Farmer experience: inside Allan Robinson’s award-winning poultry farm

Lancashire poultry farmer Allan Robinson has built a reputation for exceptional consistency and bird welfare. Allan’s meticulous approach recently earned him the title of Sainsbury’s Chicken Farmer of the Year 2025, a testament to nearly four decades of dedication to broiler production.

A career built on adaptation

Allan started growing chickens straight out of school almost 40 years ago, working with Dove Valley (now part of Pilgrim’s). Over time, he has embraced industry changes, replacing his original Arlo sheds with four modern Clearspan units between 2015 and 2022. His philosophy is simple: prioritise what works best for the birds.

“I don’t feel as though I’m doing anything special,” Allan says. “I just do what I know.”

Outstanding performance metrics

In 2025, Allan’s results speak for themselves:

These figures highlight the impact precision management and a proactive approach can have on bird performance and welfare.

Farm management: every detail matters

Allan personally manages turnaround, cleaning, bedding, and equipment maintenance. His farm is spotless, reflecting his commitment to hygiene and bird comfort.

Key practices include:

“I’ll never put bedding back in if it’s damp or wet,” Allan insists.

Ventilation and welfare

Ventilation is a priority. Allan has fine-tuned variable-speed tunnel fans to maintain optimal conditions, even during heatwaves.

“A small tweak can make a big difference,” he says.

Probiotics for gut health

Since 2019, Allan has used Bactocell Drink, an in-water probiotic from Lallemand Animal Nutrition, formulated for optimal solubility and stability to provide a quick intervention on the farm. The specific lactic acid bacteria supports bird gut health and performance during times of stress.

“We’ve been using [Bactocell Drink] now for a number of years. I’ve never missed a crop or a shed doing it.” Allan initially introduced it within the first week of placement, during Gumboro vaccination and feed transition, keeping the protocol despite no longer giving the vaccine or changing onto a finisher diet.

“You’re seeding them with good bacteria, it helps the gut,” Allan explains. “As I’m not medicating, it feels like you’re putting something in to actually help them.”

Benefits include:

“[Bactocell Drink] is easy to mix in – no sediment, no issues,” Allan adds. “I’d recommend Bactocell Drink to anyone,” he adds. “It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.”

A benchmark for best practice

Allan’s farm is a model for efficiency and welfare, attracting visitors from across the industry. His streamlined approach, focusing on what works, has delivered consistent success.

“People keep asking what I’m doing differently. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not doing anything special,” he says.

But his results tell a different story: attention to detail drives performance.