Improving efficiency while managing disease risk will be central themes at this year’s British Pig & Poultry Fair – as producers face tighter margins and heightened biosecurity pressures.
The two-day event takes place on 13-14 May at the NEC Birmingham. It will bring together farmers, advisers and suppliers to examine the commercial outlook for pig and poultry production.
A programme of specialist forums will and explore practical ways to improve performance on farm. Experts will examine market prospects for eggs, poultry meat and pork, alongside the operational challenges facing producers.
Ralph Bishop, of Premier Nutrition, will chair the poultry market session. The sector faces a complex mix of opportunities and risks, he says. But both pig and poultry meat remain in demand from consumers.
“With favourable consumer trends alongside the industry’s most damaging disease challenges in recent times, this forum will be a fantastic opportunity to hear from different parts of the supply chain and gain their perspectives on the road ahead.”
Disease preparedness
Biosecurity and disease preparedness will feature prominently in the programme. Two sessions will focus on African swine fever (ASF), looking at on-farm precautions and supply-chain responses, including lessons from the recent outbreak in Spain.
Avian influenza will also be examined – including the challenge of strengthening approaches to disease prevention and risk management – with contributions from Gordon Hickman, exotic disease policy lead at Defra.
Panel chairman Julian Sparrey, technical director at Livetec, said: “Farmers are under increasing pressure to strengthen biosecurity, improve preparedness and make more data-driven decisions. This panel brings together vets, producers and biosecurity specialists to explore practical, year-round approaches to managing disease threats, covering cross-sector learnings and improvements in predictive modelling.”
Another discussion, led by Phileo by Lesaffre, will examine how animal health and production can be better supported by the gut microbiome – a central driver of immunity, reproduction and lifetime performance,
With producers increasingly needing to factor emissions and energy efficiency into investment decisions, further sessions will focus on building design, air quality and energy use in livestock housing.
Low emissions
Fair organiser Alice Bell said: “With buildings being a primary source of emissions and a major capital expense, producers need a net zero roadmap and an understanding of the latest low emission technologies.”
More than 340 exhibitors are expected to attend the event. Jonny Lester, general manager at event partner ABN, said the fair would provide an opportunity for the industry to share ideas and assess new technologies.
“The whole industry will be under one roof, making it a great chance to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities and take-home insights that could make a real difference to your business.”
For full details and a FREE entry ticket, visit visit www.pigandpoultry.org.uk.