UK egg producer Noble Foods has celebrated the remarkable contributions of Simon Day, who has recently completed rearing his 70th flock of pullets at Hilltop Farm, Newark.
Simon Day, the farm manager overseeing Noble Foods’ largest rearing site, began his journey with the company in 1992. Initially joining Daylay before its acquisition by Noble Foods, he has since become an integral and respected member of the agriculture team, renowned for his hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to bird welfare. However, his experience with poultry goes back even further.
“I grew up on poultry farms from the age of 9,” he recalls. “My father was a farm manager, and my mother worked alongside him. I started collecting eggs and caring for livestock at a really young age.”
By the age of 14, Simon was already working weekends, developing an impressive work ethic that has characterized his career. After six years in the sector, his career took a new turn upon a chance meeting which led him to Hilltop Farm.
“Geoff Stopforth contacted me, suggesting a position as assistant manager,” Simon explained. “I joined in 1992, initially focusing on rearing broiler birds, transitioning to pullet rearing in 1997.”
An Evolving Poultry Farm
Since Simon’s arrival, Hilltop has undergone substantial transformations to adapt to the evolving egg market. Once reliant on floor rearing methods, the farm has now adopted advanced systems like the Vencomatic Unistart aviary setup, capable of rearing up to 200,000 pullets simultaneously. These pullets cater to various operational needs, including free-range, organic free-range, and barn systems.
As part of Noble Foods’ broad rearing strategy, Hilltop Farm plays a vital role, producing around 4.5 million pullets annually that support both Noble’s own producers and other laying farms throughout the UK—highlighting the essential function of pullet rearing in British egg production.
With tightening rearing capacities across the industry, Simon’s skills have never been more valuable. “Producers depend on us for consistent flocks, and we take that responsibility seriously,” he affirmed. “It’s about establishing healthy birds and providing our producers with the best possible start.”
A Wealth of Information
In addition to his daily responsibilities, Simon plays a crucial role in onboarding new staff at Noble Foods, sharing essential insights about the rearing process.
“Simon is an outstanding ambassador for our rearing operations,” said Jean-Paul Michalski, head of Company Farms at Noble Foods. “His extensive knowledge and meticulous attention to detail have been instrumental in rearing millions of pullets throughout his career, all with a focus on welfare and consistency. We are incredibly proud to have him on our team.”
Simon also acknowledges his family’s support: “The job has its challenges, and I owe much of my success to the love and encouragement of my wife Anne, for which I am deeply thankful.”
After the retirement of his former manager Geoff Stopforth in 2014, following 44 years of service, Simon took on the role of farm manager, with Robert Jones as his assistant, who recently retired at the end of 2024.
No Signs of Slowing Down
With his 70th flock now successfully handed over, Simon continues to show remarkable enthusiasm. “Every flock presents its unique challenges, and you never stop learning,” he reflects. “Our ultimate goal remains the same: strong, healthy birds that put our producers on the path to success.”
In light of Simon’s notable service and unwavering commitment, Noble Foods extends heartfelt gratitude, celebrating the significant role he plays within the agricultural community and to its producers.
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