The British Pig & Poultry Fair, partnered by ABN, is set to return to Stoneleigh on 10-11 of May and will discuss key difficulties facing the sector including rising costs and labour costs.
The Fair seeks to address the challenges facing the sector whilst encouraging discussion and blue sky thinking with top industry speakers holding the floor over both days.
In the pig forum, speakers will put labour shortages and rising costs under the microscope, as well as discussing the impact of having more pigs than planned on farm, Danny Johnson, general manager at ABN. “This has been an incredibly difficult year. Attending the forums and understanding what learnings can be taken from the past 12 months might help us to plan our way back to a sustainable supply chain for the future.”
Rob Mutimer, who farms 750 outdoor sows in Norfolk and is chairman of the National Pig Association (NPA), says the Fair will be a good opportunity for people feeling isolated by the ongoing challenges: “Mental health is a key issue for farming and recently it has become even more isolating; being stuck at the end of a farm drive is a lonely place to be. The Fair is a chance to see people and talk to them; I think it is really important that everyone attends.
The British Pig & Poultry Fair takes place at Stoneleigh Park on May 10-11. More information can be found at pigandpoultry.org.uk.
