The search is on to find the very best within the UK pig industry. Judges will consider 12 categories ahead of the National Pig Awards ceremony on November 6, in London. Cash prizes are up for grabs too: £2,500 for the Producer of the Year and £500 each for Stockman, Young Pig Farmer and Trainee of the Year
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- Indoor Producer of the Year
- Outdoor Producer of the Year
These categories require a written entry to include evidence of: Records for production and cost of production (farrowing rate, numbers born, weaned and sold per sow, pre-weaning mortality, replacement rate percentage, DLWG, FCR, days to slaughter), herd health planning and biosecurity, contributions to the industry outside your own business, new investments and initiatives in buildings/equipment or generally, staff motivation and training, appearance of unit and initiatives such as marketing activity and farm shops.
Entry deadline FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 Entries can be submitted online at www.nationalpigawards.co.uk or by contacting Charlotte at charlotte@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk For more information, visit www.nationalpigawards.co.uk or call Pig World on 01883 777026
CONTRACT FINISHER OF THE YEAR
This is based on key performance data, while judges will also consider the proportion of pigs sent that are within the weight range (the box) and grading information. Other general welfare and business information will be taken into account.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
To win this award, a farm or farm business must demonstrate any initiative, new idea or business development concept that has come to fruition in the past 12 months.
INVESTOR IN TRAINING AWARD
Advances in modern technology mean attending courses and on-farm training are essential. The winner will be able to demonstrate how he/she has invested in staff training.
PRODUCER RETAILER OF THE YEAR
This award encourages and rewards marketing efforts employed by producers to increase sales and establish brands, such as brand development, selling through multiple retailers and farm shops.
PEDIGREE BREEDER OF THE YEAR
Open to all breeders of pedigree pigs, the category is judged by sector-specific experts against criteria including the number of pigs sold to other breeders, performance at county shows and processes in place to prevent inbreeding.
HERD PRODUCTIVITY AWARD
This is a data-based award given to an organisation that can demonstrate continued excellence or significant improvement in pigs per sow per year.
TRAINEE OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is open to all British pig unit personnel who can show how training is benefiting their career and livestock performance, supported by performance data where possible. Nominations are welcome from both experienced individuals and industry newcomers.
YOUNG PIG FARMER OF THE YEAR
Entrants must be aged 40 or younger on November 6, 2017. Your written entry must include details of the following: involvement in the business, demonstration of new initiatives and examples of commitment to the industry.
STOCKMAN OF THE YEAR
Entries for this category can be nominated by the employing farmer or by the employee, provided it is supported by a reference from the employer. Judges will be looking for evidence of commitment to the job, any innovation or similar that the stockman has been responsible for, evidence of ‘going the extra mile’ and what this achieved and a reference from the employer supporting the individual stating why he/she is an appropriate winner.
UNIT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Entries for this category can be nominated by the owner or by the employee. If the latter, a reference from the owner will be required. Judges will be looking for evidence of how the manager has driven the business forward as well as excellence in motivating staff, hitting targets and commitment to record-keeping.
