1 January 2012 was a significant date for Poultry World – and not just because it was the day on which the ban on conventional cages for laying hens came into effect. It was also the day on which we introduced new branding for our magazine.

Most readers will be aware that Poultry World is a sister title to Farmers Weekly. Since our last major re-launch, in May 2006, we have even carried the Farmers Weekly logo at the foot of the page.

As part of a major rebranding exercise for the whole group, we are now revamping our front cover and logo, switching to the red and black lettering so familiar with Farmers Weekly readers, set against a yellow background, with a blue swish underneath.

Other titles in the portfolio – namely Crops, Dairy Update, Farmland Market and Farmplan - are getting similar treatment. The idea is to demonstrate to our readership that we are all from the same stable – and all share the same values for authoritative, practical, independent journalism.

While the change may come as a surprise to readers expecting the normal blue and black livery, this is not the first time Poultry World has changed – far from it! As the article in the latest issue reveals, the magazine has appeared in many guises over the years, from black and white in the days when colour was not an option, to green in the immediate post-war period, red in the 1960s and then varying shades of blue since the 1970s.

But while the front cover is changing, rest assured that the quality and focus of the editorial content will stay the same, bringing you the full range of news, market analysis, comment and technical advice that we always have.

Your feedback - positive or otherwise - is, of course, always welcome!