New website for egg producers and game keepers

Egg producers and game keepers in the south-west now have instant access to training support and advice through an interactive website launched by the South West Poultry (Layers) and Game Bird Initiative.

The project is part of the South West Healthy Livestock Initiative, funded by the SW Rural Development Programme for England. It is co-ordinated by Duchy College Rural Business School, in partnership with the West Country Layers’ Association.

On the ground, the initiative provides funding for training and advice events covering a wide range of issues, including poultry health and welfare, pest and rodent control, rearing pullets and game bird health and welfare. It also supports a diagnostic disease testing project.

The new website also provides a gateway for producers to communicate with the project team and other people from the industry, as well as giving tasters of the training courses on offer.

Visitors to the site will also be able to view profiles of past-participants and discover what they have to say about the courses. There is also a regularly updated news stream and an online discussion forum.

“The forum is a chance for producers to share advice and information on health and welfare issues and, through doing so, to help shape the project to one that meets their needs and wants,” said a spokeswoman.