A few Words from Philip Clarke who presented the award to Will White – Young Poultry Person of the Year 2022
Well, I know it has been said a few times already today, but I make no apology for saying it again – it really is great to be back at a real live, EPIC and banquet – and to see so many familiar faces again.
Also, it’s particularly good to see so many younger faces too. The EPIC organising committee, backed by the sponsors, has done a great job in encouraging a number of “first timers” to this year’s event.
The so-called Young Poultry Person Initiative has attracted 12 delegates, their attendance generously covered by our sponsors. I have much enjoyed hosting a table for some of them this evening.
The industry more generally is extremely proactive in this area, with the NFU’s Poultry Industry Programme and other organisations selecting some of the most promising young people in the industry and putting them through leadership training.
Poultry companies continue to fund students at Harper Adams University through the BPC Scholarships programme, and the Zoetis Trainee of the Year competition goes from strength to strength.
And then there is the EPIC Young Poultry Person of the Year award.
For those of you who are new to EPIC, or for those of you who are perhaps a little forgetful these days, I’d like to give a quick reminder of what the award is all about.
Backed by egg processor Framptons, the award was first presented in 2012 in memory of the company’s late owner Clive Frampton, who passed away that year.
Clive is remembered for his enthusiasm for all things poultry, but particularly for his commitment to encouraging young people in their careers.
Over the past 10 years, the award has been presented to numerous young people who, as Clive would have wished, have gone on to make a real mark for themselves in the industry. I won’t name names but I’m glad to acknowledge that some of them are here tonight.
The award is open to anyone under the age of 40 currently working in “egg and poultry”, with the judges looking both at their contribution to their business and to the sector as a whole. Evidence of initiative and innovation is also deemed important.
And so to this year’s award…
I’m pleased to say that we had some strong nominations, covering the production, policy and veterinary sides of the industry – which certainly had the judges scratching their heads
Despite the array of disciplines on offer, the judges were unanimous this year is choosing, for the first time, someone from the feed side of the business.
An ex-jockey and originally from a farming family in Somerset, William White works as a poultry specialist for Crediton Milling in Devon and demonstrates all the attributes required for this award.
In the words of his colleague Harriet Smith who made the nomination, “William has been amazing to work with”.
“He one hundred percent makes an impact on the business and the layer industry as a whole on a daily basis.
“He is extremely knowledgeable and all of our customers (and non-customers) look to Will for help and support. He really does have a wealth of experience and enthusiasm.
“He motivates us as a team at work, and his producers. If I ever need any help or just a simple ‘pick me up’ Will is who I go to.”
More specifically, Will has helped start up many innovations in his time at Crediton, such as the company’s “Egg Focus Service”, which helps producers choose diets depending on egg size and performance.
He also freely connects producers with other industry stakeholders by willingly sharing his extensive contacts book.
And he has helped organise a number of events to support the industry, including the West Country Layers Association annual dinner, demonstrating the hard work and passion he puts into the job every day.
Without doubt, Will is the kind of person Clive would have been thrilled to see recognised with his memorial award.
So, it gives me great pleasure to invite William White to come to the stage as this year’s Young Poultry Person of the Year.