Entries open this month for the 2015 award organised in association with the journal Poultry World and offering a £2000 training grant from Zoetis to enhance professional knowledge and skills, a £500 cash prize from the journal and the opportunity to attend the prestigious award ceremony at the House of Commons and be presented with your award by a Government Minister.

Over the past nine years the award has grown in stature, attracting entries from across the poultry industry. Entries are open to all in the industry — with no age limit — but must be received by Friday 18 September 2015.

“The award is helping to showcase the enormous career opportunities in one of the most dynamic sectors of British agriculture,” said James Porritt, Zoetis Poultry Manager for the UK and Ireland.

“The industry needs to attract some of our brightest young talent – and to convince teachers and career advisers just what a successful and rewarding future it can provide. Without doubt, winning the award is bound to enhance your prospects and demonstrate how serious you are about developing your knowledge and skills to advance your career.”

This year the judges — Phil Clarke, editor of Poultry World, Richard Griffiths, food policy director of BPC, and James Porritt — are joined by Jason Gittins, senior consultant with ADAS. He replaces John Newton who has left ADAS to return to the National Farmers’ Union in a regional role in Norfolk.

Recent winners are Sam Jones (2014) with Aviagen Turkeys in Cheshire, Nicholas Ham (2013) who has just been promoted to area manager with Cargill Meats Europe at Hereford and Rachel Almey (2012) who now manages a broiler farm for Hook 2 Sisters at Laxfield, Suffolk.

The panel will assess the entries to choose three finalists who will be interviewed on November 10 and then attend the BPC poultry awards presentations at the House of Commons on Tuesday December 8, when the winner will be announced.

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