Real Welfare is expected to come under the spotlight on BBC One’s Countryfile on Sunday, July 14.
The programme is scheduled to show a report filmed recently at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire that features the pig unit run by Richard Hooper and includes contributions by vet Roger Blowey and Red Tractor technical manager Emma Surman.
“I took them through all the standards on-farm that make up the Red Tractor – housing, nutrition, medication, the lot,” Richard said. “They were very interested in the free access stalls as it looks like a lot of metal but I was able to explain what they were about.
“We also talked about farrowing crates and the reasons for their use.”
The key points highlighted for the programme were: affordability and choice for consumers; the on-going evolution and scientific development of standards; and looking at welfare from the animal’s point of view – rather than what a consumer might perceive is best.