The 2023 National Pig Awards are now open for entries, with a new category to recognise the excellent work many producers are making in the field of sustainability.
The awards are now into their tenth year and will continue to showcase the very best that the British pig industry has to offer, as it looks toward a brighter future.
The winners once again to be unveiled at a gala awards ceremony in London, in November.
This year will see the introduction the of the Sustainable Farming Award, open to producers who can demonstrate excellence in combining productive farming and high animal welfare with extra care for the environment, through, for example, management of land, sourcing of feed ingredients or energy creation and conservation. This award will replace the Special Achievement Award.
Otherwise, the award categories will have a familiar look, covering pig production and rearing, stockmanship, unit management, pedigree breeding, marketing, innovation and the all-important allied sector.
Last year was notable for the number of young winners making their way to the stage to collect awards, giving real hope for the future as the pig sector endured its most difficult times. This year, there will, once again, be a strong focus on championing the young pig farmers and vets of the future.
The main award, Overall Pig Producer of the Year, won last year by Northern Ireland-based JMW Farms, is again sponsored by principal sponsor ForFarmers and will be split into Indoor and Outdoor categories.
Stewart Houston will return as chair of our expert panel of respected industry judges. He praised the quantity and quality of entries last year, which he said demonstrated the industry’s resilience during its darkest hour.
“We are looking forward to seeing another strong set of entries this year to highlight some of the fantastic work and otherwise unseen achievements on pig farms across the country, day-in, day-out.
“I would urge anyone who thinks their business has what it takes to enter this year and has got something to shout about to enter this year. It could really give your team the boost it deserves!”
For information on entering, see the May issue of Pig World or visit the awards website.
David Black and Chris Brant Awards
The prestigious David Black and Chris Brant Awards will once again be presented on the night.
Last year, former NPA chief executive Zoe Davies was a popular and deserved winner of the AHDB David Black Award, reflecting the huge contribution she has made to the UK pig sector over the years.
Yorkshire producer Anna Longthorp, another hugely popular winner, was recognised for her efforts in driving the #BiteIntoBritish campaign and raising money for farming charities in the process with the NPA’s Chris Brant Award. She received the award form her dad, Richard.
Gala dinner
The awards night, bringing the industry together for its biggest night of the year, will feature a sparkling champagne reception and gala dinner, with a special guest presenter.
Pig World publisher Simon Lewis said: “As the British pig industry starts to look forward once more, we will be recognising the incredible efforts of those who have stood up to everything that has been thrown at them and continue to deliver excellence right across our varied pig sector.
“This industry deserves better times and there is no doubt the talent and drive is there to deliver them! So, we look forward to seeing you in November for another night of industry celebration.”
The 2022 award winners
- Overall Pig Producer of the Year – Katesbridge Farm, JMW farms
- Indoor Producer of the Year – Katesbridge Farm, JMW farms
- Outdoor Producer of the Year – GSK Pigs, Risby Unit
- Innovation of the Year – JMW Farms (Jessica Connolly)
- Herd Productivity of the Year – Harper Adams University
- Trainee of the Year – Winner: Max Campbell, Bunkers Hill Pigs; Highly Commended: Emma Claxton, ME Claxton,
- Young Pig Farmer of the Year – Fred Allen, Allen Farms (Coddington)
- Young Farm Vet of the Year – Joint winners: Hannah Loader, Oakwood Veterinary Group,Dimitrie Leonte, Garth Pig Practice
- Stockperson of the Year – Clare Murray, Eccles Green Farms
- Special Achievement of the Year – Lizzie Wilson, National Pig Association
- Unit Manager of the Year – Matthew Burgess, Clumber Pigs
- Finisher of the Year – SD & AJ Wood
- Marketing Initiative of the Year – Bofs Hogs, Woodside Farm
- Pedigree Breeder of the Year – Georgina Woolf, The Orwell Herd
- NPA Allied Industry Member – Hipra.