I have never started an article with more uncertainty of the future. Without wishing to suppose I am any better positioned than you, the reader, as to what our country and industry is going to look like post-Brexit, I am certain that this is the moment for Generation X to step up and get involved to shape the future.
Interested? The opportunity to understand and get involved has never been easier. The NFU poultry board has representatives across all regions and sectors of poultry. Ranging from industry movers to small family-run businesses like myself.
This mix of individuals allows your board to debate, understand and contribute towards the poultry agenda for our country. During my time on the poultry board, for example, I have been involved with parliament during the development of the Food Standards Agency’s push to reduce campylobacter levels in poultry, and was present when Catherine Brown announced that there had been a successful reduction in levels of campylobacter.
I have also been involved with a change in the use of rodenticides, something which is having a lasting effect on the way products are purchased and used throughout agriculture. To date, some 1,200 farmers have taken a new training course entitling individuals to be able to buy and administer the product legally. It really does get results.
“I am certain that this is the moment for Generation X to step up and get involved to shape the future...”
However, to maintain the strength and diversity upon our board, it is essential for the regional poultry boards to be active and effective. This is something I will be working towards during my tenure as vice chairman. The NFU functions across seven regions in England and at each location you’ll find your poultry specialist.
These include: Will Frazer – South West, Jonny Evans – West Midlands, Adam Briggs – North West, James Mills – North East, Andy Guy – East Midlands and John Newton – East Anglia. I feel it is my duty to reinvigorate these meetings.
Last year’s avian influenza roadshows highlighted the appetite within the sector to gain first-hand knowledge of events which influence your business, and we want to be prepared to engage with as many poultry farmers across the country as possible.
So the structure is in place for continued learning and development about poultry and agriculture in general. Understanding areas that affect the way you operate your business and why, are only a question away. Your decision is whether you want to be actively engaged in learning, understanding and eventually selling the dream of UK agriculture.
Our future is bright. Our future is agriculture.
Content from our award-winning British Farmer & Grower members' magazine. Find our what's in this month's edition here.
