Shropshire farmer awarded industry accolade for poultry sector work

NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead has been named EPIC’s Young Poultry Person of the Year and was presented with his award at the Egg and Poultry Industry Conference. 

NFU chief poultry adviser Aimee Mahony said: “It was an honour to be asked as part of the EPIC committee to present James with his award.

“He was nominated for his passion for the poultry sector and the role he plays as an industry leader, helping to shape future policy in favour of British poultry production.

“He uses his time and expertise for the good of the sector and I’d like to offer my huge congratulations to James from everyone at the NFU!”

James runs a broiler enterprise producing 1.3million birds annually and supplies the independent sector and is respected by other growers for his hands on experience – providing valuable contribution to the various stakeholder meetings he attends.

Aimee added: “He uses his time and expertise for the good of the sector and I’d like to offer my huge congratulations to James from everyone at the NFU!”

“His passion for politics has helped him navigate his way around challenging subjects with government officials, helping to land key messages on topics including avian influenza, fairness in the supply chain, water quality and labour shortages.”

James is also keen to promote renewable energy and has adopted solar PV arrays, biomass and a wind turbine into his business. 

He is also always willing to share ideas and encourage others to improve their environmental credentials and has helped other farmers consider their own journeys to net zero by presenting at a series of workshops focusing on small steps making a big difference.

James had his first insight into the NFU in 2015 when he joined the NFU PIP (Poultry Industry Programme), never shying away from asking challenging questions to senior decision-makers within influential businesses.

In 2018, James was co-opted to the NFU’s National Poultry Board representing the next generation and in 2019 he was appointed PIP chair, adapting to lead the group through a series of virtual interactions due to Covid-19 restrictions.

In March 2022, James was elected by fellow board members as National Poultry Board chair, making him the youngest person to ever lead in this position. He also represents growers on the Red Tractor Poultry Board and attends Copa Cogeca meetings in Brussels representing the UK in European decision-making.

This year, he has made it his mission to set up and chair an NFU Midlands poultry board, to help filter information from the national board to regional members and vice versa. This initiative has been well received by others and furthers James’ mission to be truly representative.

NFU board member Patrick Hook, who supported James’ nomination described James as a great ambassador for the poultry sector.

“James has done an excellent job in raising the profile of the poultry industry since taking on the role as Poultry Board chair. His dedication and passion for the industry really shows and he has done a sterling job representing poultry farmers views from across the country”

Daniel Johnson, Commercial Director at ABN added: “It has been a pleasure to see James develop over the last ten years and I look forward to seeing him continue to build his legacy for many years to come.”