A video featuring a livestock farmer talking about the challenges affecting the sector and how farm support charity The Farming Community Network (FCN) can help has been released today.
The video, featuring sheep and cattle farmer and FCN volunteer Leighton Snelgrove, serves as a reminder to everyone across agriculture that FCN and other support organisations are available to listen and support, and that no one is dealing with the challenges facing the sector alone, such as labour shortages and supply chain complications.
In the video, Mr Snelgrove said: “There’s a huge crisis occurring in the pig industry today. A lack of staff in abattoirs, a lack of HGV drivers, the post-CO2 problem and the cost of pork per kilo – it’s all having a huge impact on pig farmers and the wider industry. This is now resulting in pig farmers not choosing to – but having to – cull young, healthy pigs.
“FCN is aware of the problem, and we want to reassure pig farmers, the vets, the slaughterhouse workers and others in the industry that we are here to talk to, to reassure you, and to walk with you during this time.”
Jude McCann, FCN’s Chief Executive Officer, also said: “FCN is here to support everyone in the farm community. We recognise the particular pressures currently on our pig industry, food processors and poultry sector and the issues this is causing for farmers, vets and others across the supply chain. We are all part of the same agricultural community and none of us are alone in dealing with these issues. Our volunteers are farming people and they understand the unique pressures involved in agriculture. We’re here to help.”
If you are struggling or know someone who is, you can contact FCN confidentially on 03000 111 999 or by emailing help@fcn.org.uk
