The British Pig & Poultry Fair is set to return next month for the first time in four years and will bring together 355 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on the 10-11 of May.
This year’s fair will offer an opportunity for producers to meet friends and make new business acquaintances, with a comprehensive forum programme tackling the subjects including pig, poultry and egg market outlooks, as well as ways to improve farm efficiencies and reducing carbon emissions.
“With all the challenges the industry is facing, it’s so important to touch base and meet people,” said Aimee Mahony, chief poultry adviser at the NFU. “Producers can also visit the trade stands to learn about new technology and innovation to take back to their own business. It’s quite unique having everything in one place.”
From the shortage in pig processing to the now soaring input costs, Roly Taplin, chief operating officer at RASE said managing farm businesses at a time of such extreme volatility is both difficult and highly stressful, and that whilst it can be tempting to batten down the hatches and concentrate on the farm alone, it’s: “Even more important to get out, meet people, share the load and find new inspiration.”
“Farmers have a key role to play in developing a more circular, resource-efficient rural economy but they need help and support to do so,” added Mr Taplin. “I’m confident that there will be plenty of both on offer, within the forum programme and among our valued exhibitors.”
Danny Johnson, general manager at ABN, which is partnering the Fair, commented on the ‘incredibly high’ input costs across all species which are making performance optimisation increasingly challenging: “If you can make small gains it has a big impact. Managing performance and efficiencies has real value in the current environment so listening to the technical sessions to get new ideas will be useful.”
And Rob Mutimer, who farms 750 outdoor sows in Norfolk and is chairman of the National Pig Association, said he will be looking out for feed options, especially with the withdrawal of zinc from the diet: “It’s also a good chance to see the building manufacturers; we are having to modify plans for investment due high costs right now but we know we will be investing in due course, so it is good to plan for that.”
The British Pig & Poultry Fair will take place at Stoneleigh Park on May 10-11. For more information visit www.pigandpoultry.org.uk.
