UK turkey sector faces uncertain future after mixed Christmas

UK turkey producers face a questionable year ahead due to bird flu, labour availability and rising costs following a mixed Christmas. Seasonal producers are uncertain as to whether to reduce production or even stay in business. Some have been affected by avian influenza, and the required secondary cleansing and disinfection measures mean they will not be able to open their sheds to produce turkeys this year. Others are battling the rising energy costs that are making it incredibly hard to predict the costs of production and, on top of that, labour shortages are making it an extremely challenging time for the sector. This follows a mixed Christmas, which saw reasonable returns for most producers, but some found sales were slow and were left with a surplus of birds at the end of the year. There is a feeling in the sector that after a very good Christmas in 2021 due to the Covid-19 lockdown and families having a more traditional Christmas, the most recent festive period had been less ...