Stronger together at the British Pig & Poultry Fair

Pig & Poultry Fair 2026

Working together to improve efficiencies and tackle the threat of disease were hot topics at the British Pig & Poultry Fair on 14 May.

Both avian influenza (AI) and African Swine Fever (ASF) present serious threats to the industry, and speakers explored practical tips to help keep them at bay. Jordi Mora at Eco Animal Health in Spain brought key learnings from its recent ASF outbreak in wild boar. The nation is heavily reliant on pork exports, and over the past four years has worked with Chinese buyers to agree to regionalisation, enabling exports to continue after the outbreak.

However, Spain also has incredibly stringent biosecurity and disease testing programmes – so how could UK producers be better prepared? “We know we have ASF in our food chain via contaminated meat imports,” said Mandy Nevel at AHDB. More stringent port security would help, but not eliminate this risk. “The last line of defence is the farm fence – and that’s where we have control.”

Keeping wild pigs away from commercial stock is critical, as is preventing contact between outdoor pigs and the public who may drop contaminated food. Improved disease testing, data sharing and traceability would also help, alongside more proactive discussions with trading partners over regionalisation. “We all need to work together to reduce the risks.”

Avian influenza

It’s a similar situation with avian influenza (AI), and Stuart Bird, who produces eggs at Bird Bros, Bedfordshire, has moved from relatively casual planning to full defence preparation. “If you think it’s a case of when, not if, you’re better prepared.”

He has introduced digital tools to improve traceability, with a digital sign-in replacing paper visitor books. “It provides more visibility, knowing who’s on your site and what they’re doing.” The business has also introduced greater separation between its production site and packing centre. “If we were unlucky enough to have an AI outbreak, we can keep our packing centre running,” he said.

Producers should not feel overwhelmed by biosecurity improvements. “Just start with the easy things. You’ll never be perfect, but that’s no excuse for not trying.”

Improved data

Better data is also helping egg producers to identify welfare and management issues earlier while improving flock performance. Twan Van Gerwe at Vencomatic explained how advanced monitoring systems can track egg laying patterns, egg quality and bird behaviour, helping farmers make faster and more informed decisions. “Early detection of changes in behaviour can provide a warning sign.”

Another improvement that egg producers can soon take advance of is the proposed change to contract legislation, which will protect them from unfair supply chain practices. “The final regulations are being drafted by lawyers, so we hope they will be published soon,” said Defra’s Lewis Acred. Steps include requiring written contracts with dispute resolution procedures, preventing unilateral changes and ensuring pricing transparency.

“It’s far more valuable if I can hear about issues early on, before it becomes a formal complaint,” said the supply chain adjudicator Richard Thompson. “There is a lot we can do to help.”

Environmental advice

The British Free-Range Egg Producers Association also unveiled its imminent guide to environmental legislation. The aim is to provide a one-stop shop for producers with advice on best practice within the regulations.

“Anything that is lost to the environment is lost to your business,” said Sharon Chisholm at the Environment Agency. Areas covered including housing, the range, drainage, manure, and disease outbreak procedures. “Keeping ammonia within the system is keeping nitrogen within the business, which will help your business efficiency.”

The RASE’s new Farm of the Future report considers how to optimise efficiencies on pig and poultry farms, including buildings, slurry management and energy use. “Knowing where your energy is used is key to reducing energy consumption,” said Zanita Markham at AHDB.

Before spending on a new building, producers should understand how older buildings are performing and where they could be improved, added Roger Stones at NFU Energy. “Most sheds don’t have an energy problem, they have an energy wastage problem.” Areas to consider include insulation, heat recovery, energy efficiency, temperature and ventilation controls, renewable energy generation, and ensuring the energy contract is fit for purpose.

The 8,470 visitors to the Fair also got to hear about the latest new technology and thinking, with more than 60 new products from 330 exhibitors on offer, said Fair organiser Alice Bell. “Bringing together science-backed technology and advice with open discussions and supply chain collaboration is guaranteed to yield the best results for producers,” she added. “Together, we are most definitely stronger, and that could not have been felt more keenly over the past couple of days.”