The award, which includes a £2000 training grant from Zoetis, helps winners to further their careers through the choice of training activities in this country and abroad.

“Many youngsters, careers advisers and teachers are unaware of the career opportunities in today’s poultry industry,” said James Porritt, poultry manager of Zoetis in the UK and Ireland. “There are many excellent opportunities for ambitious entrants to progress into managerial roles within a few years in a dynamic industry expanding to meet the growing demand for poultry products.”

The last two winners both came into the industry seeking a career change. The 2015 winner Annabelle Heath trained as a jockey but decided on a more secure future with Cargill Meats in Herefordshire. She is using the £2000 to study for a two-year HNC in poultry production through distance learning with Scotland’s Rural College.

Last year the winner was Sean Harrison who hasn’t looked back since moving from the hospitality sector to manage poultry for Faccenda Foods in Northamptonshire.

The chosen finalists meet the judging panel who decide on the winner. The panel comprises James Porritt, Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, and Jake Davies, editor of Poultry World.

All finalists attend the prestigious BPC annual awards ceremony at the House of Commons on Tuesday December 5 when the winner is announced. As well as the Zoetis training grant, the winner receives
a £500 cash prize from the magazine Poultry World and commemorative plaque, with all finalists invited to the award dinner in the evening.

Entry forms can be obtained from BHR Communications (e-mail [email protected] or phone 01508 536041) or apply online at www.bhrcommunications.co.uk/pages/Zoetisform.html

About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2016, the company generated annual revenue of $4.9 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.