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Taking its lead from an industry survey, conducted by RASE and Pig & Poultry LIVE sponsors, ABN; this year’s conference debates the issue of attracting quality people to the sector.
According to the research from delegates from previous events, 60% ranked recruiting the right calibre of people as a ‘very important’ issue facing the industry. This was closely followed by encouraging the younger generation into the sector, which was deemed ‘very important’ by 54%.
Angela Booth, Technical Development and Assurance Director at ABN, believes that the feedback from the survey demonstrates that the industry is very much aware of the need to focus on encouraging young, talented people into the pig and poultry industry.
This is why the topic of ‘People’ is very much a key part of the event programme, says Angela. “ABN has also invested in this area, with graduate schemes and initiatives designed to encourage enterprising young people to join the pig and poultry industry from all backgrounds.”
Pig & Poultry LIVE 2013 will see David Yiend, CEO AB Agri presenting the Bright Crop initiative to the pig and poultry sector. Bright Crop is designed to inspire new young talent to consider a career in farming and food supply by promoting positive perceptions of agriculture and the associated sectors, with a key emphasis on attracting school pupils.
“We need pig and poultry producers, and supply chain companies to talk to pupils, and careers advisors about how rewarding a career in the sector can be,” says David.
The main challenge for entrants looking to join the industry is getting ‘their foot in the door’ explains Heidi Neal, ABN General Nutritionist. “This is where the AB Agri graduate scheme is brilliant; it offers graduates a stepping stone into the industry, with fast track career development.
“I found the graduate scheme provided me with the variety, skill set and support I was looking for as a science graduate with a focus on nutrition, and it led to a permanent position.”
Angela Booth concludes that the Pig & Poultry LIVE event is a great platform to get the pig and poultry industry together, to discuss how to attract the right young people to the sector, and then retain them.
The ‘People’ issue is making up a large proportion of the programme’s agenda for the Pig & Poultry LIVE event on 15 May, with the afternoon session dedicated to the subject, with views on recruiting the right calibre of people, motivation, staff retention and developing industry skills and expertise.
March 18, 2013 - ABN
