The conference with a film première!
This year's BFREPA conference will feature its very own film première with the screening of a specially commissioned film about free range eggs.
The short film has been produced by BFREPA following a request from members at last year's AGM and aims to explain to consumers just how free range eggs are produced.
"There's still a lot of ignorance amongst consumers—and the media—about modern free range egg production and we hope that by producing this film we can show just what our industry is about," says BFREPA vice-chairman John Widdowson.
The film will be able to be viewed at anytime on the association's very popular website in addition to being available to anyone on a free DVD. Not only does the film include impressive footage of free range hens shot on members' farms, but also features a tour of a packing centre and customers purchasing free range eggs in a supermarket.
The professional voiceover is by former Sky TV news presenter Stuart Matthews and the film has been produced by Camelot Videos, makers of award-winning Blackacre Farm Eggs' promotional film.
It's a sellout…
Companies wishing to exhibit at this year's free range conference being held on 22 November at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, are now being turned away.
"It's regrettable that we can't fit them all in but we've been a victim of our own success," says BFREPA chairman Tom Vesey.
Tom believes the event has grown in popularity due to a number of factors, including the suitability of the venue and the fact that the conference is aimed at grassroots producers.
"We try very hard to line-up speakers that will address the issues that are important to our members and this year will be no different," says Tom.
Prospects for the free range egg market will have a bearing on every producer sat in the conference hall so the views of Stonegate marketing director Richard Langdon will be eagerly received as he delivers his presentation 'Is there a vibrant future for British free range eggs?' And with avian influenza now confirmed in Europe delegates will be able to get the latest view from vet Goossen van den Bosch who heads up the poultry technical team for conference sponsor's Intervet.
Tackling the topical issue of the suitability of multi-tier housing for the UK free range egg sector will be a special panel. BFREPA vice-chairman John Widdowson will share with the audience what he saw when he travelled to Holland earlier this year and in an open forum conference-goers will have the opportunity to question panel members.
The Ranger vets from Crowshall Veterinary Services will be on hand during the day as they once again stage their popular veterinary workshop—where the theme this year will be 'jargon-busting' as they reveal the meaning behind some of those technical veterinary terms.
Delegates who have not yet registered are reminded to do so using the forms previously supplied. Anyone still requiring a registration form should contact marketing coordinator Cally Grubb at Intervet on 01908 685249 or email Cally.Grubb@intervet.com
For those producers attending the conference who are not already members of BFREPA, Intervet has generously agreed to sponsor their first year's membership of the association.
Howard Birley, Intervet's poultry business manager, commented: "We recognise the excellent work carried out by BFREPA on behalf of the free range sector and we believe every producer should be a member. We are delighted to help in this way."
