Strengthening Global Connections: The First International Pheasant and Partridge Conference

At MacFarlane Pheasants, we believe that knowledge sharing and collaboration are key to advancing the game bird industry. Recently, Bill MacFarlane, Sarah Pope, and Chris Theisen had the incredible opportunity to travel to France to attend and speak at the 1st International Pheasant and Partridge Conference. This trip was not only a chance to learn and exchange ideas but also a reflection of the deep connections we’ve cultivated within the global pheasant community.

The Roots of International Collaboration

Our commitment to sharing knowledge within the pheasant industry began in 1998 when we hosted our 1st International Pheasant Management Seminar. Since then, we’ve held these seminars every two years, bringing together industry leaders from around the world. Our largest seminar welcomed 125 attendees, with participants traveling from as far as Europe to join us.

Among our most dedicated international attendees have been Laurent Soullard, CEO of Gibovendée, and Olivier de Chevigne from L’Envol De Retz—two of the largest pheasant farms in the world. Having them travel across the globe to attend our seminars has been an incredible honor.

The Beginning of a New Seminar

The idea for a European seminar originated with Laurent Soullard and Olivier de Chevigne during discussions at our most recent seminar. When Bill joined the conversation, they asked if he’d be willing to offer some input and assistance with the planning. Bill was glad to lend his support. Laurent and Olivier quickly moved forward, setting a date and beginning the planning and invitation process.

The Conference Experience

The 1st International Pheasant and Partridge Conference took place on February 24-25, 2025, at the Puy du Fou Conference Centre in France. The event exceeded expectations, welcoming 230 attendees and featuring speakers from across Europe.

One of the most impressive aspects of the conference was the commitment to inclusivity. When registration revealed that nearly half the attendees spoke languages other than English, the organizers arranged for translations. Attendees were provided headsets that translated the speakers live into four languages—English, French, Spanish, and Italian. This thoughtful addition was widely appreciated and set the tone for an inclusive, well-organized event.

The attention to detail was clear in all aspects. The food was exceptional, with large buffets featuring locally prepared dishes. Every aspect of the conference reflected meticulous planning and hospitality.

Conference Topics

Bill MacFarlane was honored to speak about gamebird production in the United States at the conference. His presentation highlighted how U.S. processes differ from European methods and shared insights into practices used in the States.

In Europe, many farms operate as co-ops, raising birds in smaller groups and releasing them at seven weeks. Their incubation process involves combined hatcheries that supply chicks to the participating farms. This approach contrasts with the longer penning processes used in the U.S., offering an interesting perspective on how different systems can yield success.

Bill emphasized the importance of cooperation and openly sharing knowledge within the game bird industry. While it may feel natural to protect trade secrets, he expressed his belief that true industry growth comes from collaboration. While this perspective isn’t always common, it resonated with many at the conference. Several attendees approached Bill afterward, expressing appreciation for his openness and willingness to share the practices that have contributed to MacFarlane’s success. 

The conference also covered a range of important topics, including pecking causes and solutions, hatching quality, game release strategies, and sanitary measures. It was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with past seminar attendees and forge new relationships with fellow industry leaders.

Exploring France

We flew into Amsterdam and jumped on another short flight to Nantes, located in western France. We arrived on February 19th and spent ten days immersed in the European game bird industry.

While in Europe, we visited the impressive operations at Gibovendée and L’Envol De Retz, gaining deeper insight into their farming techniques and management styles. We ended our trip by taking a high-speed bullet train to Paris from Nantes, traveling up to 200 mph, and spending a few days in Paris sightseeing. We explored the city’s historic beauty, visiting landmarks including Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Statue de Marseille, and Cours de La Reine, and enjoying French culture before heading home.

Looking Ahead

This trip strengthened our appreciation for international collaboration and the importance of learning from different approaches to game bird production. We encourage anyone in the industry—especially U.S. producers—to attend the next European conference in 2027. These experiences offer valuable insights and broaden our understanding of global best practices.

We are already looking forward to hosting our next International Pheasant Management Seminar, scheduled for March 8-11, 2026. We hope to see even more participants join in the spirit of collaboration and shared learning at these future conferences.

At MacFarlane Pheasants, we’re proud to be part of a community that values growth and partnership, values that will continue to guide us for years to come.