Pigs News

The National Pig Association says it is “extremely disappointed” by the lack of measures to protect the pig sector amid labour shortages, as the likelihood of a welfare cull rises.

The government has made an agreement with CF Fertilisers, to allow it to reopen one of its plants amid soaring gas prices, following concerns over imminent food shortages.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is the most important and costly disease on UK pig farms, affecting the performance of sows, sucklers, weaners, growers and finishers. Therefore, it is important producers are aware of the prevalence of this disease and have a detailed control programme in place.

British farmers and food producers are set to benefit from access to a valuable new market, as Mexico has now officially opened its doors to British pork for the first time. British exporters can now tap into this brand-new market, which boasts high demand for high quality pork meat.

Perfectly healthy pigs will end up being destroyed and wasted unless the Government takes urgent action to alleviate crippling staff shortages, NPA chief executive Zoe Davies has warned.

GB finished pig prices fell again in the latest week, with weaker EU prices and staffing difficulties at processors adding downward pressure to domestic prices.

Complaints about the AHDB’s ‘We Eat Balanced’ advertising campaign have not been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Aldi Scotland is the first retailer to stock Scottish Outdoor Bred Pork Sausages as part of its ongoing commitment to animal welfare standards.  

The latest reporting figures from AHDB are showing a mixed picture across livestock, with cattle on the rise, pigs remaining stable, and sheep taking a decline.

Herd recording and pig business analysis is changing – and it must if the sector is to achieve key targets to improve efficiency, reduce waste and meet carbon neutral objectives.
Jane Jordan writes.

Continued diet research in preparation for next year’s zinc ban has resulted in a piglet nutrition programme being extensively tested under commercial conditions by Primary Diets.

National Pig Association chief executive Zoe Davies has warned that farms will see serious problems in “a matter of weeks” if the government does not act to address staff shortages.