Poultry grants available to south west layers

Egg producers in the south west can now access substantial funding for training events and flock health improvement.

The grant, accessed by the West Country Layers’ Association (WCLA) and Duchy College through the South West Healthy Livestock Initiative, is available for events over the next three years.

Vet Stuart Young, who secured the bid for the WCLA, said he hoped producers would come forward with ideas on how to meet their needs.

“We will hold 10 conferences over the next three years, and 10 training events a year across the south west. They can be on any topic producers feel would be useful for their businesses – skills training, health and welfare, pest control, pullet rearing and so on.”

He also hoped to use some of the money for diagnostic support, including blood sampling and tests for infectious bronchitis, to build up a picture of disease hotspots across the region. Health planning discussion groups, with expert speakers, could also help producers dramatically improve health, welfare and productivity on their farms.

The new funding was announced at the WCLA’s second conference in Cullompton, Devon, on 8 July.

The association, which was set up to unite industry experts, suppliers and packers, will hold its next meeting in October. For more information or to nominate ideas for training, contact Rachel Watkins on 01392 213 716.