Profitable pig production depends on success at both the farm gate and further up the supply chain, and visitors to the British Pig & Poultry Fair at the NEC on on May 15 and 16 can learn plenty about both.
As always the Pig Forum Theatre will bring together top speakers to cover off the hot topics of the day, from the popular Pig Outlook to discussions on farm assurance, African swine fever (ASF) and next-generation marketing.
“This year we have a great mixture of practical advice and blue-sky thinking in what is a constantly evolving sector, from which visitors are sure to take ideas to implement at home,” said Fair organiser Alice Bell.
Here are some of the highlights confirmed so far.
Ministerial opening: Opening the first day will be Defra Farming Minister Mark Spencer, who is sure to be quizzed on Government policy.
Pig Outlook: Chaired by Pig World editor Alistair Driver, this session will feature key figures from across the supply chain, who will discuss the current state of the industry and the prospects going forward.
AHDB, which is partnering the Pig Theatre, will be hosting three very different Forums.
Inspiring younger people to eat pork: Whether farmers are selling direct or via a processor, this session will ask: ‘What do we know about consumers of the future and how do we reach them?’
Roz Reynolds, head of education at AHDB, will consider the different life stages of young people. “We are working with the British Nutrition Foundation to deliver the ‘Food – a fact of life’ education programme, targeting teachers with classroom resources for school children aged three to 16 years,” she said.
This project is looking at how to eat a balanced diet, where food comes from, and how to cook it, as well as profiling careers within the pork sector. A new pilot project has been bringing pork into schools for children to cook, with recipes and other resources.
“Some 400 students across England have participated, and we’ve had really positive feedback from the schools involved,” Mrs Reynolds added. “We’re giving them the confidence to cook and eat pork both now and in the future.”
Debbie Wilson from Ladies in Pigs will also be joining the panel session and will be doing some cookery demonstrations on the AHDB stand.
Another new project will be using the pork industry as a case study for ‘A level’ business studies. “It’s about using the curriculum in a more creative way,” Mrs Reynolds said.
The AHDB marketing team will be discussing how best to reach 18-25-year-olds, or Generation Z.
“We know they aren’t tuned to traditional marketing channels and don’t respond to conventional advertising,” Mrs Reynolds explained. “We’re working with influencers and on social media to showcase pork and messages around how it’s good value and quick to cook.”
Gen Z respond to authentic and peer-to-peer messaging, which farmers are well-placed to deliver, she added.
“Farmers talking about their stories – particularly around animal welfare and sustainability – is really powerful, so we’re always looking for more people to get involved.”
African swine fever: In another AHDB forum, experts will discuss how to protect the national herd against ASF.
Topics covered will include biosecurity and early detection, how industry collaboration is vital in the event of an outbreak, and key roles and responsibilities. Visitors will also get pointers on how to develop a robust contingency plan.
The final AHDB Forum will be confirmed soon.
Assurance scheme discussion: Other hot topics covered at the Fair will include a Forum on assurance schemes, with both Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured setting out the future for such schemes, against the backdrop of a review of farm assurance across the UK. They will participate in a question-and-answer session, chaired by NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson.
Pathway update: Defra is holding a seminar on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (AHWP), chaired by Stewart Houston, chair of the Pig Pathway Project Group.
“The Forum will describe the full AHWP and how the vet review links with small and large grants to reduce endemic diseases, provide financial support, and help farmers to improve the health, welfare and productivity of their livestock,” said Mr Houston.
“This will underpin our high international reputation for health and welfare; showcase modern and efficient means of farming animals to high production standards; and support our ability to trade in new markets abroad.”
Innovation Theatre: Zinc oxide was banned for therapeutic use in piglet diets in 2022, and the Fair will be held just before the ‘grace period’ granted in the UK allowing producers to use products already in the system ends in June.
A plethora of new products continue to be developed to support gut health in piglets post-weaning.
As well as browsing new products like these among the 330 exhibitors, visitors can head to the new Innovation Theatre to hear about the latest production aids on the market.
“Organic acids are known for their great benefits as an alternative to zinc oxide, but their harsh properties can be unsafe when used by producers and workers,” said Demi de Beer, from Brenntag.
“Our blends, which stem from sustainable sources, offer a safe and soft approach to using organic acids on farm, which benefits the animals, producers and workers.”
Another Innovation Theatre session, with International Water Solutions, will be demonstrating a new solution to remove phosphates, nitrates and other contaminants from wastewater.
Delegates will find out how to deal with wastewater that could be non-compliant with Environment Agency regulations without it costing too much to treat.
Ultimately, profitable and sustainable pig production depends on solid relationships, networks and knowledge-sharing throughout the supply chain, said Danny Johnson, general manager at Fair partner ABN.
“It’s about taking a joined-up approach to achieve efficiency, performance and growth, and ensuring there’s a viable future for the next generation.”
New venue and dates for 2024 BPPF
The 2024 Fair will be taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16, in halls 10, 11 & 12 at the NEC.- Centrally located adjacent to the M42 and M6 the Fair is easily accessible by car, train and air.
- The NEC offers ample car parking and a bus transfer to the halls.
- Visit the website to book your FREE ticket and for more travel information www.pigandpoultry.org.uk