"We now have pure line stock on three farms the full length of the UK - Essex, Northants and Ayrshire," says Paul Kelly, managing director of Kelly Turkeys. "This means we can reproduce in one year a full programme to ensure our customers are served"

"There are implications for costs and prices, but we're sure that the peace of mind it gives both us, and our customers is well worth it."

The decision to establish pure lines in Scotland was taken earlier in the year in response to the increased threat from avian influenza, but ironically the birds were moved to Scotland ten days after the AI infected goose was found off the east coast.

"We were the only pedigree breeder company moving stock closer to the influenza," comments Paul Kelly, "but then we have always liked to buck the trend!"

The company is also taking advantage of the placement of KellyBronze breeding stock in Scotland to push sales of locally-bred Christmas - and Hogmanay - KellyBronze turkeys with butchers and meat traders in the country.

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