This year’s Poultry Club of Scotland Dinner held at the Dunblane Hydro Hotel celebrated the continued growth, demand and confidence in all areas of Scottish poultry production, including layers, breeders and broilers.
According to UK Egg Industry Data, egg consumption has increased by 1.6 billion eggs since 2004, with retail egg sales specifically rising by over 20%. British farmers rear one billion broilers for food every year and the sector contributes more than £4.6 billion to the economy. In terms of employment, the UK poultry meat sector now supports over 100,000 jobs in farming, processing and logistics.
The Club’s two annual awards were made at the dinner, which attracted a near record-breaking 305 guests. The Howie Surgeonor cup, which recognises an extraordinary contribution to Scottish Poultry Industry, was awarded to Billy McArdle, Senior Production Manager at 2Agriculture and the Young Person Under 35 was awarded to Alastair McBain, Farm Operations Manager at Duncan Farms – for his dedication and committed enthusiasm to the sector.
Reflecting on what was described as a lively and entertaining evening, poultry veterinary surgeon Matthew Balfour, from St David’s Poultry team, and Chairman of the Poultry Club of Scotland Dinner said: “Events like this are perfect for strengthening relationships across the sector and provide a rare opportunity to take a well-earned night off from the hard work put in by everyone over the year. With continued growth across layers, breeders and broilers, it’s no surprise we see more people attending each year. This year’s dinner was truly deserved by all.”
One of the sponsors of the Poultry Dinner Club, Iain Chapman, Farmlay in Aberdeenshire added: “Since I first attended over 20 years ago, the annual event has expanded in popularity, mirroring the growth and optimism within the poultry sector. To meet the market’s demand, Farmlay now work alongside 27 producers, producing a total of 7 million eggs per week. It is vital for our business to stay connected with those already in the industry and to support newcomers. The evening offers just this, and was, as ever, thoroughly enjoyable, full of energy and good humour – and thanks in no small part to Fred MacAulay.”
Macaulay is a Scottish comedian and host of BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘MacAulay and Co.’; a regular on television shows such as ‘Have I Got News for You?’, Fred provided the main evening entertainment.
The Poultry Club of Scotland Dinner was first held at the Huntingtower, Perthshire, in 1995 by respected Scottish poultry farmers, Dennis Surgeonor and Tom Howie.
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“It now a major event in our calendar,” Matthew added. “The evening has become a vital event for the industry, ensuring that we, not only shine a light on the poultry sector, but also have a chance to reflect on all that has been achieved. As I conclude my chairing year, my heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved and I would like to wish Frank Lawson all the best during his tenure.”
Frank Lawson, General Manager at 2Agriculture takes over the reins as The Poultry Club of Scotland Chairman from Matthew Balfour.
List of sponsors
- ABN
- Aviagen
- BFREPA
- Bildabin
- Boehringer
- Collinson
- Dalton
- Dispak
- Duncan Farms
- East Coast Viners
- Elanco
- Farmlay
- Glenrath
- H&N
- Harbro
- Hendric Genetics
- HIPRA
- Hook2sisters
- Huhtamaki
- Huvempharma
- Hyline
- Janson
- JSR
- Kersia
- Lanxess
- Lohmann
- Moba
- MSD
- Morspan
- Newquio
- Noble Food
- Poultry Health Services
- PW Mains
- SRUC
- Staveleys Eggs
- St Davids
- Techna
- The Lakes Free Range
