Rattlerow Farms (LPL Group) has acquired the multi award-winning Bridge House Farm herd, marking a significant expansion for the Suffolk-based pig genetics business.
Bridge House Farm, an 800-sow unit located in Northamptonshire, won the Indoor (for the second time) and Overall Pig Farm of the Year Award at last year’s National Pig Awards.
Run by the Thompson family, it has been operating a nucleus breeding unit for Canadian genetics company, Genesus, with breeding animals sold across the UK, Europe and beyond, including China and Africa. It is renowned for its pioneering use of technology, including being among the first pig units in the world to use EID tags.
Rattlerow said the acquisition presents an exciting opportunity to broaden its reach and strengthen its position as an industry leader in the genetics sector. The privately-owned genetics business said the move ‘reaffirms its commitment to consistently improve, strengthen and grow the business through prudent investment to achieve an unrivalled position for quality, service and genetic excellence’.
“We are delighted to welcome Bridge House Farm into the Rattlerow family,” said Robin Lawson, MD of Rattlerow Genetics.
“For many years, the Thompson family have been associated with exceptional performance and stockmanship, so this acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to develop, improve and promote genetic excellence. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings and look forward to leveraging the expertise and resources of Bridge House Farm to drive innovation and growth.”
Rattlerow plans to integrate Bridge House Farm’ operations ‘seamlessly’ into its existing infrastructure, while ‘preserving the unique characteristics that have made it such a well-respected and recognisable name in the UK pig industry’. It remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and high quality of breeding stock throughout the transition process.
“We are committed to upholding the legacy of excellence that Bridge House Farm has established over the years,” Mr Lawson added. “By combining our strengths and resources, we are confident that we can create even greater value for our customers and contribute to the long-term success of the pig industry.”
Sofina collaboration
In a further development, announced in April, Rattlerow Scotland has entered into long-term strategic partnership witb Sofina Foods Europe, which owns Karro. Sofina has acquired a number of farms, equipment and livestock from Rattlerow Scotland, with up to 12 Rattlerow Scotland employees transferred to the Canadian-owned company.
Sofina has taken full operational control of the farms, while Rattlerow Scotland is providing technical oversight and advising on the management of the genetic programme and the supply of breeding females into existing commercial herds.
Rattlerow, which is celebrating 70 years of providing genetics in the British pig industry, said the two deals demonstrate its long-term commitment to its customers and the British pig industry.
- Main picture: The Bridge House Farm and Rattlerow teams.Â