is it me or does h f-w seem to be making this overly emotional??? previously he has slaughtered (and viewed, and let us watch.)and eaten his own animals without a second thought, for tv "shock factor" but these chickens are making him cry?

 what about the antibiotics broiler chickens are routinely fed? this has not been mentioned at all. or am i missing something?

Hugh did mention the antibiotics being fed through the drinking system.

i think the daily haul of dead or dieing chickens got to him.

it did amuse me when those in the pub said they could not afford free range chicken, seemed to be able to sink pints at 2pound + a go, just shows the average persons prioritys in life

that did raise a few eyebrows in this house! i must have missed that point, the whole subject bought about some healthy debate!! My boss mentined that on the radio tue or wed morning the main man at lloyd maunder devon was on talking. he apparently said that he contacted hugh to walk around any single farm of his choice as he was proud of every single 1.and guess what? nobody took him up on the offer. strange that.

Intensive poultry aren't fed antibiotics routinely. If you did have to medicate it would be done through the water supply, but when I last did broilers over 12 years  ago in 2 years I only medicated one flock, and I know free range flocks that have had more during the same length of time. They don't automatically fall ill just because they are indoors. 

thanks. i thought it was preventative because of such high stocking density. this prog. has certainly got us all talking. im learning. i am going to try free range nxt time i shop. i wont be convinced untill i do!

 

As a vegetarian I must admit to just buying any old meat for my husband as I was obviously not consuming it myself, but this programme has made me revaluate my priorities and I will definately be buying free range organic meat for my husband from now on. Well done Hugh for showing the public what really happens to their meat and making people think about it for a change. I must admit it's been a long few years since my activist days and I've become complacent in  my shopping habits over the kast few years, thank  for re-affirming my original beliefs and reminding me and the rest of the nation what REALLY HAPPENS! Anyone not moved by this programe must be seriously numb!!!!!!!

• It is  reffreshing that this program is`nt Anti-Farmer and that it is focusing on the shelves of supermarkets ,Hopefully some pressure will be taken off producers

Interesting piece on Matthew Naylor's blog in response.

http://www.fwi.co.uk/blogs/lincolnshire-farming-blog/2008/01/chicken-run-1.html

i have no doubt the government will in force high welfare standards on us producers, putting many of us out of business, as prices will not rise to compensate  for the increased production costs.

the gap in the market will be filled by cheap imports, because for the consumer, what you don't see you don't worry about

Bovey farmer, You depress me but I fear that you have history on your side.