Visitors had plenty to see and do at the British Pig & Poultry Fair this week, with more exhibitors than ever before. More than 10,000 people attended the two-day show, to see new products, hear the latest advice, and catch up with suppliers and old friends.
“The mood at the Fair was incredibly upbeat, with a huge array of innovative new products on display that producers could take home to really benefit their businesses,” said event organiser Alice Bell. With more than 350 exhibitors and 10% more stand space, the theme of this year’s event was innovation and performance, and it certainly delivered. “To help visitors make best use of their time, we introduced the Innovation Trail, featuring more than 80 new products and ideas, from pop-up poultry buildings to needle-free vaccination kits; there really was something for everyone.”
The forum programme proved extremely popular, with standing room only at many sessions. Producers queued up to hear the latest market outlook for pigs, poultry and eggs, as well as to learn about innovative feed developments from ABN and how to make marginal gains in performance to benefit the bottom line.
BBC Farming Today’s debate on the impact of the EU referendum – which will be aired at 6.30am on Radio 4 on Saturday 14th May – attracted a good crowd, with passions running high on both sides. The panel featured AHDB chairman Peter Kendall, MEP Stuart Agnew, farmer Colin Rayner and poultry producer James Hook, and left the audience’s opinion fairly split. “An informal straw poll of visitors found that 37% were in favour of remaining in the EU, with 54% planning to vote out and the rest undecided,” said Miss Bell.
Whatever the outcome of the EU referendum, the Royal Agricultural Society of England was dedicated to helping farmers find the most profitable way forward, said chief executive David Gardner. “The pig and poultry sectors have led the way when it comes to innovation and focus on efficiencies, and will continue to do so. The British Pig & Poultry Fair – supported by ABN – is an invaluable part of the knowledge transfer and networking that is so important to producers. I’m delighted that there was so much on offer to provide visitors with inspiration for the months and years ahead.”
- The British Pig & Poultry Fair, partnered by ABN, was held at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire on 10-11 May 2016. To find out more visit www.pigandpoultry.org.uk.
