In this special episode of the Poultry Network podcast, Tom Woolman and Tom Willings are joined by two younger voices from the UK poultry sector: Ed Lanning, representing the broiler industry, and Callum James, representing free-range egg production. The episode was inspired by a charity auction prize bought by Robert Lanning at the Southwest Chicken Association Christmas dinner, giving him the opportunity to help set the topic for the podcast. His chosen theme: where is the poultry industry heading, and what do the next generation of poultry producers think the future will look like? The discussion covers the major forces likely to shape broiler and egg production over the next decade, including automation, artificial intelligence, data use, labour availability, changing genetics, consumer education, food security, imports, climate change, renewable energy and farm resilience. Key themes from the episode1. The future of labour and automation on poultry farmsEd and Callum both expect technology to reshape daily farm work, but not to remove the need for skilled stockpeople. They discuss the growing role of AI cameras, robotics and automated monitoring systems that can detect changes in bird behaviour, identify emerging welfare issues and provide real-time alerts before problems escalate. For laying farms, Callum highlights the potential for camera systems to spot early signs of floor eggs, smothering behaviour or other flock-management challenges. For broiler units, Ed sees major potential in real-time data from optical and infrared cameras, as well as future tools such as automated dead-bird detection and collection. The consensus is that the stockperson’s role will evolve from purely physical shed work towards a more data-led, technical and management-focused role. 2. AI, data and real-time decision-makingData emerges as one of the strongest themes of the episode. Both guests believe that the poultry industry already collects huge amounts of information, but has only begun to realise its full value. Ed notes that broiler sheds can generate dozens of readings every week, yet there is still much more that could be extracted from that information. The discussion points towards a future where AI and machine learning help producers find patterns, predict problems, optimise performance and improve welfare outcomes. Tom Willings frames this not as simple evolution, but as a potential revolution in poultry production. 3. Robotics and new technology on farmThe conversation also explores practical uses for robotics, including: Automated shed walking and dead-bird collectionRobotic pressure washing systemsCamera-based biosecurity monitoringLone-worker safety toolsAI-assisted flock behaviour monitoringAutomated grading and egg-packing systems Ed mentions seeing a robotic pressure washer demonstrated at a trade show, capable of washing layer and broiler sheds, including nest boxes, floors, drinkers and feeders. While the technology is developing quickly, the guests agree that challenges remain, especially around cleaning, disease risk, robotic durability and ensuring new tools genuinely support stockmanship rather than replace it. 4. Genetics: broilers, layers and future performanceThe episode looks at how breeding progress may shape poultry production over the next decade. On the broiler side, Ed discusses the continuing role of the Ross 308 as an efficient, fast-growing bird suited to affordable protein production and food security. He also reflects on the place of slower-growing breeds such as the Hubbard Redbro, particularly within higher-welfare and premium-market systems. On the egg side, Callum expects further improvements in bird productivity, longevity, feed efficiency, egg quality and shell strength. He predicts brown birds could routinely reach around 100 weeks in the future, while white birds are already demonstrating strong performance. The discussion also touches on the growing conversation around white eggs in the UK market, with Callum noting that consumers often respond positively once they understand that white eggs are simply another egg type, often with strong shell quality and good performance credentials. 5. Consumer education and British food standardsA major thread running through the episode is the gap between food production and public understanding. Callum argues that many consumers are disconnected from farming and would benefit from better education about where their food comes from. His own farm-gate egg vending machines show that some customers actively want a closer connection with food production. Ed agrees, but adds that farmers cannot expect the public to meet the industry halfway without support. He argues that poultry producers need to be willing to explain the basics, open up communication and rebuild trust. The guests also stress the importance of promoting British production standards, particularly in the context of cheaper imports. They argue that UK poultry has strong assurance schemes and welfare standards, and that this should be better communicated to consumers. 6. Food security, imports and global competitionEd raises concerns about future competition from Eastern Europe, particularly once the war in Ukraine eventually ends. He points to the region’s land, grain production capacity and labour availability as factors that could shift more poultry production eastwards. The conversation links this directly to UK food security. With planning permission difficult to secure in the UK and production density changes affecting domestic supply, the hosts and guests discuss the risk of imports gaining a larger foothold. The episode frames food security not as an abstract political issue, but as a practical challenge for UK poultry businesses: how to remain efficient, resilient and competitive while maintaining high standards. 7. Climate change and hotter weatherThe hosts ask how climate change and more frequent heatwaves may affect broiler and layer farms. Ed points to the increasing importance of high-pressure cooling systems, better insulation and technologies such as pad cooling, which cool air before it enters the shed. Callum explains that free-range layer systems face additional complexity because opening popholes can disrupt ventilation patterns. He suggests that producers may need to look at options such as improved insulation, cooling systems and even roof-mounted sprinklers to reduce shed temperatures during hot weather. The discussion also raises potential tensions between welfare standards, natural light requirements and heat management, particularly where windows may increase solar gain inside poultry houses. 8. Renewables, energy security and resilienceEnergy use is another key focus. The guests discuss the rise of solar panels, biomass heating, battery storage and heat recovery systems across poultry farms. Ed explains that solar can offer a strong payback, but battery storage could significantly improve self-sufficiency by allowing farms to use more of the electricity they generate. Callum agrees that solar and batteries are a natural fit for poultry businesses, given the sector’s high energy demands from lighting and ventilation. The episode also connects farm-level energy resilience with national energy security. Ed argues that food security and energy security are closely linked, especially given recent volatility in gas, wheat and electricity prices.
