Conference to scrutinise multi-tier

Delegates at this year’s free range conference will get the chance to pose questions to a specially selected panel when the pros and cons of the very latest in layer housing will come under the spotlight.

“There is no doubt that the development of multi-tier systems in the UK is causing a certain amount of controversy and it is an issue that is very important to BFREPA members,” says vice-chairman John Widdowson. “For that reason we feel it would be pertinent to devote some of this year’s conference session to the topic.”

John, along with colleagues from the association, has already visited The Netherlands to look at the systems in operation and he will use this experience to make a short presentation at the conference. Following this will be the opportunity for delegates to express their views and aim questions at a specialist panel.

Panel members will include the RSPCA’s senior scientific officer, John Avizienius, who is working closely with Freedom Food monitoring welfare conditions on a large multi-tier unit already established in the UK. Ranger vet Phil Hammond has also agreed to participate, having recently returned from a trip to Holland where he witnessed Continental-style multi-tier in operation.

BFREPA council member and one of the country’s most respected free range egg producers, Jeff Vergerson, will give his views, while Nigel Williams of Liberty Livestock Systems will be able to explain why he is currently seeking planning permission for an 18,000 bird unit, which will add a further three Swedish-designed multi-tier laying houses to the one he already operates.

“It promises to be a lively and informative session,” says John.

Also featured at the conference will be Stonegate’s Richard Langdon whose presentation will focus on the marketing of free range eggs and the threats and opportunities for UK producers.

Vet Goossen van den Bosch—who heads up the poultry technical team for conference sponsors Intervet—completes the line up of speakers and will update the audience on the ever-present threat associated with an outbreak of Avian Influenza.

This year’s event will again feature the popular veterinary workshop laid on by the team from Crowshall Veterinary Services, where there will be practical demonstrations aimed at helping producers keeps their hens healthy and productive.

The conference will be held on Tuesday 22 November at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, a venue which continues to prove popular with both delegates and exhibitors. But trade stand space is disappearing fast with only limited availability remaining and companies wishing to exhibit should contact Carole Arnold on 01526 832956 / 07801 338009 or email carole-arnold@tiscali.co.uk

Intervet’s poultry business unit manager, Howard Birley, said: “The free range conference is the most vibrant and enthusiastic of all the conferences and we are delighted to be associated with it.”