Poultry trainee of the year awarded
Rachel Almey has been awarded Poultry Trainee of the Year Award 2012 at the British Poultry Council's recent annual awards ceremony.
The award was presented by Farming Minister David Heath at the House of Commons in recognition of her ability, enthusiasm and commitment to training.
Rachel manages a broiler farm in Laxfield, Suffolk, where her first flock, grown to higher welfare standards, broke her company's record for performance. She is currently completing an NVQ level 3 work-based diploma in agriculture.
Alongside the award, Rachel was given a £2,000 training grant, which she plans to put towards pursuing her interest in bird welfare and learning more about the breeding and veterinary side of the business.
Werner Strydom, Rachel's regional manager, said: "Rachel does not miss anything and this is what makes her such an exceptional farm manager. With continued support, she will be one of our bright stars for a long time to come."
Other winners included Joe Lawson, for his unique contribution to welfare standards, Adekunle Adebiyi, for his outstanding research in the field of poultry, and Rob Davies, for his outstanding work on Salmonella and poultry health at AHVLA.
British Poultry Council Chairman John Reed said: "This year’s winners represent the diversity of the industry. Some are distinguished, dedicated, long serving colleagues and others are newcomers who have demonstrated a willingness and curiosity for training, scientific research and its practical application.
“Our goal as an industry is to attract, recruit, train, develop and retain people."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
