Episode
Ep 49 | Poultry vet Vera Bavinck: Kipster, Keel Bones and the Future of Welfare-Led Egg Production
- Podcast
- The Poultry Network Podcast
- Published
- Jul 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2541
- Processing state
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Summary
Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Vera Bavinck , poultry veterinarian for Kipster , to discuss a radically different approach to egg production in the Netherlands. The conversation covers Kipster’s low-impact production model, the use of upcycled feed ingredients, welfare-led housing design, natural daylight, lower stocking densities, keel bone fracture monitoring, delayed onset of lay, and the potential for mobile on-farm slaughter. The episode also touches on Groundswell , regenerative agriculture, ultra-processed food, and the broader question of how poultry systems can reduce pressure on land, improve animal welfare, and become more transparent to the public. Guest Vera Bavinck Poultry veterinarian working with Kipster, alongside wider welfare, monitoring and small-scale poultry projects in the Netherlands and African countries. Main topics covered Groundswell and regenerative agriculture Tom Willings opens by reflecting on his first visit to Groundswell , describing it as a regenerative agriculture festival focused on soil health, water health, pollution control, diversity in cropping, and reintegrating animals into farming systems. The hosts discuss how regenerative agriculture differs from organic farming, particularly because regen is less prescriptive and more focused on what is appropriate for each farm, soil type and context. Introduction to Kipster Vera explains that Kipster was founded around six years ago with the aim of producing animal protein — in this case eggs — while doing as little damage to the planet as possible. Key features of the Kipster model include: A target of a very low or near-zero CO₂ footprint. A house design using solar panels, heat exchange and other environmental technologies. A major focus on feed, especially upcycled or r…