The 2024 British Pig & Poultry Fair will feature two days of forums, networking, expert advice and new products, organisers have said.
The biennial event, which is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), will take place Wednesday, May 15, and Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the NEC Birmingham.
The poultry and pig theatres will feature speakers to discuss the hot topics affecting the sectors.
This year there is a new innovation theatre to discuss the latest products and ideas, including how new software can help predict early onset of respiratory disease in pigs.
New products will be central to the British Pig & Poultry Fair, with exhibitors set to unveil more than 60 new products to the market.
These will range from red LED lighting to calm birds and boost egg production to a chick gel that provides quick hydration, energy and gut protection for day-old chicks.
New cooling mats to combat heat stress for farrowing sows and breeding boars will be explored, as well as a new herbal extract for pig and poultry feed that enhances appetite, blocks pathogens and diminishes ammonia odours.
Organiser of the event, Alice Bell, said: “At the last event, 78% of visitors planned to make changes to their business as a result of their visit to the fair.
“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.”
336 exhibitors are set to attend the fair to provide advice and offer insight into how scientific research is filtering through to benefit farm productivity.
Networking and sustainability
The British Pig & Poultry Fair is set to attract around 7,500 visitors from across the pig and poultry sectors, offering an opportunity for networking.
“Catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances, while discussing the hot topics of the day and sharing personal solutions,” organisers said.
“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 of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) said 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,” she said.
In terms of sustainability, organisers said farmers are under pressure to improve their sustainability, whether it is environmental, financial or social.
General manager at pig and poultry feed producer ABN, Danny Johnson, said: “Sustainability, in every way, is vital to every farming business and throughout the supply chain.”
“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.”
