Aviagen^® was pleased to welcome 36 students from 19 countries during Aug. 27-Sept. 2 to Edinburgh for the 10th Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) Production Management Breeder School.

Throughout the week-long program, participants engaged with experts from Aviagen and the broader industry, exploring essential topics related to bird performance, efficiency, health, and welfare. Key management subjects included female and male rearing and laying, biosecurity, ventilation, lighting, nutrition, health, and data analysis.

A highlight of the school was an interactive, real-life case study, where students worked collaboratively in small groups. They applied their newfound knowledge to investigate breeder performance, troubleshoot various challenges, and develop strategies for performance improvement. The students presented their strategies at the culmination of the course, with the "green" team receiving the award for the best presentation. Congratulations to the outstanding members of the winning team: Deeb Abu Ja’eb, Lebanon, Ahmed Fettah, Morocco, Samuel Bullock, UK, Tinna Kristjánsdóttir, Iceland, Daria Krużyńska, Poland, and Joel Munisi, Tanzania.

The recipient of the David Butler award was Nico Jacobs, Farm Manager at Eagles Pride, South Africa, chosen for his exceptional progress and embodiment of qualities such as leadership, teamwork, communication, determination, and passion. The award honors the memory of former Aviagen Technical Director David Butler and his dedication to the people in the poultry industry.

Nico expressed his gratitude, saying, "I feel honored to be chosen to receive the prestigious David Butler award and appreciate the EMEAA School experience. I have broadened my knowledge of breeders and the industry, and will be able to use this newly acquired expertise to manage my own farm more productively, achieving optimal breeder performance."

Niamh Halley, Global Technical Transfer Manager and Aviagen EMEAA School Director, praised all the participants, stating, "The whole School team appreciates the hard work put in by all delegates to absorb information and share knowledge. We are all inspired by their passion and enthusiasm and look forward to the contributions they will make to the global poultry industry.”