The British Pig & Poultry Fair at Birmingham’s NEC on 15-16 May offers a packed two days of forums, networking, expert advice and new products. So how can visitors make best of use their time and benefit from everything that’s on offer? 

1 – Informative forums

As ever, the Fair will feature its bespoke Poultry and Pig Theatres, which bring together great speakers to explore the hot topics of the day. Head along to the popular Pig, Egg, and Poultry Outlooks to find out what challenges and opportunities lie ahead – and quiz the speakers for their top tips on how to manage these for optimum success.

This year there is a new Innovation Theatre to profile the latest cutting-edge products and ideas. Find out how clever new software can help predict early onset of respiratory disease in pigs, or can take the stress out of contingency planning in the event of disease outbreaks or natural disasters. 

2 – Innovative new products

This year, exhibitors will be unveiling more than 60 new products to the market, from red LED lighting to calm birds and boost egg production to a chick gel which provides quick hydration, energy and gut protection for day-old chicks. Farrowing sows and breeding boars might appreciate new cooling mats to combat heat stress, while a new herbal extract can be added to pig and poultry feed to enhance appetite, block pathogens and diminish ammonia odours. 

“At the last event, 78% of visitors planned to make changes to their business as a result of their visit to the Fair,” says organiser Alice Bell. “And 93% rated their visit as good or excellent. Bringing so many suppliers and products together under one roof is incredibly valuable to producers and their businesses.” 

3 – Latest thinking

Catch up with what’s happening at the cutting-edge of the industry – meet with 336 exhibitors to pick up the latest advice and find out how scientific research is filtering through to benefit farm productivity. 

There’s a lot of change afoot, from potential new egg contracts to deliver fairness in the supply chain to revamped farm assurance schemes to keep pace with industry needs. Hear from DEFRA about the latest environmental schemes and animal health and welfare grants, and find out how the Poultry Industry Programme is opening up new opportunities for careers in the sector. 

4 – Meeting up

The Fair brings together around 7,500 visitors from across the pig and poultry sectors, offering the best networking opportunity around. Catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances, while discussing the hot topics of the day and sharing personal solutions. 

Two key topics are reaching the next generation – both from a marketing and a farm labour perspective – and that’s something visitors will be able to explore. Roz Reynolds at AHDB says Generation Z respond to authentic and peer-to-peer messaging, which farmers are well-placed to deliver. “Farmers talking about their stories – particularly around animal welfare and sustainability – is really powerful, so we’re always looking for more people to get involved.”

5 – Sustainable answers

Everyone is under pressure to improve sustainability, whether that’s environmental, financial or social. The idea of a circular economy – which answers all of these conundrums – is growing in both popularity and practicality. 

“Sustainability, in every way, is vital to every farming business and throughout the supply chain,” says Danny Johnson, General Manager at Fair partner ABN. “Businesses have to be profitable as well as environmentally and socially sustainable – and bringing together innovative technologies, the latest research and best practice advice is key to achieving that.”

Note new venue and days for 2024!

The 2024 Fair will be taking place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, at the NEC, Birmingham. Visit the website to book your FREE ticket www.pigandpoultry.org.uk. The full seminar line up is available here:  www.pigandpoultry.org.uk/forums-2024. 

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