Yorkshire poultry veterinarian Esme Chapman who was fascinated by chickens from childhood despite an urban upbringing is the winner of the UK Young Farm Vet of the Year Award.

This award is one of the National Egg & Poultry Awards 2024 presented at a gala dinner in London in front of hundreds of guests from across of the industry. Esme received the award from host comedian Simon Evans and James Porritt, National Pig and Poultry Manager of Zoetis who sponsor the award.

Esme, who is 26, grew up in Birmingham and spent much time in her teenage years working at the Domestic Fowl Trust caring for a range of rare breed poultry. “I always knew I wanted to work with chickens,” she said. “They are my passion. I didn’t grow up on a farm, but worked with chickens as a teenager and I love them to bits. They are amazing animals and I’ve wanted to work with them ever since.”

After graduating at the University of Liverpool, she spent two years with Howells Veterinary Services where she developed strong relationships with clients fostering improved performance under increasing drive for sustainability.

Now with St David’s Poultry Team in Yorkshire she aids broiler clients in reducing viral challenge on farm to increase immunocompetence and so decrease susceptibility to other challenges.

Esme has an impressive drive for learning and after university enrolled on a course on Advanced Veterinary Practice in Poultry with the University of Liverpool and has just become the youngest vet ever to achieve this qualification.