Ross® 400 Club members in the UK keep lifting the bar on success. That’s why last year Aviagen® UK established the Ross 400 Club Gold, and on Nov. 19 and 20, welcomed 17 of the members to a special event organized to honor them and their outstanding achievements.

Occasion for networking

The gathering provided an opportunity for fellow Gold members to share experiences and learn from one another, strengthening their common bonds. They enjoyed the direct engagement with the Aviagen team, hearing insights into the latest breeding developments, while exploring key broiler topics.

Among the presentations, Dejan Bosanac, Regional Technical Manager of Aviagen Kft, offered a glimpse of Ross 400 Club activities in Eastern Europe; he also highlighted the opportunities and challenges of the dynamic marketplace in his region.

Rising standards

Since the inception of the Gold awards, 36 members have already earned 42 awards.

According to Stuart Thomson, Head of Aviagen UK Sales and Customer Support, this number has exceeded all initial expectations. “We’re delighted with the impressive accomplishments. It’s rewarding for us to see these results, as well as the amazing number of repeat winners. Our UK customers keep working harder, improving on their past successes, and serving as an inspiration to growers everywhere, not just in the UK.”

Gold award winner Tim Nash from Easingwold Chickens Ltd. commented, “Meeting many other 400 Club growers and finding out how they do things - their “secret formula” – was very useful. I found the R&D presentation by Magnus Swalander particularly interesting, as it gave insight into the Aviagen breeding program. It confirmed that the Ross 308 continues to improve in performance, while at the same time advancing the health and welfare of the bird. Being a Gold member, I’m beginning to realize, is quite a decent achievement.”

Similarly, Oliver Hoddinott from OP Hoddinott and Sons Ltd. also listed networking with industry colleagues as a top highlight. “The event was great, and I enjoyed the time to share ideas and learn from other high-performing growers who have a drive to push performance and aim for excellence. My aspiration is to do what we do on our farm better, with improved efficiency, health and welfare at the forefront.”

“Learning the research that goes into development of the birds – that every aspect of their health and well-being is at the forefront of Aviagen standards - was reassuring,” added Sean Harrison from Crofty Farm. Earning the first-ever Ross 420 Gold award was one of my proudest achievements. I’m confident the program will be an inspiration to younger generations that a career in poultry is fulfilling, and hard work is both recognised and rewarded.”