News bytes for NSW Poultry Growers
Updated: Aug 26
NWSPGC Members once again met with the Department Primary Industry and Regional Development on 25 August 2026 to discuss the looming crisis in NSW and across the country.
DPI's Senior Biosecurity Vet and Leader, Pigs and Poultry joined growers via zoom to discuss what the landscape looks like and what government are doing. Members were engaged in the discussion with DPI and are encouraged to hear Government is looking at all the concerns that were raised. The concerns raised included compensatory activities, biosecurity and vaccination.
NSWPGC & DPI encourage all growers across the State to ensure their biosecurity plans are up to date.
For first-hand access to knowledge on H5N1, growers are encouraged to join as members. As over the coming weeks, DPI and NSWPGC will bring to its members workshops which will better prepare their farms for this disease.
Below are further details on H5N1 and what growers can do:
Health and safety regulations
Due to the current situation of H5N1 now in Australia, health regulations are tightening. Whilst H5 has not infiltrated the poultry industry, growers are encouraged to follow the Voluntary Housing of Poultry – Housing recommendation extended until further notice.
Poultry producers must adhere to strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease spread. Key regulations include:
Regular health checks for flocks.
Enhanced cleaning protocols for facilities.
Vaccination programs to protect against common poultry diseases.
Staying compliant with these regulations is essential for maintaining market access and consumer trust.
Know the signs of bird flu
The following signs of bird flu will usually appear in several or all birds in a flock, including:
sudden death
lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
head or limb swelling
bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
diarrhoea
unusual head or neck posture, un-coordination, inability to walk or stand.
Prepare your biosecurity plan
Commercial poultry producers and workers must follow effective on-farm biosecurity and hygiene practices to protect themselves and their birds from disease.
Overseas experience shows that strong biosecurity is the most effective way to prevent bird flu from spreading.
Following your biosecurity plan every day reduces the risk of bird flu and other diseases entering your farm, protecting your birds and business.
Challenges Facing the Poultry Industry
Cordina Merges with OSI
On Friday 21 August, Cordina announced to its grower group that OSI and Cordina have merged. Further, Turosi (the Australian arm of OSI) and Cordina growers will form as one group under the new organisation Cordina OSI.
The Australian Financial Review reports this will become a $2 billion organisation and become the third dominating poultry processor in the Australian market. Noting the merger is subject to regulatory approval and has not been finalised.
NSWPGC Members discussed this merger at their regular members' zoom meeting on 25 August and concerns were raised, particularly what the landscape will look like going forward for the growers and their contracts. However, there was some sentiment that this may be a good opportunity for growers and competition.
NSWPGC will follow the impacts of the merger on the market closely.
Inghams Group reports a major loss for FY26
Inghams group has announced for FY26 a 61.5% slump in profits. This has been largely due to cost inflation, supply-chain disruptions and bird flu precautions. Not only did the profits slump, but share prices also dropped following the August 2026 earnings report.
Inghams has warned that chicken prices would likely rise, even if there is no widespread outbreak of H5N1 into the poultry industry. The rising costs would predominantly be due to the inflationary costs which processors face.
NSWPGC will monitor chicken prices closely as growers have also faced large inflationary costs on farms and it is impacting their ROI, with some farms running at a loss.
Other Areas of Interest
Australian Chicken Growers Council
ACGC, on behalf of NSWPGC and other state poultry meat groups, met recently with the Minister Julie Colins, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to continue discussions on ensuring a more resilient industry for the farming sector.
Labor Shortages
Many poultry farms are experiencing labor shortages, which can hinder production. This issue is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many workers have left the industry. To address this challenge, poultry producers can:
Invest in training programs to attract new workers.
Offer competitive wages and benefits.
Explore automation to reduce reliance on manual labor.
Consumer Trends and Preferences
Demand for Organic and Free-Range Products
Consumers are increasingly seeking organic and free-range poultry products. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of health and environmental issues. Producers can capitalize on this demand by:
Obtaining organic certification for their farms.
Implementing free-range practices that allow birds to roam outdoors.
By aligning with consumer preferences, poultry producers can enhance their market position and profitability.
Transparency and Traceability
Today's consumers want to know where their food comes from. Transparency in the supply chain is becoming a critical factor in purchasing decisions. Poultry producers can improve transparency by:
Providing clear labeling on products.
Sharing information about farming practices and animal welfare standards.
This approach not only builds consumer trust but also differentiates products in a competitive market.
The Future of the Poultry Industry
Embracing Biotechnology
Biotechnology is poised to play a significant role in the future of poultry production. Advances in genetic engineering and breeding techniques can lead to:
Disease-resistant poultry strains.
Improved growth rates and feed efficiency.
While these technologies hold great promise, they also raise ethical and regulatory questions that the industry must address.
Climate Change Adaptation
As climate change continues to impact agriculture, poultry producers must adapt to changing conditions. This includes:
Developing heat-resistant poultry breeds.
Implementing climate-smart farming practices.
By proactively addressing climate challenges, the poultry industry can ensure its long-term sustainability.
Innovations in Poultry Technology
Automation and Robotics
The integration of automation and robotics in poultry farming is transforming operations. Technologies such as automated feeding systems and robotic egg collectors are improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. For example:
Automated Feeding Systems: These systems ensure that birds receive the right amount of feed at the right time, optimizing growth rates.
Robotic Egg Collectors: These robots can collect eggs more quickly and with less damage, increasing overall productivity.
Data Analytics
Data analytics is playing a significant role in decision-making for poultry producers. By analyzing data from various sources, farmers can make informed choices about:
Feed formulations.
Health monitoring.
Market trends.
This data-driven approach helps producers optimize their operations and respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Staying Informed
Staying informed about the latest news and trends in the poultry industry is essential for all stakeholders. From embracing sustainable practices to leveraging technology, there are numerous opportunities for growth and improvement. By understanding the challenges and adapting to consumer preferences, poultry producers can thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
As you navigate the complexities of the poultry industry, remember to stay connected with industry news and engage with fellow members to share insights and strategies. The future of poultry production is bright for those who are prepared to innovate and adapt.
NSWPGC welcomes all growers and stakeholders in the industry to join us at our face-to-face meetings. If you wish to become a member, please email: info@nswpgc.org.au
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