I write this month’s column fresh from the NFU Conference, where members elected a first female president in their 110-year history! While I don’t go in for…
Month: March 2018
NPA chairman Richard Lister has invited Shadow Defra Secretary Sue Hayman to his farm to discuss the realities of commercial pig farming. The invitation follows the…
By Maisie Lord, Cargill pig nutritionist Average litter size has increased by 1.5 piglets every five years, thanks to advancing genetics, and litters of 13 or 14 piglets…
The English pig herd grew by 3% last year to reach its highest level for nine years, according to Defra’s December Pigs survey. As of December 1…
Modern sows are having more piglets than ever, and feeding those larger litters results in higher body temperatures. Air conditioning farrowing houses isn’t feasible, but Purdue…
The lesser acknowledged animal welfare impacts of Brexit include a shortage of vets, costlier veterinary medicine, and an increase in the numbers of animals used in…
By Steve Dunkley, AHDB Pork head of knowledge exchange Our industry already recognises that having skilled staff is key to the success of any pig business…
The recent spell of arctic weather conditions has played havoc with the pig market and also put farmers and hauliers under pressure, but for those who…
The UK’s major retailers are stocking more British bacon than a year ago, the January Porkwatch survey shows. Overall, across the top 10 retailers surveyed, the…
Pig and poultry producers are well known for embracing new technology and business tools, and many are planning further investment to ensure a bright future in…