The Poultry Network Podcast
Jake Davies 66 episodes Nov 6, 2026
The Poultry Network Podcast is hosted by Tom Woolman and Tom Willings and focuses on the UK poultry meat and egg production sectors. It offers insight into the industry from farm to fork, covering expert views and current developments. Episodes explore trends and stories that shape the food people eat.
Episodes
Ep 66 | Poultry Network Podcast: Live from EPIC 2026
Powered by Premier Nutrition.Tom Willings and Tom Woolman catch up at Celtic Manor for a special episode from the 2026 Egg and Poultry Industry Conference, sharing their highlights and some frank reflections on the challenges facing British poultry.With planning, activism and public perception recurring throughout the day, the pair ask whether the industry is making progress on its reputation — an
Ep 65 Bestico's Nick Davies: Red mite, flies and the bugs that fight back
In this 'Halloween special' of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Nick Davies, general manager of Bestico, to explore biological control of red mite and flies on poultry farms.Nick explains how predatory mites, tiny parasitic wasps and predatory fly larvae can help tackle pests at different stages of their life cycles. He discusses how these beneficial species
Ep 64 | Mark Rooza, Gafoor: British chicken: imports, independent growers and the fast food boom
British chicken: imports, independent growers and the fast food boomTom Woolman and Tom Willings explore the UK chicken market with Mark Rooza, who works with Gafoor, the poultry processor in Preston.Mark contrasts last year’s tight supplies with a more competitive market in 2026, explaining how imports influence prices, buying decisions and demand for growing space. He also describes Gafoor’s gro
Ep 63| From the Dutch Pork and Poultry Expo: Profits, batteries and bird health
Poultry Network editor Jake Davies joins Tom Willings and Tom Woolman after a visit to the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo in Hardenberg, reporting on the mood among producers and the innovations on the trade stands.The team discusses the buoyant outlook Jake encountered, how Dutch poultry profitability compares with the UK, and the questions surrounding farm buyouts and future production.Energy was
Ep 62 | Upright catching, bird flu and chicken for breakfast
Tom Woolman and Tom Willings mark World Egg Day with a discussion of poultry catching, animal welfare and the week’s news.The Netherlands’ move towards upright catching prompts a look at what changing practices could mean for UK broiler and egg producers. Tom Willings shares his experience of trialling the method, including the practical challenges in multi-tier laying houses, while the pair consi
EP 61 | Agri Farm Data: Better data, better broilers? Making benchmarking work on farm
Knowing how your flock compares with other farms is one thing. Understanding why it performs differently — and what to change — is another.Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Patrick Snodgrass and Iain Campbell from AgriFarm Data to explore how broiler growers can make better use of the information collected in their sheds. Patrick explains how frustration with benchmarking that showed diff
EP 60 | How resilient is the UK poultry sector to Avian Influenza?
Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Dr Pablo Alarcon and Dr Mat Hennessey from the Royal Veterinary College to discuss the pressures shaping poultry’s response to avian influenza — and why some of the biggest challenges cannot be addressed through farm biosecurity alone. As part of the Flu Trailmap project, the researchers have mapped poultry supply chains and spoken to people across the i
Ep 59 | From the Poultry Meat Conference 26: Water waste and heat stress: rethinking the broiler shed
Are broiler drinkers delivering more water than birds can actually drink? Ziggity Systems’ André van Rij made that case at this year’s Poultry Meat Conference, questioning whether recommended flow rates leave farms dealing with unnecessary spillage—and whether catch cups introduce more problems than they solve.Recorded at the event, Jake Davies and Tom Woolman discuss his argument for removing cat
Ep 58 | FAI and Birdbox: Listening to hens, the next step in flock monitoring?
Could the sounds inside a poultry house help producers spot health and welfare problems before they develop?This week, Jake and Tom are joined by Carly Scott, FAI director and BirdBox project lead, and Professor Lucy Asher of Newcastle University to discuss the next generation of BirdBox and the research behind its flock-monitoring technology. The project began around a decade ago with a challeng
EP 57: Host Episode; Poultry Network Live – confidence, caution and the people challenge
Recorded at Harper Adams immediately after Poultry Network Live, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman reflect on the biggest messages from a day of debate, technical insight and practical discussion across the egg and broiler sectors. And, before any of that, there is an overdue update on Tom’s increasingly determined escape-artist sheep.They discuss Patrick Hook’s candid account of the planning system, r
EP 56: Mark Williams, BEIC Chair: Imported eggs, Salmonella and the case for tougher border controls
Imported eggs are under growing scrutiny following a UK Salmonella outbreak involving three genetically distinct clusters, around 470 cases and two deaths at the time this episode was recorded.Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Mark Williams, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, to examine what is known about the outbreak and how the UK egg sector is responding.Mark explains why t
Ep 55 | Barry Jackson: Why the UK egg market has softened – and what comes next
After four years of tight supply and firm prices, the UK egg market has changed quickly this summer. More egg has reached the wholesale market just as seasonal demand has eased, bringing values down sharply and raising a difficult question: is this a temporary summer correction, or has the market turned?Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Barry Jackson, whose career spans shell egg, process
Ep54 | Poultry Network's Jake Davies joins: Feed costs climb, Netflix takes on chicken and Poultry Network Live preview
Feed markets are turning again. Black Sea disruption, drought across Europe and pressure on other crops are combining to push poultry ration costs higher, just as conditions in the egg market begin to look more challenging.With technical problems keeping Tom Willings off air, Tom Woolman is joined by Poultry Network editor-in-chief Jake Davies to discuss what is driving the renewed volatility and
Ep 53 | Host Episode; ABN exit, organic egg trade-offs and a summer market squeeze
Tom Willings and Tom Woolman sit down together for a summer round-up of the stories shaping the poultry sector, from major changes in the feed industry to mounting pressure in the egg market.The episode begins with Tom Woolman’s family holiday to the Dordogne, where a search for a farm visit led to a foie gras producer offering public tours of its entire operation. The experience prompts a wider c
Ep 52 | Aaron Cowieson: How blood biomarkers could sharpen poultry nutrition
Portable blood testing is giving poultry nutritionists and vets a clearer view of how birds are actually responding to feed—not simply what a ration is expected to deliver.In this episode, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Aaron Cowieson, senior science fellow at DSM-Firmenich, to explore the emerging use of blood biomarkers in commercial poultry production. Aaron explains how rapid, port
Ep 51 | Amy Jackson; Farming Under Scrutiny: Campaigners, Reputation and Planning
Campaign groups scrutinising food and farming have become more professional, coordinated and technologically capable. How should farmers and agricultural businesses respond—and where does the industry need to improve?Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Amy Jackson, founder of Oxtale Communications and a research fellow at the University of Nottingham. Drawing on her experience in agricultur
Ep 50 | Poultry vet Ian Lowery: The Unexpected Results of a Broiler Water Study
Water sanitation has become standard practice on many poultry farms—but does cleaner drinking water reliably translate into better bird performance?In the 50th episode of the Poultry Network podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak to poultry vet Dr Ian Lowery, director of Crowshall Veterinary Services, about the findings of his doctoral research into broiler drinking-water hygiene.Ian’s study
Ep 49 | Poultry vet Vera Bavinck: Kipster, Keel Bones and the Future of Welfare-Led Egg Production
Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Vera Bavinck, poultry veterinarian for Kipster, to discuss a radically different approach to egg production in the Netherlands. The conversation covers Kipster’s low-impact production model, the use of upcycled feed ingredients, welfare-led housing design, natural daylight, lower stocking densities, keel bone fracture monitoring, delayed onset of lay, and
Ep 48 | Ed Lanning and Callum James on the Future of UK Poultry: Data, Automation and Food Security
In this special episode of the Poultry Network podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by two younger voices from the UK poultry sector: Ed Lanning, representing the broiler industry, and Callum James, representing free-range egg production.The episode was inspired by a charity auction prize bought by Robert Lanning at the Southwest Chicken Association Christmas dinner, giving him the opp
Ep 47 | David Petrie-Dolphin: How Poultry Vaccines and Animal Health Products Get Approved
In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman speaks with David Petrie-Dolphin of Drayton Animal Health about the behind-the-scenes work involved in bringing poultry vaccines, veterinary medicines and animal health products to market.David explains the role of a Contract Research Organisation, or CRO, and why pharmaceutical and animal health companies often use specialist external fa
Ep 46 | Harrison Davies: Aviagen’s 505 Club – top EPEF scores and the power of stockmanship
This week on the Poultry Network podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Harrison Davies, technical manager at Aviagen, to discuss the launch of the Ross 308 505 Club.Harrison explains what EPEF — European Production Efficiency Factor — means, how it is calculated and why it provides a useful benchmark for broiler crop performance. The conversation covers the move from the 470 Club to
Ep 45 | ForFarmers' Greg Marsh: Bfrepa's Layer Academy and Feed Market Pressures
In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Greg Marsh, Poultry Sales Manager at ForFarmers, to discuss the launch of the Layer Academy, a BFREPA-backed initiative designed to help people working in the laying sector broaden their knowledge, build networks, and better understand the wider egg supply chain.Greg explains why the poultry sector needs more structured opportunities for
Ep 44 | Bfrepa's Gary Ford: Organic eggs, price caps and pullet supply pressures
In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Gary Ford for a wide-ranging discussion on the UK egg sector, covering organic production rules, environmental guidance, government price-cap speculation, chick and pullet supply pressures, and a new academy for young people in the egg industry.Episode overviewThe UK egg sector is enjoying strong consumer demand, but producers are facing
Ep 43 | Claire Wright, Soanes Poultry: Inside an Independent Integrated Poultry Business
Recorded the day after the Pig & Poultry Fair — with hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings admittedly feeling the effects of a busy few days — this episode features Claire Wright, managing director of Clive Soanes Broilers and finance director of Soanes Poultry. Claire joins the podcast to discuss how Soanes has remained a rare example of an independent, integrated poultry business, growing and p
Ep 42: Live from the Pig & Poultry Fair 2026: Day One Reflections from the NEC
Tom Willings and Tom Woolman record a quick round-up live from the Pig & Poultry Fair at the NEC, reflecting on a busy first day at the show. They discuss the buoyant mood across the poultry sector, the energy around the stands, the value of catching up with people across the industry, and the importance of listener feedback for shaping future podcast episodes.The conversation also covers the
Ep 41 | Host Episode: Pig & Poultry Fair preview, cage debate and the latest poultry sector news
Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are back for a host-only industry roundup, swapping Bank Holiday stories before turning to the upcoming British Pig & Poultry Fair. They discuss the sessions they are most looking forward to, including artificial intelligence, poultry meat market outlooks, egg market insight and retaining talent on farm.The episode also covers recent sector headlines, including the
Ep 40 | Rebecca Tierney: Ireland’s Egg Shortage: Why Rising Demand Isn’t Translating Into Farmer Confidence
Episode summaryIn this episode, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Rebecca Tierney, specialised poultry advisor at Teagasc, to discuss the current pressures facing Ireland’s egg sector.Rebecca explains how Irish egg consumption has risen sharply in recent years, moving from around 181 eggs per person to approximately 215–225 eggs per person. Despite strong consumer demand, production has n
Ep 39 | Dr Lisa Ackerley: Egg imports, safety and standards under pressure
Imported eggs are moving into the UK in huge volumes — and Dr Lisa Ackerley believes the industry should be asking much harder questions about where they are going, how they are being checked, and whether buyers really understand the risks.In this episode of The Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak to Dr Lisa Ackerley, a public health and hygiene scientist and Chartered Envi
Ep 38 | Joshua Davison: extending Salmonella protection in UK egg flocks
Longer laying cycles are changing the conversation around Salmonella protection in laying hens.In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman speak with Josh Davison about the new option of a fourth dose of AviPro Duo in lay, and why it matters for egg producers managing longer-lived flocks.Josh explains that the traditional three-dose AviPro Duo programme in rear was developed for shorter producti
EP 37 | Paul Flintoff: What Happens When Salmonella Hits a Broiler Farm
In this episode of The Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak with North Yorkshire broiler farmer Paul Flintoff about the serious impact of a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak on his farm.Paul explains how a routine day-18 boot swab, taken as part of the National Control Programme, came back as a Group B positive suspect, with confirmation arriving six days later from APHA. By t
Ep 36 | Slate Hall poultry vet Daniel Parker: Newcastle disease in Europe – what UK poultry producers need to know
In this Poultry Network episode, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak to poultry vet Daniel Parker about the renewed threat from Newcastle disease and what UK producers should be doing now.The discussion sets the issue in context: DEFRA has raised the risk level to medium, outbreaks in Europe have moved west, and nearly 2 million birds have reportedly been lost over the last 18 months.Mr Parker expl
Ep 35 | Dave Hodson Jr, Rose Hill Poultry: Managing laying hens for optimal health and performance
Poultry Network’s latest podcast hears from Rose Hill’s Dave Hodson Jr, who argues that strong layer performance starts with getting the basics right – and that vaccination only delivers if it is applied properly.Speaking on a technical episode focused on the laying sector, Mr Hodson drew on decades of experience working with commercial flocks and said producers should think less about vaccination
EP 34 | Aimee Mahony: Key Themes from the NFU Conference Poultry Breakout
In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by NFU Chief Poultry Adviser Aimee Mahony for a timely discussion following the NFU Conference.Aimee reflects on nearly a decade with the NFU and explains how the poultry sector is working to raise its profile within wider farming and government policy. The conversation explores the key themes from this year’s
Ep 33: Better Chicken Commitment Exit, Cage Ban Consultation, and Farm Tech Grants
UK Poultry Briefing: Better Chicken Commitment pullback, enriched-cage ban consultation & new farm tech grantsThis week’s Poultry Network podcast reviews three issues with direct impact on UK producers, integrators, egg packers and the wider poultry supply chain.Better Chicken Commitment (BCC): UK Hospitality says a group of 18 major foodservice brands (including KFC and Nando’s) will step awa
EP 32 | Kelly Grellier and Kate Parkes: RSPCA Assured Hatchery Standards Go Live: What Hatcheries Need to Know
Tom Woolman and Tom Willings welcome back their first repeat guests to the Poultry Network Podcast: Kelly Grelier (Chief Commercial Officer, RSPCA Assured) and Kate Parks (Senior Scientific Officer, RSPCA). After the hosts’ earlier coverage, they set out RSPCA Assured’s perspective on the revised hatchery standards, now in force from 16 February.The updated standard applies across poultry sectors—
Ep 30 | BEIC CEO Nick Allen — Egg demand breaks 200 per head and trade and welfare tensions
UK egg consumption is climbing again, but welfare reform, planning and trade policy will determine whether domestic supply keeps up.Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak with BEIC CEO Nick Allen, eight months into the job after a career in soft fruit, on what the Government’s animal welfare strategy means for the sector.Mr Allen sets out the BEIC’s remit across 11 trade bodies and the Lion Food Safet
EP 29: Prof Brendan Wren – Why Campylobacter Never Went Away and The Amoeba Link
Campylobacter on supermarket chicken may have slipped from the headlines since the Food Standards Agency (FSA) surveys of 2014–15, but it hasn’t gone away.In this Poultry Network Podcast episode, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman revisit one of the poultry sector’s biggest food‑safety challenges and ask why Campylobacter remains a leading cause of gastroenteritis — with an estimated ~500,000 case
EP 28, David Mark PT 2: Broiler Farm Expansion in the UK – Planning Permission, Permits and Investing in New Broiler Sheds
In this episode of The Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined again by poultry consultant David Mark to discuss what it takes to develop new broiler units (or expand existing broiler sites) in today’s UK poultry industry. Drawing on his work with growers (including many in Lincolnshire), David sets out where the opportunities are, what the biggest blockers tend to be, and
Episode 27: David Mark on Poultry's Changing Culture, Consolidation and Governance (Part 1)
Two-part special: Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by veteran food technologist and consultant David Mark.In Part 1, David looks back on a career that started in a Northern Ireland dairy co-op in 1979, moved through the marketing board, a stint as a McDonald's franchisee (from cleaning toilets to Hamburger University), liquid egg processing, and senior technical roles with O'Kane Poultry an
EP26: Back for 2026: Welfare Policy, Poultry Politics and What Comes Next
Tom Woolman and Tom Williams are back for 2026 with a quick New Year catch‑up (including Tom’s other life in the Backwood Redeemers… on accordion), then they dive into the biggest policy headlines that landed over the festive break.This episode focuses on the government’s new animal welfare strategy (described as “the most ambitious in a generation”) and what it could mean for UK livestock — with
EP 25: 2025 in Review – Avian Influenza, Market Shifts and a Strong Year for Poultry Performance
In this Christmas episode of The Poultry Network podcast, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman close out 2025 with a sector roundup, alongside festive banter about their non-jumper fleeces, the cat walking out mid-recording, and a sheep update (“the ram is out and two are lame”).Avian influenza dominates the conversation. Housing orders are framed as a recurring strain on the industry – birds finall
EP 24: Transforming Poultry Health – VOC Fingerprints, Early Alerts & On-Farm Monitoring
In this Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak with Angela Curtis, CEO of RoboScientific – whose presentation at the BFREPA conference created a real buzz – about how “electronic nose” technology could change flock health management.RoboScientific has spent around 10 years developing a system that samples the air in poultry houses and analyses volatile organic compounds
EP 23: Bfrepa 2025: Industry Reflections, Award Highlights & Emerging Standards Concerns
In this episode, Tom Willings is joined by Jake Davies to unpack a hugely successful British Free Range Egg Producers Association (Bfrepa) conference and awards.Industry momentum on full displayBoth presenters note the strongest footfall in years, with a striking increase in farmer attendance and a noticeable uplift in the professionalism and investment seen across trade stands. Senior figures fro
EP22: Women in Poultry – Building Careers, Community and Confidence
In this episode of the Poultry.Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Jake Davies sit down with Emily Neate-Wynne (Evans Vanodine) and Kelly Anderson (Lohmann GB) to talk about careers, community and the fast-growing Women in Poultry initiative.Both guests share how they “fell into” poultry – from family egg farms and weekend egg collecting to technical roles in biosecurity, pullets and sales. They refl
EP21: Upcoming Poultry Events and NFU Board Changes
Tom Woolman and Tom Willings take a slightly lighter approach this week, but there’s still plenty of business in the mix.They start with a quick catch‑up, a livestock update from Tom’s small sheep flock, and a chance encounter with the “poet of Paddington” who delivers an impromptu chicken-themed poem on the station concourse.The main focus is on what’s coming up for UK poultry producers over the
EP20: Pilgrims Europe's Aaron McKenna on Stocking Density, Performance and Sector Growth
In this episode of the Poultry.Network podcast, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman talk to Aaron McKenna, Head of Broiler Operations UK at Pilgrims Europe.Aaron outlines his route into poultry – from a small mixed farm in Northern Ireland with a strong interest in dairy, through a graduate scheme at Moy Park, to his current role. He also explains how the business supported him through a doctorate focuse
EP 20: Housing Orders Go Nationwide, Wales Holds Out — On-Farm Impacts & Market Signals
THIS week, the Poultry Network Podcast recorded a last-minute episode to consider the latest avian influenza situation – particularly the Welsh government's reluctance to declare a housing order.With Professor Ian Brown warning that this season could be the worst yet, England has extended a mandatory housing order nationwide, while Northern Ireland follows suit. Wales, however, has not (yet) annou
E19: Early Housing Orders and Egg Grading Uncertainty
This week the Toms unpack two fast-moving issues with real commercial consequences for UK poultry businesses: the regional housing order for avian influenza and industry rumblings over how “seconds” are classified at egg packing centres.AI: early season, uneven policy, real market risk.A regional mandatory housing order takes effect on 30 October across much of northern England and the Midlands/Ea
Ep 18: "Robots, Red Tractor and River Wye: This Week in the UK Poultry Sector
The “Two Toms” – Tom Willings and Tom Woolman – return with a relaxed but purposeful take on what’s moving the poultry sector. After some road-warrior and makeshift-office banter, Tom W reports back from the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo in ’s-Hertogenbosch: a wave of robotics and AI, a colossal chicken/turkey harvester, and a spotlight on feed form innovation. He flags AgriFirm’s “Crunch” – a mas
EP 17 Elanco: Turning ESG intent into measurable broiler performance gains
In this episode of the Sustainability Hub podcast, host Tom Willings is joined by three veterinary voices connected to Elanco Animal Health: Jackie Skelly (Head of Veterinary Technical Services, UK & Ireland and ESG lead), George Gould (Technical Advisor, International Poultry Team) and George Tice (former Elanco leader, now consultant after 28 years with the company).Together, they map the pr
EP 16 Broiler performance, co-grazing risks and new breeding technology
A chilly house, ten uncooperative sheep, and some serious industry talking points.In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings catch up on the latest from Aviagen’s producer roadshows and discuss why UK broiler performance is comparing favourably with results seen elsewhere in Europe. While some of the improvement may reflect down-stocking, they note that good
Ep. 15: Julian Sparrey, LiveTec – What Producers Should Expect from AI This Winter
The Poultry Network Podcast welcomes Julian “Jules” Sparrey, Group Technical Director at LiveTec, to unpack what producers should expect from avian influenza (AI) this winter and how to harden farm resilience.LiveTec, prime contractor to government for AI outbreak response, now puts most of its effort into prevention — its “four Ps”: Prevention, Protection, Planning and Prediction. Having worked o
Ep. 14 Tri-SoMe CHICKEN: Mapping resilience in the UK broiler machine
In this episode, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman speak with Dr Paul Hurley (University of Southampton) and Dr Pippa Simmons (University of Gloucestershire) about Tri-SoMe CHICKEN — a three-year, UKRI-funded project examining the resilience of the UK’s chicken meat system. With chicken now accounting for around half of UK meat consumption, the team argues that understanding where the broiler sec
E13 Professor David Hughes' Keynote Address at Poultry Network Live
This week on the Poultry Network Podcast, host Tom Woolman is joined by editor Jake Davies for a special post-Poultry Network Live edition. Two weeks after the conference at Harper Adams, the pair introduce an exclusive: Professor David “Professor Food” Hughes’ keynote, captured on video by our on-site filmmaker Finn. The episode sets up that talk and why it matters now—then hands the mic to David
Ep. 12, Wayne Olbison, Lanxess: Foot Dips, Wheel Washes & AI Vigilance
In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, host Tom Willings is joined by editor Jake Davies.Their guest is Wayne Olbison, Head of Sales for UK and Ireland at Lanxess Biosecurity Solutions, who discusses the company’s role in agricultural hygiene and offers practical biosecurity advice in light of recent avian influenza outbreaks.Wayne introduces Lanxess as a global chemicals business, with t
E11 Graham Atkinson: Building Fairer, Smarter Egg Supply Agreements
In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, hosts Tom Willings and Tom Woolman welcome Graham Atkinson, an experienced poultry professional who recently founded Grange Consultancy after nearly three decades in the sector, including 14 years at Noble Foods.The conversation begins with talk of Yorkshire weather before turning to Graham’s transition from corporate employment to independent consul
E10 Compassion in World Farming: Progress, pressure and the path to 100 % cage-free
In this episode of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings speak with Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming, about the UK’s shift toward a cage-free future.Tracey outlines the progress so far – 82 % of UK laying hens are now cage-free, compared with 50 % in 2016 – and the 2025 commitments made by major retailers. The conversation covers
E9 Poultry Network Live 2025: Growth, Optimism and Ambition
In this episode, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Jake Davies, editor of Poultry Network, to preview this year’s Poultry Network Live conference — taking place on 4 September at Harper Adams University.Jake outlines this year’s theme — growth, optimism and ambition — and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store for delegates, including:A keynote from Professor David Hughes, expl
E8 RSPCA: How it developed its latest laying hen standards
In this episode of the Poultry Network podcast, co-hosts Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Kelly Grellier, Chief Commercial Officer at RSPCA Assured, and Kate Parkes, Senior Scientific Officer at the RSPCA, to explore the updated laying hen welfare standards.The conversation opens with an explanation of the relationship between the RSPCA and RSPCA Assured. The RSPCA is responsible for wri
E6 Eggs, Expansion and Inspiration: Bex Tonks on St. Ewe's Big Year
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 recogni
E5 The Poultry Planning Landscape With Ian Pick
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 co
E4: Talking Turkeys with Paul Kelly
Talking Turkeys with Paul KellyIn 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
E3 Hook2Sisters, mergers and acquisitions in the egg sector, and the RSPCA reaches out
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 SaleThe 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 inv
Will a new deal with Europe smooth poultrymeat trade? And how will new stocking densities affect supply of British chicken
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 indus
The Poultry Network Podcast: Introductions
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 U
Part 2: Hendrix Genetics/Joice & Hill go in-depth on white eggs and their growth in the UK
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 fr
PART 1: Hendrix Genetics/Joice & Hill talk market developments, genetic advancement and white layers
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 Nic
Dr Fiona Short and Paddy Tarbuck, from the UK Agri-Tech Centre, talk poultry innovation and sustainability
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
Trouw Nutrition: Paul Mooney and Jim Uprichard talk about environmental footprinting services
Trouw Nutrition have a clear mission; to feed the future. And they’re leaving no stone unturned in their quest to balance the limited resources of nature with the increasingly complex demands of a growing population. Part of the Nutreco group of companies, Trouw Nutrition have developed not one but a whole suite of environmental footprinting tools to aid agrifood supply chains to underst
Tim Burnside, Aviagen: Breeding Poultry For Higher Sustainability, Welfare and Performance
In the very first episode of the Poultry.Network Sustainability Hub Podcast, Tom Willings speaks with Tim Burnside, Global Vice President for Welfare, Sustainability and Compliance at Aviagen Group. The Sustainability Hub was established by Poultry Network to showcase how every part of the poultry meat and egg production chain is working towards a more sustainable future. In a series of
