Henry, who works at Crowshall Veterinary Services in Norfolk, graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2018.
He is the lead products export vet for Crowshall and was instrumental in the business’s preparation for Brexit.
He is also one of the founding ‘green champions’ at the practice, which has become the first specialist poultry practice to be accredited with Investors in the Environment.
The panel of seven judges from said that within just three years Henry has gained much experience, showing evidence that he has contributed to reduced antibiotic usage as well as improved biosecurity and improved bird welfare, health and production for his clients.
They said: “He has clearly shown he has worked with colleagues as a team, and has introduced new initiatives in his practice including improving mental health of staff and assisting in sustainability.”
James Porritt, National Pig and Poultry Sales Manager of award sponsors Zoetis, said all three finalists were very strong candidates: “It was great to see the work they have all done recognised at the awards.
"It was fantastic to see Henry win and hope the award spurs him on to continue his bright future in the poultry industry.”
Photo: Henry Lamb holding the Young Farm Vet trophy, alongside Jonathan Agnew (left) and James Porritt of the award sponsors Zoetis
The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, was given online this year at an event hosted by sports television presenter Mark Durden-Smith and Chloe Ryan, the editor of Poultry Business.
William was brought up on a sheep farm in Nottinghamshire and as a youngster bred rare breed poultry, selling eggs to local people in the village. He graduated at Nottingham University, did a poultry internship with a practice in the North West and worked there initially. Four years ago, he set up his own practice Avivets, at High Legh in Cheshire, dedicated to the poultry and game bird sector. He guest lectures at the Universities of Nottingham and Surrey and is an official veterinarian for avian exports. He sits on the RSPCA’s technical standards advisory board and was recently appointed veterinary advisor for the NFU poultry board.
Chloe Ryan said he had impressed the judges ‘with his enthusiasm for poultry veterinary knowledge and entrepreneurship. He has shown an excellent level of dedication, enriching his experience and qualifications through continuous professional development to farms and flocks as evidenced by glowing praise from a long list of clients.’
Lucy Berriman, Zoetis UK poultry national account manager, said: “Zoetis is proud to be sponsors of this new award for the industry’s poultry vets.
"It gives hardworking individuals the chance to shine and illustrate their commitment to the poultry industry. Congratulations to Will for this fabulous achievement, and well done to the other two finalists."
The other finalists were Helena Brewer, who joined the Poultry Health Services team at Sheriff Hutton, near York, after studying at the Royal (Dick) School at Edinburgh and the Royal Veterinary College, and Henry Lamb, who has worked at Crowshall Veterinary Services in Norfolk since graduating at the Royal Veterinary College.