EP 23: Bfrepa 2025: Industry Reflections, Award Highlights & Emerging Standards Concerns

In this episode, Tom Willings is joined by Jake Davies to unpack a hugely successful British Free Range Egg Producers Association (Bfrepa) conference and awards.Industry momentum on full displayBoth presenters note the strongest footfall in years, with a striking increase in farmer attendance and a noticeable uplift in the professionalism and investment seen across trade stands. Senior figures from government, major retailers, integrators and industry bodies were visible throughout the day – a clear signal of the event’s growing influence.Award highlightsThe hosts run through this year’s winners, noting standout performances from:Chippendale Foods – multiple category wins including Marketing Initiative, Chuckle Eggs, and Best Trade StandStonegate and Noble Foods – strongly represented across categoriesJames Baxter – recognised by the British Egg Association for a decade of service as Bfrepa chairmanMartin Troop – awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions across both the egg and meat sectorsHatchery Standards: a new storm brewingThe conversation shifts to the RSPCA Assured hatchery standards, announced with minimal notice and due to take effect in February.Key concerns raised include:Lack of sector consultation, echoing frustrations from the 2023 Laying Hen Standards rolloutOperational uncertainty for the very small number of hatcheries underpinning the entire RSPCA Assured supply chainAmbiguity around new concepts – such as definitions of viable chicks – and unclear expectations across several technical areasA wider set of future topics flagged by RSPCA (AI, in-ovo technologies and more), prompting questions about the organisation’s methodology and communication approachThe hosts express a willingness to openly discuss the standards and extend an invitation to RSPCA Assured and the Pullet Hatcheries and Breeders Association (PHBA) to appear on the podcast.What’s next on the podcastAngela Curtis of RoboScientific will join a future episode to discuss real-time flock monitoring using VOC detection technology.Listeners are also reminded of the Southwest Chicken Association dinner, where a guest editorship of the podcast will be auctioned.