The Pigs Tomorrow conference is fast approaching, and I know it is going to be another fantastic opportunity to celebrate British pork and allow the industry to give itself a well-deserved pat on the back.
Once again, AHDB is pleased to be partnering with Pig World to deliver this important industry event, which takes place in May in Leicestershire.
Since its beginnings over a decade ago as the Innovation Conference, Pigs Tomorrow has grown into a key fixture in the pig sector’s calendar, bridging the gap between the biennial British Pig & Poultry Fair.
In a welcome move for 2025, the whole two-day event is free for levypayers. Places are limited, though, but there is still time to register before the event – visit pigstomorrow.com to find out more, if you haven’t already secured your ticket.
Positive feedback
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from 2023, many of the familiar and valued elements remain, including dedicated networking time, the Global Outlook session, lively panel debates and the return of the ever-popular Young Guns.
The Global Outlook session will once again open the event, offering a big-picture view of world trends and their potential impact on UK pig farming. From there, attention will turn to the domestic market, with insights into consumer behaviour, key watchpoints and emerging issues.
Pilgrim’s Europe’s Fabio Brancher will discuss his company’s vision for the British pig sector in a session that will also explore the international positioning of ‘Brand Britain’, when delegates will hear about the challenges and opportunities involved in marketing British pork overseas.
This will be followed by a focus on resilient supply chains, featuring United Pig Cooperative’s joint general manager, Andy McGowan, and an expert industry panel.
Next generation
The Young Guns session – a standout last time – returns, with perspectives from young pig farmers on what they seek in a role and what helps them stay motivated. Alongside this, there will be a fresh focus on recruitment and retention.
No modern conference would be complete without a serious discussion on sustainability. This year’s event will explore the complex interactions between environmental goals and animal welfare. Delegates will hear about Danish approaches to environmental targets, alongside UK updates on both indoor and outdoor systems.
Welfare innovation will also be addressed through a close look at new flexible farrowing systems – what’s working, what isn’t, and how producers are navigating decisions around investment and implementation.
A new session at the end of day two will offer the opportunity to hear a summary of some of the key steps producers need to take to maintain biosecurity.
And I’m thoroughly looking forward to the opportunity for relaxed conversations during the evening dinner and entertainment.
Meet the AHDB speakers
The speaker line-up brings together sector experts and fresh voices from across the industry.
I’m delighted to be co-chairing the event alongside Pig World editor Alistair Driver – together we’ll ensure that the discussions stay rooted in the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Graham Wilkinson, AHDB’s CEO, will open the conference. With his extensive experience of agriculture, both on-farm and within the commercial world, he will be setting the stage for our exciting line-up of speakers.
In addition, Glen Nimmo, chairman of the AHDB Pork Sector Council, will join the supply chain discussion, offering insight into the UK pig industry’s current state and outlook.
Environmental sustainability will be tackled by a panel of expert speakers, including Hugh Crabtree, AHDB Pork Sector Council member, who will outline AHDB’s work on environmental baselining and the sector’s environment roadmap.
The international trade picture will be explored by Freya Shuttleworth, AHDB senior analyst, who will be highlighting the ongoing work to access key markets for UK pigmeat exports. Freya’s insights will be crucial in understanding the global outlook and the factors driving international pork trade,
She will speak alongside global meat experts.
On the domestic front, Grace Randall, AHDB lead retail insight manager, will outline some of the work we do to promote the British brand. She supports our marketing and retail activity by analysing consumer behaviour and attitudes.
Fiona Clayton, AHDB senior retail account manager, will be discussing the promotion of the British brand. She works directly with retailers, helping to coordinate our marketing campaigns with in-store promotions.
With a packed programme, lively debate and plenty of opportunity for networking, Pigs Tomorrow is shaping up to be a must-attend event for 2025.
Remember, free places are available to all levypayers, including access to both days of the conference, evening entertainment, the exhibition area and overnight accommodation. We look forward to seeing you there!