Search is on for top poultry farmers
Don’t talk yourself out of entering the 2011 Farmers Weekly awards – winning could benefit you, your team and your poultry business.
The award, this year sponsored by the Vion Food Group, aims to recognise the achievements of poultry producers from across the sector, whether they produce eggs, chicken, turkeys, geese or ducks.
If you are running a successful business, then you should be taking part. The winning farmer will be someone who is demonstrating excellence in their farming business in terms of production, marketing and welfare. They will also be someone who takes their environmental and social responsibilities seriously – delivering benefits that extend beyond the farmgate.
The benefits of taking part in the awards can be huge. Elywn Griffiths, who runs Oakland Farm Eggs in Shropshire with his brother Gareth, found winning the poultry category in 2010 has brought himself and his team a feeling of great satisfaction. But it has also generated wider benefits for the business.
“The award highlights that we lead in egg production, environmental issues, sustainability, without any compromise to hen welfare,” he said.
“It has opened opportunities and created positive interest from all sectors of the industry. Our family and staff are proud of these achievements.”
It is a feeling reinforced by Staffordshire farmer Roger Mercer, winner of the 2008 Farmers Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year category. Since he won the award, the Mercer’s pig and poultry brand Packington has expanded significantly.
“It helped our primary diversifications into free-range poultry and pork. It’s increased awareness and increased the profile, which has helped with our marketing. Both these businesses have expanded by about 40% in the past 18 months.”
HOW TO ENTER
Entering the Farmers Weekly Awards couldn’t be simpler. Visit the awards website at www.farmersweeklyawards.co.uk, click on “enter” and either fill out the form online, or print one off and post it back to us.
Alternatvely, if you wish to nominate someone you think deserves the award, click on “nominate” and provide us with their details.
For further information, contact Linda Kimberley on 020 8652 3304 or Poultry World editor Philip Clarke on 0208 652 4921.
The closing date for entries is 30 April 2011. After this a shortlist of three will be drawn up and all these businesses will receive a visit from our independent judging panel and will be featured in Poultry World. The winner will be announced at a glittering ceremony in London on 6 October 2011.