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.