AB Agri ‘Chicken Run’ and ‘Drink for Dairy’ delivers for the industry

Teams across AB Agri, Britain’s leading manufacturer of ruminant, pig and poultry animal feed have come together to help the agricultural industry and vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis, in a novel way. Employees took up the challenge of a 5,000-mile chicken run to deliver 5,000 chickens and 10,000 litres of milk to charity.

Working in conjunction with the charity FareShare, a national network of charitable food redistributors, AB Agri colleagues initially joined together to walk, run and hop a combined total of 5,000 miles. On completion of the challenge AB Agri donated 5,000 whole chickens supplied by initiative partners, Chesterfield Poultry and 2 Sisters Food Group.

Simon Heath, Managing Director of AB Agri’s Compound Feed business explains, “As the effects of COVID-19 continue to impact on all aspects of daily life, not least to the British farming sector, this is part of our effort to support our industry and help provide a nutritious, home-grown product to those who need it most.”

Colleagues literally made a dash to help, all of course following social distancing guidelines along the way. The challenge started with AB Agri colleagues from around the country all individually contributing to reach the 5,000 mile target.

Heath continued, “We approached our partners to purchase the 5,000 chickens and were delighted that Chesterfield Poultry contributed a further 2,000 chickens to the charity. This means that as a combined activity we are able to donate 7,000 fresh chickens or the equivalent of over 40,000 meals.”

Nadeem Iqbal, Managing Director at Chesterfield Poultry said, “When we heard about the challenge, we were delighted to be involved, supporting our industry and families in the UK that need help through these difficult times.”

And the challenge didn’t stop with chickens. Spurred on by the efforts, colleagues then took up the next challenge of drinking 10,000 litres of water in exchange for a donation of 10,000 litres of milk to FareShare.

While fun was had along the way, the chickens and milk will have a very real benefit for the end recipients. FareShare food reaches charities across the UK, including school breakfast clubs, older people’s lunch clubs, homeless shelters and community cafes. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, it continues its full national operation to get food to vulnerable people.

As the leading British manufacturer of ruminant, pig and poultry animal feeds and services to the industry, AB Agri is proud of its commitment to bringing knowledge, partnership and innovation to the sector.

Heath concludes, “We are looking forward to continuing to develop ideas to support our industry and FareShare over the forthcoming months and developing a longer-term partnership. With that in mind we are now launching our third initiative and this time we are asking for help not only from our colleagues but from our customers and the wider industry too. Stoke up the BBQs, we’re looking for a combined effort of eating 20,000 sausages and we’ll donate the same to FareShare.”

AB Agri is delighted to be able to represent the industry in this great initiative, playing its part in the nation’s efforts through the challenges of COVID-19. Further details of how to get involved in the challenge and help deliver the new challenge can be found by visiting @ABNFeed on Facebook or via LinkedIn.