In this episode of the Sustainability Hub podcast, host Tom Willings is joined by Dr Harriet Walker and Jim Wynne from Alltech to explore how science, data, and nutrition are driving both performance and sustainability in poultry production.

Dr Walker shares her journey into the poultry industry, from an academic project in broiler nutrition to her current role as poultry technical specialist at Alltech. 

She discusses the company's commitment to gut health and performance through products like Actigen, Bioplex, and Biomos, and explains how rigorous scientific meta-analyses have demonstrated improvements in feed conversion, egg production, mortality, and eggshell strength. 

These gains, while incremental, can significantly enhance farm profitability and sustainability—especially when considered at scale.

Jim Wynne, from Alltech's environmental footprinting division ECO2, details how lifecycle analysis (LCA) provides a full-chain view of emissions - from hatchery to breeder to processing plant. 

He explains how ECO2 has grown from a small UK dairy-focused start-up to a globally certified footprinting operation covering poultry, aqua, and pet food sectors. 

Jim and his team help producers and retailers model emissions data using tools like PowerBI dashboards to benchmark and improve performance across supply chains.

The conversation highlights how environmental sustainability and animal performance are intertwined. 

By improving gut health and nutrient absorption – particularly through more bioavailable organic minerals – farmers can achieve better feed efficiency, longer laying cycles, and lower mortality.

These outcomes reduce the environmental impact per unit of output while increasing profitability. 

A 2% improvement in FCR or egg production, for example, can yield meaningful reductions in emissions and notable financial returns when applied across large flocks.

Harriet and Jim also touch on consumer expectations, retailer pressures, and growing interest from producers in environmental data – often driven by the need for green loan eligibility. 

The discussion explores the challenges of transitioning away from high-soy diets, with new Alltech trials demonstrating how alternative proteins, such as peas, beans, lupins, and sunflowers, when combined with targeted feed additives, can maintain performance while reducing soy-related emissions by up to 10%.

They also explore regional nuances, comparing sustainability motivations across global markets, and the role of Alltech's "Planet of Plenty" vision in promoting science-backed agricultural improvement. 

With roots in yeast fermentation and brewing, Alltech has maintained a family-owned business culture while scaling to over 5,000 employees worldwide. 

Initiatives like internal skill-sharing challenges and community fundraising add a human element to a company built on complex science and global ambition.

The episode closes with reflections on the future – ranging from reduced antibiotic use to more holistic formulation of diets based on updated mineral science. 

Whether the goal is improving food safety, enabling longer lay cycles, or reducing phosphorus in manure, the central message is clear: incremental gains in nutrition and footprinting deliver compounded benefits for animals, producers, and the planet.

E7 Poultry Network Sustainability Hub: “LCA, Additives and Impact: Alltech Breaks It Down”

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Bex Tonks, CEO and farmer at St. Ewe Free Range Eggs, for a wide-ranging conversation on growth, values, and future vision in the egg sector.

Bex reflects on a milestone year for the business—winning Packer of the Year at the National Egg & Poultry Awards, a Grocer Gold Award nomination, and recognition by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s Top 100 fastest-growing companies, where St. Ewe placed 53rd.

While the three joke about needing a bigger boardroom for all the trophies, Bex explains why awards matter: they honour the hard work of their team and farming partners.

The discussion also covers the creation of a new Agricultural Director role, signalling St. Ewe’s continued expansion.

Bex extends an open invitation to passionate candidates—even those outside the egg sector—highlighting the value of a fresh perspective.

A key focus of the episode is B Corp certification, which St. Ewe recently achieved after a three-year journey.

Bex explains how it provided a valuable framework for clarifying company values, strengthening governance, and challenging day-to-day decision-making through the lens of sustainability, people, and purpose.

It’s a journey she believes many agricultural businesses could—and should—embark on.

The conversation also dives into the power of brand-building in eggs.

Bex shares the story of how St. Ewe’s now-iconic packaging was born—complete with chickens on the beach—and how a strong brand became essential for communicating values directly to consumers.

This branding focus, she argues, has driven egg category growth in contrast to sectors like meat, which remain largely own-label.

Looking ahead, Bex reveals plans to expand their packing centre, reinvest in pasteurisation equipment, and launch new value-added products in 2026 aimed at increasing egg consumption.

It’s all part of St. Ewe’s mission to grow efficiently while staying grounded in core values.

On a more personal note, Bex speaks candidly about balancing business with family life, especially while supporting her father through vascular dementia.

This shift is giving her space to think more creatively about future innovations, brand strategies, and community impact.

The episode closes with reflections on long-term growth.

While St. Ewe may appear to be an “overnight success,” its 19-year journey has been built on consistent investment in people, process, and vision.

This year, says Bex, is about fine-tuning the engine before they gear up for another phase of growth.

Packed with insight, humour, and optimism, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the business of eggs, the power of purpose-driven leadership, and what it takes to build a bold, modern agricultural brand.

🎉 Plus: Find out why Bex once took chickens to the beach, what Jeremy Clarkson has to do with St. Ewe’s growth ranking, and why she believes the next wave of agri-brands is just around the corner.

E6 Eggs, Expansion and Inspiration: Bex Tonks on St. Ewe’s Big Year

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Jake Davies, editor of Poultry.Network, steps in for regular host Tom Woolman to interview one of the most recognisable names in UK agricultural planning: Ian Pick of Harrison Pick.

Described as "planning royalty" in the poultry world, Ian shares insights from nearly two decades of experience helping producers across the UK navigate an increasingly complex planning system.

Responsible for thousands of poultry units nationwide, Ian explains the current realities facing farmers who want to develop or expand poultry operations - especially in light of tightening environmental thresholds and regulatory changes.

The conversation begins with a walk-through of the planning process from first contact through site screening.

Ian outlines how the ammonia impact threshold is now the biggest barrier, ruling out around 80% of initial enquiries.

Most applications fail before they begin — unless mitigation technologies like air scrubbers can be justified.

Despite these challenges, Ian says demand is booming, particularly in the broiler sector, with stocking density changes driving the need for more housing.

He and his team are seeing record volumes of planning applications, working 80-hour weeks just to keep pace.

New activity is concentrated along the east side of England (Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire), with additional development in Shropshire and north of the border for layers.

However, regions like Wales and Herefordshire are essentially closed to new developments, with planning frozen due to Natural Resources Wales policies and nutrient neutrality rules respectively.

In Herefordshire, the fallout from a court ruling classifying manure as waste remains largely confined to that local authority’s policy framework — although campaigners are using it as ammunition elsewhere.

Jake and Tom raise the growing influence of well-organised anti-lobby groups, whose tactics and PR strategies can amplify local objections.

Ian acknowledges their presence but argues that such campaigns often overstate their impact.

Even in cases where judicial reviews have succeeded — such as the recent one in Shropshire — the outcomes are typically technical adjustments rather than blocks to development.

Ian stresses that well-prepared, environmentally robust applications are still succeeding, particularly for replacement of old buildings with modern equivalents.

In England at least, planning authorities are still accepting arguments for betterment, especially where new builds reduce emissions and meet higher environmental standards.

The episode closes with a reminder of the strategic importance of the poultry sector to UK food security and health.

A must-listen episode for poultry producers, integrators, and stakeholders navigating the intersection of agricultural growth, regulation, and environmental responsibility.

👉 Visit harrisonpick.co.uk [https://harrisonpick.co.uk/] to contact Ian Pick and his team.

👉 Subscribe to the Poultry Network Podcast and sign up to the Poultry.Network newsletter at poultry.network [https://poultry.network/]

E5 The Poultry Planning Landscape With Ian Pick

Talking Turkeys with Paul Kelly

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman welcome Paul Kelly, managing director of Kelly Turkeys, renowned for producing the slow-grown, high-welfare KellyBronze turkey. 

Paul shares insights on the turkey sector’s evolution, the challenges it has faced in recent years, and what the future holds - including exciting plans for a major milestone in 2026.

🔧 Challenges in the Sector
Paul reflects on a turbulent few years for turkey producers, describing a “perfect storm” of Brexit-related labour shortages and avian influenza. 

Post-Brexit, many of Kelly’s experienced seasonal workers felt unwelcome and didn’t return, creating a lasting challenge. Avian influenza hit hard in 2022, costing Kelly Turkeys over 87,000 birds and testing the resilience of their operation.

💼 Why Turkey Still Matters
Despite setbacks, Paul remains a vocal advocate for turkey farming as a profitable diversification option for mixed farms. He emphasises the unique advantage turkeys offer: being able to process and sell directly from the farm gate - without needing licensed abattoirs. 

While AI and generational changes have discouraged some small producers, he believes seasonal turkeys remain one of the highest-margin products available, especially when paired with community engagement and direct sales.

🎄 Creating a Christmas Experience
Paul explains how Kelly Turkeys has turned turkey collection into a festive event. Customers now associate collecting their Christmas bird with the start of the holiday season, thanks to mulled wine, sausage rolls, and even Santa Claus at the farm. He sees this as more than marketing—it's about building loyalty and tradition across generations.

📜 2026: 500 Years of Turkey in the UK
Kelly Turkeys is preparing to mark a historic moment: 500 years since turkeys were first brought to the UK by explorer William Strickland in 1526. 

Plans could include a documentary hosted by Jimmy Doherty, retracing historical turkey drover routes to London and celebrating the bird’s cultural importance beyond the Christmas table.

🥩 Turkey Beyond Christmas
Paul argues that turkey is undervalued in the UK. In contrast to countries like Russia - now Europe’s second-largest turkey producer - UK consumption remains seasonal. 

Russia has built its turkey sector by positioning it as a premium, versatile alternative to red meat, with cuts like turkey steaks. Paul believes the UK should reposition turkey similarly.

📣 Speaking Up for the Industry
Paul urges the sector to embrace media openness. He recounts years of engaging with journalists to educate them on practices like artificial insemination, arguing that transparency builds trust. 

In contrast, reluctance to engage leads to suspicion and fuels negative narratives. He applauds producers who install viewing galleries in new poultry units, giving the public an unfiltered look into modern poultry farming.

🌐 Final Thoughts
Paul's passion and humour shine throughout, from world records for turkey plucking and carving to calling on the industry to step forward as advocates. As he puts it, “If you're not willing to show your customer what you’re doing, you have to ask why.”

🎧 Listen Now
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in poultry farming, consumer engagement, or how one farmer with flair is keeping turkey at the heart of British agriculture - every day of the year.

E4: Talking Turkeys with Paul Kelly

In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman reflect on a pivotal fortnight for the UK poultry sector.

🔹 Major Industry News: Hook2Sisters Sale

The episode opens with analysis of the landmark announcement that Hook2Sisters, the long-standing 50/50 joint venture between PD Hook and 2 Sisters Food Group, will be fully acquired by the Boparan Private Office—the investment vehicle of Ranjit Singh Boparan.

 * This marks consolidation in the broiler supply chain.
 * PD Hook will continue to operate a hatchery business, focusing on the independent market.
 * Tom Willings gives a historical overview of the venture, which began in 2006 to secure chick and broiler supply chains for both companies.

🔹 Egg Sector Shake-Up

Attention then turns to a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the egg sector, which, although smaller in scale, signal significant change:

 1. Noble Foods acquires Just Egg, enhancing their processed egg capability.
 2. Hardeman Group (Netherlands) takes over Bumblehole Foods, bringing a large European player into UK processing.
 3. The Griffiths family announces a joint venture with French firm Eureden, expanding processing ambitions beyond fresh shell egg.

These moves reflect an evolving focus on value-added egg products and defensive strategies to maintain customer relationships and production viability.

The hosts reflect on low per capita egg consumption in the UK compared to Europe, and opportunities to expand “egg occasions” through product innovation.

🔹 What’s Ahead: RSPCA & Industry Events

Upcoming discussion points and events include:

 * RSPCA Welfare Standards Updates:1 July: RSPCA Member webinar on new laying hen standards.
   8 July: RSPCA attending the West Country Layers Association meeting in Cullompton.
   
 * Poultry Network Live:Taking place on 4 September at Harper Adams University.
   

 E3 Hook2Sisters, mergers and acquisitions in the egg sector, and the RSPCA reaches out

In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council (BPC) – the UK trade association for poultry meat producers, including chicken, turkey, duck and goose.

Richard offers insights into his career, which began in mining engineering before he transitioned to the poultry sector nearly two decades ago.

He reflects on how the industry has changed dramatically and why it remains as interesting and vital as ever.

The core discussion focuses on the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) law changes announced in May, aimed at easing post-Brexit friction in trade between the UK and the EU.

Richard explains the broader context of food security and how future trade frameworks must serve the long-term goal of feeding the nation reliably and sustainably.

He argues that the UK must build a resilient, fair trading system, and that improved SPS arrangements with the EU are a step in the right direction.

This is essential, not just for the poultry meat trade, but for genetic exports too – an often-overlooked pillar of the UK’s poultry industry.

Some key points discussed:

 * Food security must underpin all future policy decisions. The UK needs a long-term strategy that prioritises domestic production while maintaining productive trade links.
 * Post-Brexit, UK poultry producers have faced five years of disproportionate trade barriers compared to EU exporters. New SPS streamlining could help reverse a 33% drop in exports since 2019.
 * The UK’s poultry sector depends on balancing imports and exports: particularly dark meat exports and breast meat imports, due to consumer preferences.
 * Speed, shelf life and just-in-time supply chains are critical. Friction in trade undermines the viability of fresh meat exports.
 * There’s a growing shift toward “just-in-case” supply chains, building resilience into the system post-COVID, Brexit, and other global shocks.
 * The UK must maintain high animal welfare and environmental standards, but ensure those don't outpace trading partners and put domestic producers at a disadvantage.

The conversation also touches on stocking density reductions in UK broiler production.

While viewed positively as a welfare improvement, the changes have reduced production capacity, raising questions about how the UK balances regulation with affordability and competitiveness in a global market.

Finally, the episode acknowledges the complexity of interlinked challenges — from trade policy to environmental impact — and the need for government to avoid siloed thinking.

As Richard notes, a close relationship with the EU should not be seen as a trade-off, but a strategic necessity for long-term stability.

Will a new deal with Europe smooth poultrymeat trade? And how will new stocking densities affect supply of British chicken

Welcome to The Poultry Network Podcast, hosted by Tom Woolman and Tom Willings — your insider guide to the UK’s poultry meat and egg production industry. 

From farm to fork, we bring you expert insights, latest trends, and stories that shape the sector. 

Whether you’re a farmer, processor, or simply passionate about poultry, this podcast is your go-to source for all things poultry in the UK.

The Poultry Network Podcast: Introductions

PART two of this edition of the Sustainability Podcast sees Tom, Teun and Nick delve into the topic of white-egg laying hens. 

In just two years, white eggs have left behind the ‘processing egg’ tag and become a feature of the supermarket fixture nationwide, now occupying a 12% share of the UK laying flock. 

In a more relaxed discussion, the three explain how white and brown eggs differ from the shopper’s perspective. 

Spoiler alert: they don’t. 

But as Teun and Nick explain, in the keeping of poultry, whether in the hard performance data, or the objective welfare outcomes or the softer and more subjective enjoyment of managing a flock, there is no comparison to their brown feathered cousins. 

Farming is a tough way to earn a living, even in times of much-needed improvement in profitability. 

Livestock is a 24/7 commitment, and a difficult flock can feel like a jail sentence. 

Nick and Teun explain how their white hen, the Dekalb, has improved not just the financial outlook for producers, but their mental health too. 

Not long ago, the notion of a 100-week flock cycle would be the preserve of moulted flocks in countries not interested in animal welfare or subject to the kind of regulation European markets take for granted. 

The 500-egg club was the target, a glass ceiling waiting to be cracked. 

Many have since achieved this milestone, and the 600 club awaits. How long until we see the first such performance? Listen to find out.    

Part 2: Hendrix Genetics/Joice & Hill go in-depth on white eggs and their growth in the UK 

In the first of a two-part episode of the Sustainability Hub podcast, Tom is joined by two respected poultry experts from Hendrix Genetics, a leading company involved in multi-species animal breeding. 

In their most recent projections, Rabobank forecast demand for poultry and eggs to grow by 22% in the next decade, outpacing every other livestock sector.

From Teun van de Braak and Nick Bailey, we learn how Hendrix Genetics is rising to this challenge. 

With 30 years’ experience between them, Nick and Teun share their valuable insights into the pace of change in markets domestic and abroad. 

We hear how developments in animal welfare bring with them occasional conflicts, compromises or unintended consequences. 

A leading geneticist, Teun is now responsible the director responsible for technical services and customer support across the Hendrix Genetics world market. 

A frequent contributor to conferences and knowledge sharing events across the globe, Teun has an incredible knowledge matched only by his enthusiastic communication. 

Nick has led UK distributor Joice & Hill since 2008, and business is thriving under his leadership as Nick and team balance the needs of a diverse customer portfolio with the volatile market demands resulting from the anticipated move away from intensive production and the growing presence of white eggs on shelves. 

Amongst such turbulent times, Nick explains that Joice & Hill have also deployed a major environmental initiative, electrifying the company fleet and investing heavily in renewable energy, managing to reduce emissions by 8% during a period of double-digit growth. 

In a fast-paced conversation, the trio discuss everything from market segmentation, the undervalued pullet rearing phase, in-ovo sexing and, as a signpost to the second part of the podcast, the correlation between the meat industry’s slower-growing chicken transition and the layer sector’s adoption of white eggs. 
 



PART 1: Hendrix Genetics/Joice & Hill talk market developments, genetic advancement and white layers

Discussing their mission to help transform agriculture through the discoveries and developments of science-led research, Dr Fiona Short and Paddy Tarbuck, Innovation Leads at UK Agri-Tech Centre, joined Tom in the studio for another edition of the Sustainability Hub podcast. 

We hear how the UK Agri-Tech Centre was created, learn about the kind of support and the facilities on offer to the food and farming industry, and get a preview on some of the exciting news from the burgeoning back-catalogue of successful funding calls the team have been involved with. 

Branded ‘Activate, Elevate and Accelerate’, members of UK Agri-Tech Centre benefit from athree-tiered level of support, designed to meet the different needs of every client, from independent farmers to multinational companies. 

But irrespective of size, the access to expertise, the connection of businesses with academia and science and the project management skills to unlock investment are benefits felt by all. 

In a rapidly changing world, where sustainability presents the food and farming sector with both opportunity and threat, Paddy, Fiona and Tom discuss whether pressures from the supply chain have helped or hindered the adoption of technology or practices that could move the dial. 

Leaning on Fiona’s deep understanding of poultry nutrition, we discuss feed raw material supply chains, novel proteins and their regulation and split-feeding. 

Paddy, whose agri-food knowledge and broad experience across sustainability shines through, raises ‘resilience’ as a mutually beneficial perspective on such challenges and describes the inspirational leadership demonstrated by one egg producer active in the UK Agri-Tech Centre network. 

The final call to action is clear. Whether you’re a primary producer or in a business further along the food chain, UK Agri-Tech Centre can help unlock your potential and create lasting value. 

And if you’re looking for more direct involvement, as an organisation in a period of strong growth, Paddy and Fiona are looking to bolster the Sustainability team, too. 

It’s a great time to get in touch with them. 
 

Dr Fiona Short and Paddy Tarbuck, from the UK Agri-Tech Centre, talk poultry innovation and sustainability

Welcome to The Poultry Network Podcast, hosted by Tom Woolman and Tom Willings — your insider guide to the UK’s poultry meat and egg production sectors.  

From farm to fork, we bring you expert insights, latest trends, and stories that shape the food on our plates.

Jake Davies

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