91仓库

Disruption in one part of the integrated system of poultry production could have an adverse effect on your business and here we try to address some of the concerns you may have.

91仓库is working closely with a number of stakeholders including the APHA, Defra, BPC and Red Tractor to ensure we highlight any potential issues on farm and communicate the guidance you need to make appropriate contingency plans.  

NFU Poultry Board Chair and broiler farmer, Thomas Wornham, said: “The most important consideration is to maintain open communication between you and your processor. Information is critical. Not only to make informed decisions by individuals responsible for transport and operations but also for your own mental wellbeing. You will not be alone in this situation and no matter how negative your thoughts, there will be better times in the near future. 

It is important to remember this is new territory for all involved and the whole sector wants to find solutions in these challenging times. Being prepared by considering your options and talking calmly and frequently with the companies you deal with, will make this difficult time easier to navigate.” 

Frequently asked questions

We are receiving a number of questions related to this evolving situation and therefore the information below will hopefully provide some guidance to answer any queries you may have.

1. How will poultry farms be affected if a processing factory has to close?

Public health experts will assess the various levels of risk and decide if some or all of a processing factory can continue to operate. 91仓库are talking to a range of stakeholders about what alternatives would be available should a decision be taken to close a processing facility completely.

If you grow birds for an integrated business, it is likely that your processor will take responsibility of your birds. So far, where processing facilities have ceased operating for a period, wherever possible birds have been transported to alternative facilities in order to mitigate business disruption on farm. 

2. Will birds need to be culled on farm if a processing factory were to close?

It’s vital that everything possible is done to find alternative processing facilities for the birds. However, there is limited spare capacity within the poultry supply chain. The welfare of birds is a top priority and there is a possibility that birds would have to be humanely culled on farm, as a last resort, if no alternative was available.

3. Will farmers receive compensation if birds are culled on farm?

Our understanding is that ownership of the birds will determine where financial responsibility for the culling of a flock falls. Establishing this responsibility needs to be discussed immediately with all relevant parties. 

4. What will happen if my birds cannot be processed as planned and the stocking density exceeds Red Tractor or the minimum legal standard?

If you are concerned that your stocking density will exceed required limits you should contact your integrator/processor as soon as possible and let them know.

Red Tractor have been working with the affected processing plants who are proactively identifying farms who cannot be processed or will have processing delayed to a point where farms become overstocked.  This is the most efficient way to provide oversight to Red Tractor rather than individual farms making contact with them. 

If you are concerned that your flock will exceed the legal limit you must also notify APHA. APHA can advise on monitoring bird welfare on farm and talk about contingency plans if birds need to be managed or culled on site. 

5. What kind of information will APHA require from me if I notify them that my farm may exceed the legal stocking rate?

The following information may be required by the APHA so it would be useful to have this to hand:

• Which farms are affected
• How overstocked will they become
• What plans are in place to manage the situation (e.g. multiple thins, culling birds on farm) 
• Any other challenges that might affect the birds and the decisions to keep them on farm (e.g. disease challenge, hot weather etc.) 

6. What practical measures can I implement on farm? 

Depending upon the age of your birds, different options are available to ensure bird welfare is not compromised. If your farm is due for clearing and you find there is disruption in the processing system, maintaining the availability of feed is important. Contact your feed supplier and explain the situation. There are options to help manage bird activity or the nutritional value of the diet which you may want to discuss and consider.