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 from government, major retailers, integrators and industry bodies were visible throughout the day – a clear signal of the event’s growing influence.

Award highlights

The hosts run through this year’s winners, noting standout performances from:

• Chippendale Foods – multiple category wins including Marketing Initiative, Chuckle Eggs, and Best Trade Stand
• Stonegate and Noble Foods – strongly represented across categories
• James Baxter – recognised by the British Egg Association for a decade of service as Bfrepa chairman
• Martin Troop – awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions across both the egg and meat sectors

Hatchery Standards: a new storm brewing

The conversation shifts to the RSPCA Assured hatchery standards, announced with minimal notice and due to take effect in February.

Key concerns raised include:

• Lack of sector consultation, echoing frustrations from the 2023 Laying Hen Standards rollout
• Operational uncertainty for the very small number of hatcheries underpinning the entire RSPCA Assured supply chain
• Ambiguity around new concepts – such as definitions of viable chicks – and unclear expectations across several technical areas
• A wider set of future topics flagged by RSPCA (AI, in-ovo technologies and more), prompting questions about the organisation’s methodology and communication approach

The hosts express a willingness to openly discuss the standards and extend an invitation to RSPCA Assured and the Pullet Hatcheries and Breeders Association (PHBA) to appear on the podcast.

What’s next on the podcast

Angela Curtis of RoboScientific will join a future episode to discuss real-time flock monitoring using VOC detection technology.

Listeners are also reminded of the Southwest Chicken Association dinner, where a guest editorship of the podcast will be auctioned.