On Tuesday 28 October 2025, the Poultry Industry Education Trust (PIET) hosted the Northern Ireland Poultry Conference at CAFRE Loughry Campus, Cookstown.
Under the theme “Current and Future Challenges – Investing in People for the Poultry Industry,” the event brought together producers, veterinarians, researchers and government representatives to discuss the pressures and priorities shaping the future of poultry in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Dr Paul Talling, Biosecurity Advisor at Livetec Systems, attended the conference, joining discussions that reflected both the strengths and the vulnerabilities of this vital sector.
Balancing Productivity with Environmental Responsibility
A key theme running throughout the day was sustainability. Northern Ireland, with just 1.5 million people, produces enough food to feed more than 10 million – a scale that led to serious reflection on whether the local environment can support such intensity long-term.
Speakers drew parallels with nutrient-management and water-quality challenges across the wider UK, urging collective effort to maintain production while protecting environmental health.
Government Focus on Disease Preparedness
The morning session included a keynote from David Kyle, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, who addressed the continuing threat of avian influenza (AI).
He revealed that a new national depopulation contract is due to be finalised within months – a crucial development in ensuring rapid, coordinated response capability.
For attendees, his remarks reinforced the importance of preparedness and close industry-government cooperation in safeguarding the national flock.
Breeding, Genetics and Biosecurity
Geneticist Tuen Van de Braak and poultry consultant Martin Rishoj Jensen explored how genetics and stockmanship underpin broiler performance.
Paul noted the striking reminder that a single elite breeding bird can ultimately influence as many as ten million broilers – a powerful illustration of why rigorous biosecurity at the top of the production pyramid is essential to protect the wider supply chain.
The Value of Assurance Standards
Mark Williams, Chief Executive of the British Egg Industry Council, discussed “Remaining Relevant in a Challenging World.”
He highlighted how assurance schemes such as the Lion Code have strengthened consumer trust and improved welfare and hygiene standards across the egg industry.
His message was clear: accreditation frameworks remain the backbone of credibility and resilience in an increasingly demanding market.
Looking Ahead
The conference showcased an ambitious, collaborative industry, one aware of its environmental footprint but determined to keep driving improvement.
For Dr Paul Talling, the discussions highlighted clear opportunities for knowledge exchange between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, especially in areas of training, biosecurity planning, and emergency response.
Supporting the Future of Poultry Production
Livetec Systems continues to work alongside farmers, integrators, and government bodies to deliver practical biosecurity, contingency planning, and disease control solutions across the UK and Ireland.
Dr Talling’s participation in the Northern Ireland Poultry Conference forms part of Livetec’s ongoing commitment to protecting the poultry industry through expertise, innovation, and collaboration.
To learn more about Livetec Systems’ work in on-farm biosecurity and disease resilience, visit: www.livetecsystems.co.uk
