The flock awards are designed to promote and recognise the results that can be achieved through the combination of good flock management and the genetic potential of the Ross bird.

This year’s winners were Marjan Pucko, Janez Mahor and Martin Pevec, who were presented with their awards by Slavko Visenjak, Executive Production Director of Perutnina Ptuj and Neil Clark, Aviagen’s Technical Service Manager for the region.

Milena Valant, Production Director for Perutnina Ptuj said, "We have been holding these awards for a number of years and each year we have seen an increase in the producers who attend, which illustrates the importance of events like these to customers in Slovenia.

"The awards are a fantastic way to recognise the work of our farmers, and I’d like to pass my congratulations onto our three winners today, as well as congratulating all of our farmers for their continued commitment and hard work."

As well as the awards, a series of presentations were given on pertinent issues affecting the local industry, including recent developments in flock management both from an operational and veterinary perspective. Unsurprisingly, top of the agenda was the EU Broiler Directive, which comes into effect next summer. The directive has important implications for farmers, and the key message was that it is important that the industry readies itself now to ensure a smooth implication process next year.

Neil Clark said, "The industry in Slovenia continues to grow and develop, and one of Aviagen’s main priorities is to ensure that we offer a relevant and comprehensive after-care package for all of our customers. A key element of this is providing on-the-ground support within each local market, but it’s also about highlighting the success of farmers in adopting and nurturing new techniques and thinking to support the development of the industry.

That is why these awards, and the supporting presentation programme, are so important in publicly recognising this, as well as providing an opportunity for discussion and debate on how we can work together to meet the upcoming opportunities and challenges in Slovenia."