Producers urged to protect the environment

Protecting the environment is a vitally important part of any farming system. Not only does it mitigate the risk of public complaints or prosecution, it is also in the best interests of the farm itself.

Birds kept in a well-run, clean unit are likely to be healthier and more productive than on a farm with poor biosecurity. And adopting environmentally friendly practices can also reduce input costs – a win-win for all involved.

Speaking at a recent Datapoul training event in Devon, Rick Isley, work-based assessor at Poultec, said that good waste management was central to any farm's biosecurity plan. All farmers should draw up a tailored waste management plan, and ensure staff were trained in best practice for waste minimisation and disposal.

"It's also worth assessing your resource efficiency - look at the materials, equipment and energy used on farm, and the type and quantity of waste generated, and then examine how you can reduce that," he said.

Water waste not only cost money, but also increased the risk of wet litter and polluted run-off, said Mr Isley. "Measure and monitor your water use - it is often your first indicator that something is wrong." Installing spray taps and flow restrictors could reduce water use by 60-70%, but simple measures like fixing leaks and checking drinker lines was also important.

Water pollution could stem from manure, fuel and feed spills, wash-down chemicals and dust from fans and roofs, so producers should keep clean and dirty water sources separate, he added.

"Don't just spread manure in one field. Clean up after any spills and ensure dirty water is stored appropriately and not allowed to discharge into a sewer or watercourse."

To minimise waste from packaging, and reduce their input and disposal costs, farmers should buy in bulk, and contact their council to see what could be recycled, said Mr Isley. "You can register for an exemption to store non-hazardous waste for up to 12 months - but it must be secure and you have a duty of care to ensure it's disposed of properly."

Chemical containers should be triple rinsed and drained, but hazardous waste like oil containers, clinical waste and solar bulb should be stored and disposed of appropriately.

"Store dead birds in watertight locked containers, to prevent pest infestation; keep waste oils in bunded stores; and use netting over plastics to prevent them blowing away. You should also keep a record of all waste that is taken from the site."

Tackling pests like flies and vermin was an essential part of farm assurance schemes, said Mr Isley. And keeping litter in good condition would help to reduce odour and improve bird health. "Consider installing renewable energy to reduce electricity bills - an incinerator or anaerobic digester could dispose of waste litter at the same time."

Installing energy saving equipment would also cut input costs and waste, he added. "Turn off unnecessary lights, or put them on to a timer. And think about how your business impacts on immediate neighbours through light, noise, smell or pest infestation."