There are two very important components to our industry: the pigs and the people. It is also well known that labour shortages, succession planning and talent retention are at the top of many people’s list of worries for the future.
So, when Lee Thompson, my fellow YNPA vice-chair, and I came to pick the topic for our 2026 spring regional meetings, it didn’t take us long to land on people and the importance of developing and inspiring the next generation of the pig industry as our theme.
Following two successful years of the spring regionals, we kept the format the same, focusing on more accessible evening meetings, with events in north, east and south/central locations.
About YNPA
The YNPA community is growing, with 147 members to date. If you are aged between 18 and 40 and you would like to get involved, head to the YNPA section of the NPA website to sign up –
Lee and I are dedicated to making a difference and want to help support the pig industry, so it can be a sustainable, profitable, and exciting place for the future.
Get in touch at: emma.wormington@zoetis.com or lee.thompson@trouwnutrition.com
Fantastic speakers
As the focus of our evenings, we were joined by two fantastic speakers. Both shared their personal journeys into the pig industry and did a brilliant job provoking discussions within the groups on how we can encourage new people into our industry and retain the talent we have.
Natasha Willows, swine product manager at Ceva, which kindly sponsored all three meetings, kicked off the events, sharing her journey from studying film and media at university to finding a love of animals as a vet nurse.
Her career has gone full circle, with a role in marketing at Ceva, now allowing her to combine both areas of knowledge and interest. Natasha demonstrates that you do not need to come from a pig farming background to have a successful career in the pig industry.
We then heard from India Griffin-Jenkins, who shared her journey into her current role of trials manager at Quality Equipment. Thankfully (for us), India took her one-year placement opportunity as a Harper student to explore the world of pigs.
During her time at Pilgrim’s Europe as a placement student, India immersed herself in the industry, including joining YNPA, where she took the time to network and connect with people across the sector.
Following completion of her degree, she joined QE and has since then continued with her enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation of students.
Fantastic discussion
All three evenings provided fantastic discussions, with ideas flowing on how to motivate, reward and engage those already in the pig industry.
The top tip was to keep it simple, that small things really can make a difference. Saying ‘thank you’ for a good job done and a nice, clean working environment can go a long way.
When it comes to bringing in new talent to the sector, the most common theme was Young Farmers, and the potential untapped audience of agri-minded individuals who simply might not know about the benefits of working in the pig industry.
As well as the focus on education, YNPA regional meetings are a great opportunity for both existing members and new faces to get together outside of work, to socialise, make new friends and network over a pulled pork roll.
If anyone reading this has attended one of our events, they will know I love an introduction, and each is themed – this year it was your name followed by your favourite snack.
While I did come away with many culinary ideas for long car journeys, the aim is for everyone to go away knowing someone else a little better, and to feel welcome in the group – something Lee and I have always been very passionate about.
As we are rapidly approaching the summer months, plans are in place for the annual YNPA summer event.
This event will be based in the Midlands, and we are excited to be supporting a charity, along with the opportunity to widen members’ knowledge on not just the pig sector but the wider agricultural industry. Keep your eyes peeled for further information.