Q&A with RBST Trustee John Reed

John Reed, former Chairman of the British Poultry Council, joined the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Board of Trustees at the end of 2024. Here he tells us more about his areas of expertise and his views on rare breeds survival action in 2025 and beyond.

- John Reed

Q How does your experience in the commercial poultry industry relate to the work of RBST?

A My career in the commercial poultry industry has certainly been varied - as well as working in food and farming businesses, I chaired the British Poultry Council, I was a non-executive director of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, and I have been actively involved for more than 25 years with farm assurance bodies including Red Tractor.

As well as giving me a very thorough understanding of the wider farming industry and food supply chain, I also have considerable experience working with Defra and government organisations. I'm looking forward to bringing this to bear for RBST's mission to promote and conserve the UK's native equine and livestock breeds.

Q What first sparked your interest in rare livestock and equine breeds?