SHROPSHIRE broiler grower James Mottershead has been elected to chair the NFU poultry board for 2022-2024.
James, former chair of the NFU Poultry Industry Programme (PIP), produces 1.3 million broilers every year.
See also: Record chicken production in 2022 so far
The family business also farms 1,000 acres of arable land and produces renewable electricity from wind turbines and solar PV systems.
The farm also has a biomass boiler system that produces renewable heat and electricity.
He will be supported by Phill Crawley, who has been re-elected as vice-chair of the board.
Mr Crawley and his brother keep free-range and colony laying hens and pack and market eggs.
Fair return
Mr Mottershead said: “I’m delighted to have been elected as poultry board chair.
“I am committed to representing the board and all poultry producers to government, retailers and stakeholders across the supply chain.
“With the cost of production continuing to rise, it’s absolutely crucial that poultry producers receive a fair return from the supply chain, and that will be one of my priorities moving forward, in addition to the ongoing challenges avian influenza presents to the poultry sector.”
Thank the previous chair
“I would also like to thank Thomas Wornham for his work as chair for the past four years.
“Tom has navigated significant challenges, such as the UK leaving the EU, supply chain disruption due to Covid-19, labour shortages and avian influenza.
Mr Wonham remains an NFU poultry board member.
