Celebrity chef effect’ leads to launch of new poultry fencing

Leading wire fencing company Tornado is launching its latest product for the free-range poultry industry at two major agricultural shows this summer.

Poultry Net, which has been developed with the UK's leading egg production business John Bowler's, will be unveiled at the Royal Cornwall Show (June 5-7) and the Royal Highland (June 19-22).

Recent high profile campaigns by celebrity TV chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall have lead to an increase in sales of free-range chickens and eggs. This change in consumer attitude will be followed in 2012 by an EU-wide ban on keeping hens in cages, also known as battery hens.

Poultry Net is Tornado's latest Hi-Tensile Plus® product, which are all manufactured to European Standards for tensile strength and galvanising. Prior to the development of this product, many poultry farmers used wire which was heavier than the application required. The new product has a small wire diameter which is more cost effective, a minimised aperture preventing predators such as foxes attacking hens, and the design also prevents poultry tunneling under the fencing.

Tornado UK sales manager Malcolm Blackford said: "Free-range is certainly the future for the UK poultry industry and this product is ideally placed to meet this growing demand.

"The Government has made it clear that the UK will not oppose the EU ban on battery hens and many poultry farmers are moving to less intensive systems. Campaigns by well-respected TV chefs have also put this matter in the forefront of consumer's minds which is already having an effect on production techniques.

"The input from experts at John Bowler's to develop Poultry Net was essential as the company is one of the largest producers of Lion Code free range and organic eggs in England and Wales with more than 1.5 million hens on contract. Their experience helped us tailor a purpose designed solution which is cost-effective and will also improve welfare as the smaller apertures are better suited to keeping out foxes and other predators. The hinge joint construction also means the fencing can be bent out at ground level which prevents chickens tunneling near the perimeter.

"These prestigious agricultural shows are the ideal place to launch this product and demonstrate the many advantages to users."