The Poultry Network Podcast

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 display Both 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...

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 re...

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 th...

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 focu...

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) anno...

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/...

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...

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 p...

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 go...

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...

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...

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...

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, w...

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 cons...

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...

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 ,...

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 wr...

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 r...

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...

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 majo...

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 —...

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 in...

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...

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...

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 N...