Russian ZAO Kotshetkov's Marco van den Broek represented all his delegate colleagues, when he thanked Hybro for a highly informative and thought-provoking fortnight, that saw delegates from 12 companies in Palestine, the Philippines, South Africa, Brazil, Latvia, Russia, Mauritius and Sri Lanka converging in Boxmeer last month.

"We had all heard," said van den Broek, speaking at the closing ceremony, "that the Hybro College was something to look forward to: something very special. And now we follow in the footsteps of our predecessors last year, to return to our companies with renewed vigour, and with a wealth of information to incorporate into our day-to-day commercial practices, as well as with inspiration for what the future holds. "The quality of the programme presented by Hybro has been truly valuable to us all," he concluded, his words echoed by loud applause from other delegates - all of whom, he said, would leave Boxmeer having made many new friends in the poultry sector around the world.

Mr. Yakooth Naleem, managing director and CEO of Bairaha Farms, was strongly supportive of the College. "This is an excellent example, "he said, "of Hybro's openness and commitment to the sector. Here we have enjoyed a very carefully planned and diverse programme, sharing knowledge openly with each other for everyone's benefit." Mrs. Parsla Dzirne, production director of JSC Poultry KEKAVA (Latvia) echoed Mr. Yakooth's sentiments: "This has been an extraordinary couple of weeks", she said, "and the programme has been of the highest calibre, across such a diversity of relevant and topical subject matter, that is made even more valuable because we each deal with such very different climates and conditions in our own respective businesses and markets."

The Hybro Poultry College ran for two weeks from June 21st-July 1st inclusive this year, with a combination of professional visits, workshops, seminars and a social programme - all designed to enhance interaction and the sharing of information for everyone taking part. Topics under discussion ranged from breeder management, health and nutrition and global development, to data analysis, economic modelling and supply chain management. The programme closed with presentations on Biotechnology in Poultry Breeding (Annemieke Rattink, Nutreco T&D) and a thought-provoking and highly animated discussion of views on the Future in Poultry breeding, led by Gerard Albers, Nutreco R&D.

Hybro's international sales manager, Mr. Wilfred Folkeringa, was delighted with the turnout for this year's college. "As last year, we owe our thanks to Hybro's research, technical and commercial teams who, under the direction of Ron Meijerhof and Ellen van 't Veer, have once again delivered an exceptional programme."The profile of delegates attending 'HPC 2005' was somewhat different to last year, with many more business owners and directors attending, to take the principles and concepts under discussion onboard at the most influential level. Mr. Charles Gerber, general manager of Tydstroom Poultry Farm in South Africa, commented: "Two weeks is a long time to be away ", he said, "so it must represent a significant investment in the future of our businesses. Hybro's Poultry College has, like its products, lived up to all our expectations, and we look forward to hearing of its continuing success in the future."

Hybro general manager Richard Maatman confirms that the leading Dutch broiler breeding company does intend to run the Poultry College on an annual basis. "One again, "he says, "we have been overwhelmed by the response from delegates to the programme - and it is clear that this format works extremely well for everyone involved. We will certainly deliver Hybro Poultry College 2006." Anyone interested in attending HPC 2006 should register their interest by email to [email protected]. Attendance is strictly on an invited first-come, first-served basis and numbers are limited.

Standing from left to right: Mr. Yakooth (Managing Director Bairaha Farms, Sri Lanka), Charlie Gerber (General manager, Tydstroom Poultry Farm, South Africa), Ammar Assad (Breeder farm manager, Palestine Poultry Company), Leocadio Ulir (Breeder and Hatchery manager, Aurora Alimentos, Brazil), Sylvia de Bruyn (Veterinarian, Granja Roseira,Brazil), Parsla Dzirne (Production Director, JSC "Poultry factory KEKAVA" Latvia), Ron Meijerhof (senior technical specialist Hybro), Ellen van 't Veer (veterinarian Hybro)
Sitting from left to right: Dewey Tan (Live operations manager, San Miguel Corporation, Philippines), Mr. Imtiaz (General manager, Midland Breeders, Sri Lanka), Marco van den Broek (Production Director, ZAO Kotshetkov, Russia), Rogerio Maggioni ( Production director, Macedo, Koerich S.A.,Brazil), Rodrigo Jaskulski (Technical manager GPS, Hygen, Brazil), Gerard Wong Chong (General manager, Happy World Foods, Mauritius)