such unseasonal outbreaks underline that AI may now be endemic in wild bird populations, with risks present year-round rather than only in winter. Both the hosts and Wayne emphasise vigilance and strict farm hygiene as critical defences. Wayne stresses that biosecurity is often misunderstood. Some see it purely as terminal hygiene – cleaning and disinfecting once birds leave a house – while others recognise continuous measures during a flock cycle. In reality, both are essential. The first day of the next flock cycle starts immediately after the previous flock leaves, and any carry-over risks must be eliminated. Farmers may handle cleaning themselves, use in-house teams, or hire contractors, but consistency and thoroughness matter most. Too often, people look for shortcuts: a fast clean rather than a correct clean, which leaves organic matter behind and undermines disinfection. The discussion then focuses on common pitfalls. Continuous farm practices frequently fail due to poor maintenance or incorrect use. Wheel washes may not contain active disinfectant if pumps aren't working or chemical drums are empty; foot dips, the "first line of defence," are often contaminated, degraded by sunlight, or incorrectly mixed. Without lids or regular replacement, disinfectant quickly becomes ineffective. During terminal cleans, failure to fully remove organic matter or using disinfectants at the wrong concentration reduces efficacy.  For example, a DEFRA-approved product rated at 2% may be ineffective if applied at 1.5%.  Wayne stresses that washing and disinfection are separate processes: muck must be removed before applying disinfectant, otherwise the chemistry is neutralised.  Attention to dilution rates, contact time, and correct rotation of chemistries is also critical.  Oxidising products are often best used first to knock down viruses, but order matters – misapplication can cancel out effectiveness. Tom probes Wayne on wheel wash technology, from simple knapsack sprayers to integrated spray bars.  While drive-through systems are ideal, they are costly and require space, so most farms rely on sprayers.  Whatever the system, doing nothing is not an option. Equally, over-mixing or combining incompatible products can reduce performance or create hazards.  Wayne underlines that advice should be tailored: the target pathogen, the chemistry in use, and the sequence of application all matter. 1. Control entry – restrict visitors and ensure every vehicle entering has wheels properly disinfected with working, charged systems. 2. Prioritise foot dips – maintain them with the correct product, at the correct dilution, and replace them frequently to ensure they are active. 3. Enforce accuracy – whether cleaning houses or mixing disinfectants, precision matters. Guesswork or shortcuts leave pathogens behind and waste money.

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman welcome Graham Atkinson, an experienced poultry professional who recently founded Grange Consultancy after nearly three decades in the sector, including 14 years at Noble Foods. The conversation begins with talk of Yorkshire weather before turning to Graham's transition from corporate employment to independent consultancy. He reflects on the nerves of setting up on his own but explains how a "varied diet" of work – spanning data, technology, health and welfare, pharmaceuticals, writing, and increasingly direct work with producers – has kept him busy and engaged. The core focus of the discussion is on egg supply contracts – a subject Graham has been exploring through his work and in a recent article in The Ranger magazine. The hosts and guest dig into what makes a good contract, why producers should pay closer attention to detail, and how contracts can balance fairness for both producers and packers. Graham notes that today's strong producer margins are historically unusual and unlikely to last indefinitely. Many farmers, he says, underestimate or misunderstand the small print of contracts. Some have traditionally relied on trust-based relationships without formal agreements, while others sign documents without fully grasping their obligations. Both situations can leave producers exposed when market conditions change. The podcast explores specific contract components: * Egg supply agreements vs. pricing terms – often handled in separate documents, which can create confusion. * Force majeure clauses – usually vaguely drafted; Graham argues for clearer definitions, including explicit reference to avian influenza. * Price adjustment mechanisms – highlighted as the most contentious element of any deal. The team stress the importance of transparency over when and how prices move. One major development has been the use of the ADAS cost of production model, pioneered by BFREPA. This independent reference point has been increasingly incorporated into contracts, giving producers and packers a clear, mutually agreed basis for pricing. Graham welcomes this as a step forward, though he cautions that adoption remains patchy. The discussion also touches on wider market dynamics. The hosts argue that while cost-of-production models provide fairness, there must still be space for diversity: different farms with different business models will inevitably need different contractual terms. Spot markets will continue to play a role, as not every producer will opt for (or be offered) a long-term cost-linked agreement. Looking ahead, the panel link these debates to the DEFRA Fairness in the Supply Chain Review, which outlines a potential code of practice for farm-gate contracts. Government is pushing for greater transparency from buyers, particularly around price changes – a demand that could be very difficult for packers to meet given the complexity of their operations and customer mix. As the episode closes, Graham offers his advice to farmers: 1. Read your contract in detail – don't assume you know what it says. 2. Seek advice on unclear clauses. 3. Look beyond today's price – focus on how price is structured and adjusted. 4. Clarify protections around force majeure and other critical risks. 5. Work with packers as partners to create agreements both sides can sustain. The conversation underscores that contracts are not just paperwork but the foundation of long-term, resilient relationships across the egg supply chain. 

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak with Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming, about the UK's shift toward a cage-free future. Tracey outlines the progress so far – 82 % of UK laying hens are now cage-free, compared with 50 % in 2016 – and the 2025 commitments made by major retailers. The conversation covers Iceland's recent U-turn on its original pledge, public pressure driven by NGOs and high-profile campaigns, and the importance of retail alignment in creating industry change. The discussion also addresses the 18 % of hens still in cages, the role of legislation in levelling the playing field, and the need for equivalent standards for imported eggs to avoid undermining UK producers. Funding and support for farmers transitioning to barn or free-range systems are explored, as are future welfare priorities such as enriched environments, veranda and natural light requirements, and phasing out beak trimming. Tracey also comments on global cage-free efforts, the challenges and slower progress of the Better Chicken Commitment compared with eggs, and the balance of "carrot and stick" in driving corporate commitments. She emphasises the importance of early action, transparent reporting, and maintaining momentum toward higher welfare standards. CTA: If you're involved in egg production, retail, foodservice or manufacturing, now is the time to act. Ensure your cage-free commitments are on track for 2025 and report progress by March 2026 to be included in the 2025 EggTrack. Contact Compassion In World Farming for more information. 

In this episode, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Jake Davies, editor of Poultry Network, to preview this year's Poultry Network Live conference — taking place on 4 September at Harper Adams University. Jake outlines this year's theme — growth, optimism and ambition — and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what's in store for delegates, including: * A keynote from Professor David Hughes, exploring global protein trends and poultry's competitive edge. * A health and biosecurity session featuring Gordon Hickman OBE from APHA, covering avian influenza insights and Defra policy developments. * A practical panel on expanding your poultry enterprise, with speakers from NatWest, Maelor Foods, Farmlay Eggs, and Morspan Construction. * Afternoon sector-specific sessions — including broiler and laying hen topics, with a special mention for Vincent Beyer of Laying Hen Pros, bringing big-industry data expertise to egg production. With lively discussion, insights into the speaker line-up, and a reminder on how to book tickets, this episode offers a great preview of what to expect from one of the UK poultry industry's key events of the year. 📅 Poultry Network Live takes place on 4 September 2025. To attend, email graeme@poultry.network to reserve your ticket.

In this episode of the Poultry Network podcast, co-hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Kelly Grellier, Chief Commercial Officer at RSPCA Assured, and Kate Parkes, Senior Scientific Officer at the RSPCA, to explore the updated laying hen welfare standards. The conversation opens with an explanation of the relationship between the RSPCA and RSPCA Assured.  The RSPCA is responsible for writing the welfare standards, informed by peer-reviewed science, practical trial data, and veterinary input. RSPCA Assured supports implementation, conducts assessments, and helps producers apply the standards on farm. The guests discuss how scientific research, outcome-based measures, and producer feedback are all considered when updating standards.  While RSPCA Assured has gathered over a decade of farm-level welfare data, such as feather cover and flock behaviour, they acknowledge that analysing this data in a more strategic way is a future priority.  To support this, they've invested in a new Impact and Insights team to enhance how data informs benchmarking and continuous improvement. The Standards Technical Advisory Group (STAG), comprising researchers, vets, and producers, plays a central role in developing and refining the standards.  For the 2023 laying hen standards, discussions began in 2021 and included consultations with producers, manufacturers, and industry experts.  After implementation, an additional working group—comprising regional producers and STAG representatives—was formed to address practical concerns.  This led to clarification in wording and, in a few cases, adjustments to make implementation more feasible while preserving welfare goals. The episode highlights the importance of broad and ongoing consultation, especially in light of external reviews, such as the AHDB and NFU-led Farm Assurance Review and Defra's review into fairness in the supply chain.  Both have reinforced the value of engagement at a practical level, something the RSPCA is committed to embedding in future revisions. Looking ahead, the next version of the laying hen standards is expected in 2027.  While major changes are not anticipated, the team will begin consulting on topics flagged in the current version's information boxes.  These may signal future aspirations or focus areas but will undergo the same robust review and consultation process. Kelly and Kate also share how producers can engage in the development process—whether through the regional working group, contact with the farm and technical engagement team, conversations with assessors, or by reviewing publicly available summary notes on the RSPCA websites. The podcast closes with a discussion on the role of supermarkets. While retailers are not directly involved in STAG, RSPCA Assured has strong relationships with agricultural teams within retail businesses and has created a new team focused on engaging them around welfare strategy alignment.  Crucially, however, the standards remain independently set. The episode underscores the challenge and necessity of balancing science, practicality, and commercial viability in welfare assurance—and the importance of collaboration at every stage.

In this episode of the Sustainability Hub podcast, host Tom Willings is joined by Dr Harriet Walker and Jim Wynne from Alltech to explore how science, data, and nutrition are driving both performance and sustainability in poultry production. Dr Walker shares her journey into the poultry industry, from an academic project in broiler nutrition to her current role as poultry technical specialist at Alltech.  She discusses the company's commitment to gut health and performance through products like Actigen, Bioplex, and Biomos, and explains how rigorous scientific meta-analyses have demonstrated improvements in feed conversion, egg production, mortality, and eggshell strength.  These gains, while incremental, can significantly enhance farm profitability and sustainability—especially when considered at scale. Jim Wynne, from Alltech's environmental footprinting division ECO2, details how lifecycle analysis (LCA) provides a full-chain view of emissions - from hatchery to breeder to processing plant.  He explains how ECO2 has grown from a small UK dairy-focused start-up to a globally certified footprinting operation covering poultry, aqua, and pet food sectors.  Jim and his team help producers and retailers model emissions data using tools like PowerBI dashboards to benchmark and improve performance across supply chains. The conversation highlights how environmental sustainability and animal performance are intertwined.  By improving gut health and nutrient absorption – particularly through more bioavailable organic minerals – farmers can achieve better feed efficiency, longer laying cycles, and lower mortality. These outcomes reduce the environmental impact per unit of output while increasing profitability.  A 2% improvement in FCR or egg production, for example, can yield meaningful reductions in emissions and notable financial returns when applied across large flocks. Harriet and Jim also touch on consumer expectations, retailer pressures, and growing interest from producers in environmental data – often driven by the need for green loan eligibility.  The discussion explores the challenges of transitioning away from high-soy diets, with new Alltech trials demonstrating how alternative proteins, such as peas, beans, lupins, and sunflowers, when combined with targeted feed additives, can maintain performance while reducing soy-related emissions by up to 10%. They also explore regional nuances, comparing sustainability motivations across global markets, and the role of Alltech's "Planet of Plenty" vision in promoting science-backed agricultural improvement.  With roots in yeast fermentation and brewing, Alltech has maintained a family-owned business culture while scaling to over 5,000 employees worldwide.  Initiatives like internal skill-sharing challenges and community fundraising add a human element to a company built on complex science and global ambition. The episode closes with reflections on the future – ranging from reduced antibiotic use to more holistic formulation of diets based on updated mineral science.  Whether the goal is improving food safety, enabling longer lay cycles, or reducing phosphorus in manure, the central message is clear: incremental gains in nutrition and footprinting deliver compounded benefits for animals, producers, and the planet.

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Bex Tonks, CEO and farmer at St. Ewe Free Range Eggs, for a wide-ranging conversation on growth, values, and future vision in the egg sector. Bex reflects on a milestone year for the business—winning Packer of the Year at the National Egg & Poultry Awards, a Grocer Gold Award nomination, and recognition by the Sunday Times as one of the UK's Top 100 fastest-growing companies, where St. Ewe placed 53rd. While the three joke about needing a bigger boardroom for all the trophies, Bex explains why awards matter: they honour the hard work of their team and farming partners. The discussion also covers the creation of a new Agricultural Director role, signalling St. Ewe's continued expansion. Bex extends an open invitation to passionate candidates—even those outside the egg sector—highlighting the value of a fresh perspective. A key focus of the episode is B Corp certification, which St. Ewe recently achieved after a three-year journey. Bex explains how it provided a valuable framework for clarifying company values, strengthening governance, and challenging day-to-day decision-making through the lens of sustainability, people, and purpose. It's a journey she believes many agricultural businesses could—and should—embark on. The conversation also dives into the power of brand-building in eggs. Bex shares the story of how St. Ewe's now-iconic packaging was born—complete with chickens on the beach—and how a strong brand became essential for communicating values directly to consumers. This branding focus, she argues, has driven egg category growth in contrast to sectors like meat, which remain largely own-label. Looking ahead, Bex reveals plans to expand their packing centre, reinvest in pasteurisation equipment, and launch new value-added products in 2026 aimed at increasing egg consumption. It's all part of St. Ewe's mission to grow efficiently while staying grounded in core values. On a more personal note, Bex speaks candidly about balancing business with family life, especially while supporting her father through vascular dementia. This shift is giving her space to think more creatively about future innovations, brand strategies, and community impact. The episode closes with reflections on long-term growth. While St. Ewe may appear to be an "overnight success," its 19-year journey has been built on consistent investment in people, process, and vision. This year, says Bex, is about fine-tuning the engine before they gear up for another phase of growth. Packed with insight, humour, and optimism, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the business of eggs, the power of purpose-driven leadership, and what it takes to build a bold, modern agricultural brand. 🎉 Plus: Find out why Bex once took chickens to the beach, what Jeremy Clarkson has to do with St. Ewe's growth ranking, and why she believes the next wave of agri-brands is just around the corner.

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Jake Davies, editor of Poultry.Network, steps in for regular host Tom Woolman to interview one of the most recognisable names in UK agricultural planning: Ian Pick of Harrison Pick. Described as "planning royalty" in the poultry world, Ian shares insights from nearly two decades of experience helping producers across the UK navigate an increasingly complex planning system. Responsible for thousands of poultry units nationwide, Ian explains the current realities facing farmers who want to develop or expand poultry operations - especially in light of tightening environmental thresholds and regulatory changes. The conversation begins with a walk-through of the planning process from first contact through site screening. Ian outlines how the ammonia impact threshold is now the biggest barrier, ruling out around 80% of initial enquiries. Most applications fail before they begin — unless mitigation technologies like air scrubbers can be justified. Despite these challenges, Ian says demand is booming, particularly in the broiler sector, with stocking density changes driving the need for more housing. He and his team are seeing record volumes of planning applications, working 80-hour weeks just to keep pace. New activity is concentrated along the east side of England (Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire), with additional development in Shropshire and north of the border for layers. However, regions like Wales and Herefordshire are essentially closed to new developments, with planning frozen due to Natural Resources Wales policies and nutrient neutrality rules respectively. In Herefordshire, the fallout from a court ruling classifying manure as waste remains largely confined to that local authority's policy framework — although campaigners are using it as ammunition elsewhere. Jake and Tom raise the growing influence of well-organised anti-lobby groups, whose tactics and PR strategies can amplify local objections. Ian acknowledges their presence but argues that such campaigns often overstate their impact. Even in cases where judicial reviews have succeeded — such as the recent one in Shropshire — the outcomes are typically technical adjustments rather than blocks to development. Ian stresses that well-prepared, environmentally robust applications are still succeeding, particularly for replacement of old buildings with modern equivalents. In England at least, planning authorities are still accepting arguments for betterment, especially where new builds reduce emissions and meet higher environmental standards. The episode closes with a reminder of the strategic importance of the poultry sector to UK food security and health. A must-listen episode for poultry producers, integrators, and stakeholders navigating the intersection of agricultural growth, regulation, and environmental responsibility. 👉 Visit harrisonpick.co.uk [https://harrisonpick.co.uk/] to contact Ian Pick and his team. 👉 Subscribe to the Poultry Network Podcast and sign up to the Poultry.Network newsletter at poultry.network [https://poultry.network/]

Talking Turkeys with Paul Kelly In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman welcome Paul Kelly, managing director of Kelly Turkeys, renowned for producing the slow-grown, high-welfare KellyBronze turkey.  Paul shares insights on the turkey sector's evolution, the challenges it has faced in recent years, and what the future holds - including exciting plans for a major milestone in 2026. 🔧 Challenges in the Sector Paul reflects on a turbulent few years for turkey producers, describing a "perfect storm" of Brexit-related labour shortages and avian influenza.  Post-Brexit, many of Kelly's experienced seasonal workers felt unwelcome and didn't return, creating a lasting challenge. Avian influenza hit hard in 2022, costing Kelly Turkeys over 87,000 birds and testing the resilience of their operation. 💼 Why Turkey Still Matters Despite setbacks, Paul remains a vocal advocate for turkey farming as a profitable diversification option for mixed farms. He emphasises the unique advantage turkeys offer: being able to process and sell directly from the farm gate - without needing licensed abattoirs.  While AI and generational changes have discouraged some small producers, he believes seasonal turkeys remain one of the highest-margin products available, especially when paired with community engagement and direct sales. 🎄 Creating a Christmas Experience Paul explains how Kelly Turkeys has turned turkey collection into a festive event. Customers now associate collecting their Christmas bird with the start of the holiday season, thanks to mulled wine, sausage rolls, and even Santa Claus at the farm. He sees this as more than marketing—it's about building loyalty and tradition across generations. 📜 2026: 500 Years of Turkey in the UK Kelly Turkeys is preparing to mark a historic moment: 500 years since turkeys were first brought to the UK by explorer William Strickland in 1526.  Plans could include a documentary hosted by Jimmy Doherty, retracing historical turkey drover routes to London and celebrating the bird's cultural importance beyond the Christmas table. 🥩 Turkey Beyond Christmas Paul argues that turkey is undervalued in the UK. In contrast to countries like Russia - now Europe's second-largest turkey producer - UK consumption remains seasonal.  Russia has built its turkey sector by positioning it as a premium, versatile alternative to red meat, with cuts like turkey steaks. Paul believes the UK should reposition turkey similarly. 📣 Speaking Up for the Industry Paul urges the sector to embrace media openness. He recounts years of engaging with journalists to educate them on practices like artificial insemination, arguing that transparency builds trust.  In contrast, reluctance to engage leads to suspicion and fuels negative narratives. He applauds producers who install viewing galleries in new poultry units, giving the public an unfiltered look into modern poultry farming. 🌐 Final Thoughts Paul's passion and humour shine throughout, from world records for turkey plucking and carving to calling on the industry to step forward as advocates. As he puts it, "If you're not willing to show your customer what you're doing, you have to ask why." 🎧 Listen Now This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in poultry farming, consumer engagement, or how one farmer with flair is keeping turkey at the heart of British agriculture - every day of the year.

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman reflect on a pivotal fortnight for the UK poultry sector. 🔹 Major Industry News: Hook2Sisters Sale The episode opens with analysis of the landmark announcement that Hook2Sisters, the long-standing 50/50 joint venture between PD Hook and 2 Sisters Food Group, will be fully acquired by the Boparan Private Office—the investment vehicle of Ranjit Singh Boparan. * This marks consolidation in the broiler supply chain. * PD Hook will continue to operate a hatchery business, focusing on the independent market. * Tom Willings gives a historical overview of the venture, which began in 2006 to secure chick and broiler supply chains for both companies. 🔹 Egg Sector Shake-Up Attention then turns to a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the egg sector, which, although smaller in scale, signal significant change: 1. Noble Foods acquires Just Egg, enhancing their processed egg capability. 2. Hardeman Group (Netherlands) takes over Bumblehole Foods, bringing a large European player into UK processing. 3. The Griffiths family announces a joint venture with French firm Eureden, expanding processing ambitions beyond fresh shell egg. These moves reflect an evolving focus on value-added egg products and defensive strategies to maintain customer relationships and production viability. The hosts reflect on low per capita egg consumption in the UK compared to Europe, and opportunities to expand "egg occasions" through product innovation. 🔹 What's Ahead: RSPCA & Industry Events Upcoming discussion points and events include: * RSPCA Welfare Standards Updates:1 July: RSPCA Member webinar on new laying hen standards. 8 July: RSPCA attending the West Country Layers Association meeting in Cullompton. * Poultry Network Live:Taking place on 4 September at Harper Adams University.

In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council (BPC) – the UK trade association for poultry meat producers, including chicken, turkey, duck and goose. Richard offers insights into his career, which began in mining engineering before he transitioned to the poultry sector nearly two decades ago. He reflects on how the industry has changed dramatically and why it remains as interesting and vital as ever. The core discussion focuses on the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) law changes announced in May, aimed at easing post-Brexit friction in trade between the UK and the EU. Richard explains the broader context of food security and how future trade frameworks must serve the long-term goal of feeding the nation reliably and sustainably. He argues that the UK must build a resilient, fair trading system, and that improved SPS arrangements with the EU are a step in the right direction. This is essential, not just for the poultry meat trade, but for genetic exports too – an often-overlooked pillar of the UK's poultry industry. Some key points discussed: * Food security must underpin all future policy decisions. The UK needs a long-term strategy that prioritises domestic production while maintaining productive trade links. * Post-Brexit, UK poultry producers have faced five years of disproportionate trade barriers compared to EU exporters. New SPS streamlining could help reverse a 33% drop in exports since 2019. * The UK's poultry sector depends on balancing imports and exports: particularly dark meat exports and breast meat imports, due to consumer preferences. * Speed, shelf life and just-in-time supply chains are critical. Friction in trade undermines the viability of fresh meat exports. * There's a growing shift toward "just-in-case" supply chains, building resilience into the system post-COVID, Brexit, and other global shocks. * The UK must maintain high animal welfare and environmental standards, but ensure those don't outpace trading partners and put domestic producers at a disadvantage. The conversation also touches on stocking density reductions in UK broiler production. While viewed positively as a welfare improvement, the changes have reduced production capacity, raising questions about how the UK balances regulation with affordability and competitiveness in a global market. Finally, the episode acknowledges the complexity of interlinked challenges — from trade policy to environmental impact — and the need for government to avoid siloed thinking. As Richard notes, a close relationship with the EU should not be seen as a trade-off, but a strategic necessity for long-term stability.