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Top marketing award for goose producer
Worcestershire goose producer Judy Goodman has gained the Poultry Industry Marketing Award given by the British Poultry Council for her success in expanding the market for goose.
The award was presented to her by the Agriculture Minister Jim Paice at a prestigious ceremony at the House of Commons.
Judy Goodman, who produces 4200 geese a year on her family’s Walsgrove Farm, Great Witley, has been chairman of the British Goose Producers for four years until she stood down at its autumn meeting which she hosted at the farm.
BPC chairman John Reed recalled that Judy had been rearing geese since 1983 — beginning as a hobby in a very different era when railways were happy to handle livestock and she would collect her goslings sent from Norfolk Geese to her local station.
“Judy and her family expanded their business through farm gate sales, butchers, food halls and now via the internet,” said Mr Reed. “She has played an increasing role in promoting geese through food shows and reviving the Michaelmas goose tradition.”
Mr Reed said she had devoted a considerable amount of time and energy to her role as the group’s chairman: “She is always happy to help and encourage other members, as well as taking a very active role in the wider affairs of the British Poultry Council.”
Judy has been a member of the group for more than 25 years — also serving as a council member for most of that time. A Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, she was recently also chosen as a finalist for the Farmers Weekly Poultry Farmer of the Year.