Advertise on podcast: The Poultry Network Podcast

Powered by Premier Nutrition. Tom Willings and Tom Woolman catch up at Celtic Manor for a special episode from the 2026 Egg and Poultry Industry Conference, sharing their highlights and some frank reflections on the challenges facing British poultry. With planning, activism and public perception recurring throughout the day, the pair ask whether the industry is making progress on its reputation — and what needs to happen beyond familiar calls to “tell our story better”. They discuss Paul Kelly’s message about understanding what customers value and having the confidence to charge for quality. Alongside that, they reflect on Barney Kay’s account of how Noble Foods communicates the nature and biodiversity benefits of organic egg production. Changing consumer habits are another major theme. Drawing on Rabobank’s Julia Buech’s presentation, the Toms consider what the uptake of GLP-1 weight-loss medication could mean for food spending, demand for protein and the opportunities for poultry and eggs. Europe’s ageing population adds another dimension to the discussion about future demand. The conversation then turns to John Alistair Clarke’s presentation on geopolitics, European agricultural policy and potential changes to welfare rules. From cages and stocking densities to trade, feed imports and Ukraine’s place in European food production, the hosts consider what the direction of EU policy could mean for British producers. There is an optimistic finish with the Derek Kelly Future Leaders Discussion. Egg producer Ryan Dakin, broiler producer Will Oliver and Avara Foods hatchery manager Emilia Cojocaru leave the Toms encouraged by the enthusiasm, practicality and pride coming through the industry. Plus: the minister’s visit, Paul Kelly’s familiar conference humour and Tom Woolman’s latest strategy for recruiting podcast subscribers. Chapters00:14 — Welcome from EPIC at Celtic Manor02:19 — Paul Kelly: selling on value and quality03:39 — Noble Foods and the story behind organic eggs04:13 — Planning, reputation and telling poultry’s story07:56 — Stephen Morgan’s visit and the missing audience Q&A09:08 — Weight-loss medication, food spending and protein11:51 — Europe’s ageing population and future demand13:38 — European welfare policy, trade and agricultural priorities16:51 — Ukraine’s role in European food production19:44 — The Derek Kelly Future Leaders Discussion21:28 — Subscribe before Tom catches you at dinner Follow the Poultry Network Podcast for weekly conversations from across the poultry sector, and visit Poultry Network for the latest news.

In this 'Halloween special' of the Poultry Network Podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Nick Davies, general manager of Bestico, to explore biological control of red mite and flies on poultry farms. Nick explains how predatory mites, tiny parasitic wasps and predatory fly larvae can help tackle pests at different stages of their life cycles. He discusses how these beneficial species are introduced into poultry houses, why starting early matters, and how other treatments can affect them. The conversation covers the practicalities for laying farms, including repeat applications, keeping manure pits dry, reducing feed spillages and broken eggs, and the differences between traditional flat-deck housing and multi-tier systems. Nick also explains where biological control has limitations and why farmers may still need corrective treatments. On costs, Nick gives indicative averages of around 12p per bird for a season of fly control and 35p per bird for red mite control over a flock cycle, with programmes tailored to individual farms. After the interview, the Toms reflect on the challenges of investing in prevention and invite listeners already using biological pest control to share their experiences. In this episode00:14 — A Halloween special: introducing biological pest control04:57 — Meet Nick Davies from Bestico05:28 — Using natural predators to tackle red mite08:27 — When to start, how to apply the products and compatibility with other treatments13:09 — Parasitic mini-wasps and the fly life cycle16:57 — Getting ahead of the fly season19:01 — Cleaning routines, biosecurity and different housing systems21:26 — Biofly: larvae that feed on pest-fly larvae22:56 — Rearing beneficial species, quality control and UK uptake25:22 — Practical steps to support fly control27:06 — Indicative costs per bird28:26 — Tom and Tom’s reflections on prevention and adoption Products and species mentionedFor anyone trying to keep up with the Latin names: ProductSpeciesRole discussed Androlis Androlaelaps casalis A predatory mite that actively hunts red mite. Taurrus Cheyletus eruditus A predatory mite Nick describes using around nest boxes and other areas where red mite congregate. Biowasp Muscidifurax raptor and Spalangia cameroni Tiny parasitic wasps that target fly pupae. Biofly Hydrotaea aenescens, also called Ophyra aenescens A fly whose larvae feed on pest-fly larvae. Find out moreBestico’s poultry pest-control informationContact BesticoPoultry Network Already using biological pest control on your farm? Tom and Tom would like to hear how it fits into your management programme. Get in touch at [email protected].

British chicken: imports, independent growers and the fast food boomTom Woolman and Tom Willings explore the UK chicken market with Mark Rooza, who works with Gafoor, the poultry processor in Preston. Mark contrasts last year’s tight supplies with a more competitive market in 2026, explaining how imports influence prices, buying decisions and demand for growing space. He also describes Gafoor’s growth from processing around 800,000 birds a week after Covid to 1.2 million today, serving customers across food manufacturing, wholesale, meal kits and restaurants. The conversation looks at how Gafoor works with independent growers, why customers outside the supermarket sector still value Red Tractor chicken, and what the expansion of American-style chicken restaurant chains could mean for British poultry producers. In this episodeThe chicken market in 2026: Mark’s assessment of supply, demand and competition from imports.Stocking densities and the “race for space”: How different customer requirements shape demand for chicken and farm capacity.Working with independent growers: Contracts, farm support and the freedom to make decisions on feed purchasing.Serving different markets: How a broad customer base helps Gafoor manage changing demand and find outlets for different cuts.The growth of chicken restaurants: Opportunities in quick service restaurants, including demand for British and halal chicken.The outlook for producers: Whether pressure for more growing space has eased, and what could change that. After the interview, the Toms discuss what the growth of takeaway and delivery means for consumers’ connection with farming, and why provenance, food assurance and consumer confidence matter across the poultry sector. Sponsored by Evans VanodineThis episode is sponsored by Evans Vanodine, which has been developing products and providing technical support for the poultry industry for more than 40 years. In this week’s sponsor message, Nick Evans introduces the company’s poultry hygiene range, including GPC8 disinfectant and products for water systems, hatcheries and processing facilities. He also explains the practical support available from its poultry specialists, from advice on cleaning and disinfection to farm visits and help with biosecurity programmes. Find out more at evansvanodine.co.uk. Chapters00:15 – Welcome 03:48 – Introducing Mark Rooza and Gafoor 05:45 – The chicken market in 2026 08:39 – Imports, price and provenance 10:10 – Stocking densities and the race for space 11:52 – Serving different markets 14:46 – Working with independent growers 18:58 – The growth of chicken restaurants 21:33 – Balancing demand for different cuts 22:31 – Opportunities for British chicken 24:05 – The outlook for growing space 25:52 – The Toms reflect on provenance and assurance For more poultry news, market analysis and interviews, visit poultry.network. Subscribe to the Poultry Network Podcast for a new episode each week.

Poultry Network editor Jake Davies joins Tom Willings and Tom Woolman after a visit to the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo in Hardenberg, reporting on the mood among producers and the innovations on the trade stands. The team discusses the buoyant outlook Jake encountered, how Dutch poultry profitability compares with the UK, and the questions surrounding farm buyouts and future production. Energy was a particularly prominent theme. Jake shares what exhibitors told him about investment in battery storage, making better use of solar power and opportunities for on-farm electric vehicle charging. Could the same trends become more visible at UK poultry events? On bird health, there is a look at Tiergesundheit Emsland’s approach to creating a physical barrier against red mite, alongside a catch-up with Jacco Rubens of Stronger Flocks about its work on keel bone damage. Jake also reports on his conversation with Veetality, which is developing digital poultry houses that use cameras to monitor flock behaviour, with ambitions to connect what happens inside the house with disease risks outside it. Finally, a visit to camera-based poultry weighing business ChiCams provides another opportunity to test the hosts’ chicken knowledge. Jake scored seven out of ten on its stand quiz — can the two Toms do better? Expect questions about colour vision, recognising names and communication before hatch, plus the beginnings of a Christmas poultry pub quiz. In this episode00:14 — Introductions and Jake’s “chicken holiday” 02:05 — Arriving at the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo 03:08 — Producer confidence, profitability and farm buyouts 07:02 — Battery storage, solar power and on-farm EV charging 09:11 — A different approach to red mite control 10:40 — Stronger Flocks and keel bone damage 12:32 — Veetality: Digital poultry houses and flock monitoring 15:28 — Looking ahead to EPIC and BFREPA 15:54 — ChiCams and the chicken quiz 18:26 — A Christmas poultry pub quiz? Companies and events mentionedDutch Pork & Poultry Expo Tiergesundheit Emsland — red mite control Stronger Flocks Veetality ChiCams — camera-based poultry weighing Subscribe to the Poultry Network podcast wherever you listen, and join us again next week.

Tom Woolman and Tom Willings mark World Egg Day with a discussion of poultry catching, animal welfare and the week’s news. The Netherlands’ move towards upright catching prompts a look at what changing practices could mean for UK broiler and egg producers. Tom Willings shares his experience of trialling the method, including the practical challenges in multi-tier laying houses, while the pair consider the implications for labour, costs and the potential role of mechanical catching. They also discuss the first bird-flu outbreak of the 2026/27 season on the Isle of Lewis, lessons from Tom Willings’ animal welfare officers’ course, and whether chicken belongs on the breakfast menu as Tom Woolman gives his verdict on McDonald’s chicken and egg McMuffin. Along the way, there’s home butchery, an impromptu poultry quiz and news of the podcast’s unsuccessful bid for an award at the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ Harvest lunch. In this episode00:16 — Welcome, kitchen aprons and home butchery02:03 — Animal welfare training and lessons from the abattoir05:17 — A poultry quiz for World Egg Day07:04 — Upright catching: welfare, costs and practical challenges10:07 — Bird flu on the Isle of Lewis11:20 — Chicken for breakfast: the McMuffin verdict13:18 — Agricultural journalism and the podcast awards16:04 — Subscribe and keep in touch Follow or subscribe to the Poultry Network Podcast on your usual podcast app to hear each new episode. For poultry industry news and our weekly newsletter, visit poultry.network.

Knowing how your flock compares with other farms is one thing. Understanding why it performs differently — and what to change — is another. Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Patrick Snodgrass and Iain Campbell from AgriFarm Data to explore how broiler growers can make better use of the information collected in their sheds. Patrick explains how frustration with benchmarking that showed differences without explaining them led to the development of the business. From environmental controls and feed records to flock performance, the discussion looks at bringing information together, reducing paperwork and comparing results through anonymised benchmarking. Who owns that data, and how should farmers share it with vets, consultants and the wider supply chain? There is also a closer look at recent performance trends, including increased mortality recorded among growers using the platform. The guests explain why these observations need further investigation rather than immediate conclusions about chick quality or the effects of summer temperatures. And does better technical performance always mean better profits? Patrick discusses the influence of processor payment models, energy costs and the risk of chasing performance while losing control of expenditure. Looking ahead, the team considers how predictive analysis could help growers tailor management to their chicks, feed and shed infrastructure. In this episode05:04 — Why AgriFarm Data was created 07:37 — Bringing shed, feed and flock information together 10:22 — Farmer ownership of data and relationships with processors 16:14 — How anonymised benchmarking and permission-based sharing work 18:11 — Growth, feed conversion and recent mortality trends 21:23 — Technical performance versus financial returns 23:56 — Predictive analysis and the next steps for farm data 28:41 — The hosts’ reflections: interpreting results and understanding the limits of a dataset Stay connectedEnjoyed the episode? Follow or subscribe to the Poultry Network Podcast in your usual podcast app. You can also sign up to the Poultry Network newsletter for updates from across the sector, delivered to your inbox every Friday. This episode is sponsored by LANXESS Biosecurity SolutionsWayne Olbison shares practical reminders for autumn and winter cleaning and disinfection: clean thoroughly at turnaround, check that products work at the temperatures you will be using them in, and follow instructions on compatibility, application rates and contact time. For coccidiosis control, he encourages growers to ask suppliers for specific efficacy evidence and compare the cost of treating the whole house — not just the price of the drum. Always follow the product label and safety instructions.

Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Dr Pablo Alarcon and Dr Mat Hennessey from the Royal Veterinary College to discuss the pressures shaping poultry’s response to avian influenza — and why some of the biggest challenges cannot be addressed through farm biosecurity alone. As part of the Flu Trailmap project, the researchers have mapped poultry supply chains and spoken to people across the industry about their experiences. They explain what this work reveals about the connections between farms, hatcheries, processors and egg packers, and how disruption in one part of the system can affect businesses elsewhere. Insurance is a major part of the conversation, from the difficulty of obtaining cover to whether premiums could better reflect disease risk and biosecurity. The guests also explore an idea raised by interviewees: a levy supported by government and industry to help share the financial risk of outbreaks. They discuss the questions this would raise, including who should contribute, rather than advocating a particular scheme. On planning, the discussion turns to a fundamental question: where will the extra poultry housing come from? Lower broiler stocking densities and the move away from enriched colony cages require more space to maintain domestic production, yet interviewees repeatedly described difficulties securing permission to build or extend. The researchers consider how local planning decisions and national priorities could be brought together more effectively. Finally, they discuss the case for a longer-term poultry strategy, bringing government and industry together to consider where production takes place, how it is financed and how the sector can be better prepared for future disease outbreaks.

Are broiler drinkers delivering more water than birds can actually drink? Ziggity Systems’ André van Rij made that case at this year’s Poultry Meat Conference, questioning whether recommended flow rates leave farms dealing with unnecessary spillage—and whether catch cups introduce more problems than they solve. Recorded at the event, Jake Davies and Tom Woolman discuss his argument for removing catch cups and getting drinker height right. It challenges a familiar setup on UK broiler farms, although, as Tom points out, there are reasons producers adopted cups in the first place. Heat stress is another focus, drawing on Alan Ball’s presentation for Slatehall Veterinary Services. He explained how birds lose heat and the limitations of misting during humid conditions or prolonged hot weather. Jake and Tom then add their thoughts on cooling pads and housing design, and why some changes need planning well before the next hot spell. P.D. Hook’s Carlos Paiva brought the hatchery perspective in Hatching My Way. His account of multi-stage incubation and producing millions of chicks gives Jake and Tom plenty to discuss, particularly the value of experienced staff and the personal responsibility Carlos described for the quality of chicks leaving his hatchery. There’s also discussion of Will Raw’s NFU industry update, including planning delays facing businesses ready to invest and concerns about standards for imported poultry. And, following chairman John Underwood’s remarks about communication, a reminder that emails and WhatsApp messages are no substitute for properly checking in with colleagues.

Could the sounds inside a poultry house help producers spot health and welfare problems before they develop? This week, Jake and Tom are joined by Carly Scott, FAI director and BirdBox project lead, and Professor Lucy Asher of Newcastle University to discuss the next generation of BirdBox and the research behind its flock-monitoring technology. The project began around a decade ago with a challenge from the Lakes Free Range Egg Company: bring together the information collected on farms and across the supply chain, and put it to practical use. Carly explains how BirdBox combines in-house sensors, a digital flock book and information such as feed, veterinary and egg-grading data to help producers monitor their flocks and investigate performance problems. The next step is moving beyond looking back at what went wrong towards identifying warning signs earlier. The discussion covers what water consumption and egg-grading data can reveal, how the farmer-facing dashboard works, and the ambition to support earlier intervention when birds are heading towards ill health or behaviours such as feather-pecking and smothering. Lucy explains the work to recognise chicken vocalisations automatically, including the challenges of accounting for different breeds, ages and housing systems — and hens that appear to invent their own “slang”. Also explored is why the team is prioritising explainable AI, expert checks and balances and commercial validation. Finally, Carly considers how the data could support decisions across the wider egg supply chain and previews the planned BirdBox launch and demonstrations at BFREPA Live.

Recorded at Harper Adams immediately after Poultry Network Live, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman reflect on the biggest messages from a day of debate, technical insight and practical discussion across the egg and broiler sectors. And, before any of that, there is an overdue update on Tom’s increasingly determined escape-artist sheep. They discuss Patrick Hook’s candid account of the planning system, rising construction costs and why poultry businesses need to engage more openly with MPs and their local communities. Ken Clow offers a balanced assessment of the egg sector: demand remains strong, but producers must be alert to the risk of supply moving ahead of the market. That caution is contrasted with Geraint May and HSBC’s continued confidence in poultry investment, supported by the availability of all-egg contracts and longer-term agreements. The hosts also look back at Jack Hughes’ practical session on farm biosecurity, Ashley Banyard’s deep dive into avian influenza and ConkerAI’s demonstration of how artificial intelligence could help poultry businesses improve efficiency and decision-making. From the afternoon breakouts, they consider progress in broiler health and welfare, the fundamentals of a successful laying farm, benchmarking and energy costs. One theme ran through several sessions: finding, supporting and retaining good people. Robert Lanning explains how his approach to recruitment and staff management has evolved as his farming business has grown, while the wider discussion asks what poultry employers must offer to attract the next generation. The episode ends with a challenge for future conferences: how can the sector bring more young people into the room and show those outside poultry the variety of careers and opportunities available across farming and food production?

Imported eggs are under growing scrutiny following a UK Salmonella outbreak involving three genetically distinct clusters, around 470 cases and two deaths at the time this episode was recorded. Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Mark Williams, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, to examine what is known about the outbreak and how the UK egg sector is responding. Mark explains why the BEIC has worked to ensure media coverage distinguishes between imported eggs and eggs produced under the British Lion scheme. He also discusses the role of whole-genome sequencing in tracing outbreaks and why imported shell eggs are particularly likely to enter price-sensitive foodservice and catering supply chains. The conversation examines the economic gap between British and imported production, the standards applied to eggs entering the country and what further action the BEIC wants from government. Mark calls for tighter border controls and greater scrutiny of imported eggs, while acknowledging the practical challenge of holding consignments as Salmonella testing is completed. He also outlines the BEIC’s discussions with the Food Standards Agency, the clarification of advice for people eating out and the industry’s plans to reinforce consumer confidence in British Lion eggs. In this episodeWhat UK health authorities have reported about the three Salmonella clustersWhy the BEIC says imported and UK-produced eggs must be clearly distinguishedHow whole-genome sequencing can connect human cases to the food supply chainWhat is currently known about the possible origin of the affected eggsWhy imported eggs are attractive to foodservice businesses and wholesalersThe production-cost and standards gap between British and imported eggsWhat further border checks the BEIC wants government to introduceThe practical difficulties involved in testing imported consignmentsHow the FSA’s advice for consumers eating out has been clarifiedWhy the outbreak could strengthen the case for British Lion eggs

After four years of tight supply and firm prices, the UK egg market has changed quickly this summer. More egg has reached the wholesale market just as seasonal demand has eased, bringing values down sharply and raising a difficult question: is this a temporary summer correction, or has the market turned? Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Barry Jackson, whose career spans shell egg, processing, co-operatives, factory development and supply strategy. Barry explains why the wholesale market has an influence far beyond its relative size and why the speed of this summer’s fall caught many businesses by surprise. The discussion looks at why processors have not simply absorbed all the additional egg being offered. Storage capacity filled quickly, while processing businesses have adapted to several years of restricted availability. Once stocks are full, taking more product only makes sense when finished-product sales are there to support it. Barry also explains how processing is moving beyond its traditional role as an outlet for seconds and surplus egg. Manufacturers increasingly want graded, consistent raw material suitable for separated yolks and whites, blends and value-added products. Growth in boiled eggs, protein snacks, sandwich fillings and prepared egg products creates opportunities, but these markets require reliable supply and tight specifications. Imports are another important part of the picture. Supply lines established during recent shortages cannot simply be switched off when more British egg becomes available. Contracts, factory requirements and security of supply mean domestic product may have to compete its way back into some markets over time. The conversation then turns to farmgate prices and contracts. Barry argues that the industry should resist returning to short-term trading and repeated price cutting. Instead, producers, packers, processors and customers have an opportunity to develop more integrated supply arrangements, improve security and create value through processing, branding, regional provenance, welfare and environmental credentials. Tom and Tom finish by considering the wide range of contracts now operating across the sector, from fixed prices to feed-linked and broader cost-of-production mechanisms. With buyers and sellers watching demand, supply and wholesale values closely, September could prove a pivotal month for the egg market.

Feed markets are turning again. Black Sea disruption, drought across Europe and pressure on other crops are combining to push poultry ration costs higher, just as conditions in the egg market begin to look more challenging. With technical problems keeping Tom Willings off air, Tom Woolman is joined by Poultry Network editor-in-chief Jake Davies to discuss what is driving the renewed volatility and why feed prices will be an important watchpoint for poultry businesses over the coming months. The pair also turn their attention to Netflix’s new chicken documentary fronted by comedian Mo Gilligan. Does eating fried chicken three times a day for 28 days shed any meaningful light on poultry production? And does the programme’s focus on the American industry risk giving British viewers the wrong impression of how chicken is produced in the UK? Jake then previews Poultry Network Live 2026, taking place at Harper Adams University on 3 September. The programme includes a boardroom outlook from senior egg and poultrymeat figures, an APHA assessment of the coming avian influenza season and focused afternoon sessions for the broiler and layer sectors. There will also be a special keynote from ConkerAI examining practical uses of artificial intelligence in poultry businesses — from interpreting production data and managing finances to developing standard operating procedures and supporting staff. Tickets are still available. Visit poultry.network for the full programme or email [email protected] to book.

Tom Willings and Tom Woolman sit down together for a summer round-up of the stories shaping the poultry sector, from major changes in the feed industry to mounting pressure in the egg market. The episode begins with Tom Woolman’s family holiday to the Dordogne, where a search for a farm visit led to a foie gras producer offering public tours of its entire operation. The experience prompts a wider conversation about force-feeding, transparency and the striking differences between British and French attitudes towards food production. Attention then turns to ABN’s announcement that it intends to exit the UK monogastric feed business. Tom reflects on the company’s longstanding role in the pig and poultry sectors, its reputation for feed quality and its extensive support for industry events. The hosts consider how structural changes within the broiler supply chain may have contributed to the decision, as well as the opportunities that could emerge as ABN explores options for its sites during the proposed 12-month withdrawal. The two Toms also examine research highlighted by The Guardian suggesting that organic egg production can have a greater environmental footprint than more intensive systems. While the underlying relationship between productivity, land use and environmental impact is unsurprising, they question whether older mortality and production data accurately represent today’s free-range and organic sector. The discussion explores the difficult balance between environmental performance, animal welfare and consumer expectations. It also asks how broad conclusions about sustainable food systems can be translated into national policy, retailer commitments and individual investment or planning decisions. Finally, the hosts assess the recent downturn in the wholesale egg market. Summer demand has traditionally softened, but the latest fall appears more significant following several years of tight supply. With packing centres reportedly carrying more egg, some businesses potentially turning volume away and longer-term farmgate commitments still in place, the episode considers how much financial exposure packers can absorb and whether contracts throughout the chain may need to be reconsidered. The episode concludes with a preview of Poultry Network Live, taking place at Harper Adams University on 3 September, where Tom Woolman will chair a session examining broiler health and performance. In this episodeA revealing foie gras farm tour in southwest FranceCultural differences in attitudes towards food and farmingWhat ABN’s planned withdrawal means for poultry feedEnvironmental trade-offs between egg production systemsWhether historic data reflects modern free-range performanceFalling wholesale egg values and the potential impact on packersThe challenge of balancing long-term contracts with a changing marketA preview of Poultry Network Live 2026

Portable blood testing is giving poultry nutritionists and vets a clearer view of how birds are actually responding to feed—not simply what a ration is expected to deliver. In this episode, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by Aaron Cowieson, senior science fellow at DSM-Firmenich, to explore the emerging use of blood biomarkers in commercial poultry production. Aaron explains how rapid, portable analytical devices can now be used on farm, creating a direct feedback loop between the formulated diet, the production environment and the bird. The discussion focuses on calcium and phosphorus: why they matter for skeletal development, appetite, energy metabolism and immune function, and why blood levels may still be wrong even when a ration appears correct on paper. Factors including limestone quality and solubility, hard drinking water, intestinal health, kidney function and vitamin D metabolism can all affect how much of a nutrient is available to the bird. Aaron also outlines the practical signs that may point towards an imbalance, including poorer flock uniformity, wet litter, footpad dermatitis, lameness, higher feed conversion and increased mortality. A wider panel of almost 30 blood biomarkers can then help distinguish between nutritional shortfalls and underlying health problems. The conversation considers how the technology is currently being used by vets, nutritionists and some poultry businesses, as well as its practical limitations. Where a formulation change is required, the benefit may be seen in the next flock rather than the current one, although water-based interventions can sometimes provide a more immediate response. Finally, the panel looks at how large commercial datasets, machine learning and AI could help turn flock-level measurements into better decisions. Although the episode centres on broilers, the same tools could have particular value in longer-lived laying and breeder flocks, where improved nutrient management may deliver benefits over a much longer production cycle.