| Pig & Poultry
Stay ahead at the British Pig & Poultry Fair 2018
Pig and poultry producers are well known for embracing new technology and business tools , and many are planning further investment to ensure a bright future in the years ahead .
W ith each respective industry anticipating changes , whether regarding labour or import and export regulations , keeping up-todate is vital for any successful business – and the British Pig & Poultry Fair will help them do just that . “ Technology is moving at a fast pace and it is vital that producers remain at the forefront of change ,” says Fair organiser , Alice Bell . “ Meeting the suppliers of that technology and networking with industry leaders is a perfect opportunity for producers to source what they need to improve .” In a recent straw poll carried out by the Royal Agricultural Society of England , the vast majority of pig and poultry producers were positive about the future , with 100 % planning to invest in their business this year . “ There are clearly some challenges ahead , but it ’ s encouraging that so many farmers are optimistic and embracing the latest technology and advice on offer .” According to an exit poll at the 2016 Fair , 79 % of visitors planned to make changes to their business as a result of their visit – and one farmer who made a truly life changing decision in a previous year is Richard Knox , partner at Tor Pigs , Devon . “ When I was looking to move from an outdoor unit to indoors , I met an
28 | Farming Monthly | March 2018
experienced manager at the Fair who told me to focus on profitability and put in the tried and tested slatted system so I could closely predict performance . If I had not had that conversation , I probably would not be in pigs now – it was a key turning point for me and a worthwhile investment .” Based on the straw poll , the most common investments this year are likely to be in erecting new or modifying existing buildings . Roger Gent , senior partner at Beedon Common Farm , Berkshire , plans on putting up a new 16,000 bird multi-tier shed this year but is concerned that his flat decks will not comply with Freedom Foods ’ perching requirements . “ I can ’ t have the perches above feeders , so I hope to pick up ideas at the Fair to solve this problem .” It is that collaborative approach , combined with innovation , which is key to the future of the British pig and poultry industries , says Danny Johnson , Head of Commercial at ABN , which is partnering the event . “ The British pig and poultry sectors both have a bright future ahead of them . Whether producers are looking to install a completely new system or make small improvements to nutrition , equipment or management practices , they will be able to get it all in one place at the Fair .” To find out more and register for free entry to the Fair visit www . pigandpoultry . org . uk
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