John Farrant, editor of Poultry World for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 85.
Known for his expertise and dedication to the poultry sector, John played a pivotal role in shaping discussions around market trends and analysis of the world of commercial poultry.
Having set up an egg farm after his parents died, John joined Poultry World in 1967 to help improve his income, Tony McDougal wrote on PoultryWorld.net.
Just three years later he became editor, and under his leadership the magazine become hugely successful, receiving several awards including Agricultural Business Publication of the Year.
John also won prizes for his writing, including a Department of Trade and Industry award for writing about innovations in business on an article about human slaughter of chickens.
Despite his busy schedule, he found time to work on several committees for the poultry industry and agricultural colleges, earning himself an MBE for his services.
Guild member and fellow former Poultry World editor Phil Clarke said as well as sharing his time and considerable poultry expertise, John would regularly carry out his own ‘egg round’ at the magazine’s office, where he would distribute boxes of his flock’s eggs.
“If I could choose any word to sum him up it would be “unflappable”, though I would also describe him as meticulous, dedicated and kind – a true gentlemen and a servant of the poultry sector,” he added. “The MBE he received for his services to the industry could not have been more deserved.”
To read Tony’s full obituary, visit PoultryWorld.net.
