2023
The essential reference guide to organisations and companies serving the UK pig industry www.pig-guide.com
PIG GUIDE
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The Con C re T e Solu T ion
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Hugh McClymont Farm Manager, Scottish Agricultural CollegePig producers pin hopes on consultation outcome
Brian Chester reportsAyear ago the British pig industry faced a torrent of challenges. Today it’s the same story. The challenges may be different but the hard fact remains that for many months now pig producers have taken knock after knock –may be kick after kick would be more apt.
And the result is that some have given up the struggle – including those who were highly regarded and had contributed so much to the industry and British consumers over the years.
In October, losses were calculated at more than £700million and no doubt rising. And the human cost is incalculable – anxiety and stress suffered by producers and their families while others in the chain continue to profit.
And the decline continues. Predictions are that it will be well into 2023 before any change in fortune begins to emerge by which time British producers will hold an even smaller percentage of their own market against the ‘attraction’ of lower priced imports. Nothing new about that as imports of pigmeat into the UK have been around for years. I am old enough to remember the time when legislation controlled supplies of bacon from other countries with an annual list of permitted tonnages. Those were the days!
But what now? Against this background of frustration and uncertainty, the industry is pinning hope on the government’s consultation on contractual practice in the pig sector with a call for a ‘fairer, more transparent and, ultimately, more sustainable pork supply chain’.
National Pig Association chairman Rob Mutimer is quoted as saying: “We believe this process offers real hope for the British pig sector, which has taken an absolute battering over the past 18 months. It has become fairly obvious to all involved that the supply chain, as it stands, is broken. Contracts, where they exist, have proved to be not worth the paper they are written on for many, and those producers have been left powerless as their pigs have been rolled week after week.”
There is much to mend and precious little time left for loss-making pig producers as, for many, cost of production continues to outstrip the price paid for pigs. The consultation took three months. The industry hopes that its submissions will be accepted and acted on with the minimum of delay producing a system that is fair for all –underpinned with government legislation. ‘Fair for all’ especially on supermarket shelves where good value, home produced pork and bacon, backed by clear labelling and the on-going promotions of AHDB, deserves its rightful place and price.
It is to be hoped that outcomes delivered by Defra will hold to its website declaration that: ‘Any interventions in the pig sector following this consultation will be designed to ensure farm businesses can engage in smart business planning and risk management, supporting a competitive and resilient sector that delivers benefits for producers, consumers, and taxpayers.’
There is a saying that goes ‘Fine words butter no parsnips’. Actions are what matter and the industry prays that Defra’s list of catch phrases and jargon is not a product of the parsnip patch.
The Pig Guide will be reassured if the result of the consultation has been welcomed by pig producers and acted upon before this annual publication lands on your desk. If not…
Where there is help....
When faced with challenges, it’s reassuring to know that there are a number of resources you can access. Their practical advice, guidance and support continue to make a huge difference to many in the farming community.
The Farming Community Network
The FCN is a primary source for pastoral and practical support for anyone in the farming community, with a particular focus on farmers and farming families. The helpline is available every day of the year, 7am to 11pm. www.fcn.org.uk Helpline: 03000111999
supporting those in the agricultural sector. The mental health charity has grown and covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support. The DPJ Foundation works with leading organisations in the sector including NFU Cymru, FUW, YFC, vets and Welsh Government to help provide an accessible and flexible service.
www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk Helpline: 0800 587 4262
becoming ‘full beneficiaries’ of the charity, receiving on-going payments. www.rabi.org.uk Helpline: 0800 188 4444
The YANA Project
The YANA Project provides confidential support, mental health awareness and funding for counselling for those in farming and rural trades in Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcestershire. It has published and funded a directory of regional support groups and key national charities which can specifically help those in the rural communities.
www.yanahelp.org
Helpline: 0300 323 0400
Mind – the mental health charity
Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The charity campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. www.mind.org.uk Infoline: 0300 123 3393
The RSABI
RSABI offers practical and financial support and friendship to more than 600 individuals and their families working on the land in Scotland. The team works to support anyone who asks for help and is within their scope, in the strictest confidence. www.rsabi.org.uk
Helpline: 7am -11pm: 0300 111 4166
The DPJ Foundation
The DPJ Foundation was set up in July 2016 in Pembrokeshire,
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution
RABI offers financial support to farming people of all ages facing hardship. Every application for support is treated on its own merit, working with compassion and discretion. Support is offered on both a short-term and long-term basis, with many
The Addington Fund
The Addington Fund provides homes for farming families in England and Wales who have to leave the industry through no fault of their own. Hardship grants are also available, at the trustees’ discretion, in times of emergency. www.addingtonfund.org.uk Call: 01926 620135
For other sources of support visit: www.ahdb.org.uk/ support-for-farmers
Grass takes root in the search for sustainability
Jane Jordan reportsImproving sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality are primary objectives for the UK’s pigmeat supply chain and targeting efficiency at every stage, to enable more lean meat to be produced from fewer resources, will undoubtedly help pig production businesses accomplish both. However, there are wider perspectives to consider when applying eco-sensitive, impact reduction ethics at production level and for outdoor herds forging an integral relationship with grass and what lies beneath it, is likely to be one of the most important factors going forward.
Maintaining ground cover, to protect soil and water quality, is becoming a key feature on a number of outdoor units and those that have introduced grassland management into their production strategies are finding that growing the green stuff offers measurable benefits to swine and the arable acres they occupy. A thriving sward helps minimise pig production impacts and protect the biodiversity that exists both above and below the ground.
A number of pig businesses are now working more closely with landowners to establish herbage
leys on stubble before the pigs arrive, while others are devising strategies that allow them to set up on stewardship cover as land moves back into food production. These outdoor herds are also learning to ‘manage the meadows’ the pigs’ are living on, and have found that retaining grass cover offers significant potential to better manage rain water run-off, prevent erosion and improve the health, structure and ecology of the subterranean environment.
LSB Pigs in North Norfolk has prioritised paddock management for three years. It operates two outdoor breeding herds, a 900-sow unit at
Coxford and another 550-sow unit a few miles away. Both sites are part of a productive arable rotation, growing cereals, oil seed rape and sugar beet which also includes a well-established countryside stewardship programme. There is a firm commitment here to improve biodiversity, protect soil health/water quality and minimise any environmental impacts that food production has on the landscape. Pig production usually has a two-year occupancy and is a vital part of the estate’s integrated, forward-thinking farming strategy.
In 2020 LSB embarked on a two-and-a-halfyear grassland trial with the Norfolk Rivers Trust, Anglian Water, seeds specialist Kings Crops and AHDB. The objective was to compare the performance and environmental value of paddocks sown with a specific seed mix along with those seeded with a more traditional legume/ryegrass sward. However, the project has uncovered so much more and proved grass offers
Left: LSB’s farrowing sows moved onto new grass this spring. Sows are in individual pens and batch farrow in groups. Managing grass cover can be a little more difficult but the unit’s more extensive layout is helping.
more than just green credentials.
Both pig units are visually pastoral; they take advantage of natural topographies, such as natural woodland, shelter belts, hedge lines and sloped areas. In recent years unit layout has become more extensive with site moves timed to ensure pigs move onto established grassland rather than stubble. Unit manager Rob McGregor says stocking rate, around 10-11 sows per acre, is now a key consideration and a ‘pasture management protocol’, the product of numerous farm trials carried out during the past five years, is followed to optimise grass growth.
“This project certainly suggests green cover benefits soil health and can control erosion and nutrient leaching. We’ve also found we can sustain grass growth on a commercial pig operation if we use specific seed mixes and management techniques. But we’ve discovered other benefits too, linked to pig welfare, productivity and our everyday management and that’s a real bonus,” says Rob.
Having ‘fodder-under-foot’ has also changed sow behaviour, as the motivation to graze keeps
Above left: Sward quality remains good after more than two years pig production. Leafy and dense as creeping red fescue has improved the ley’s resilience and provided sows with much ‘grazing enjoyment’.
Above right: Underground – soil structure and worm count at LSB’s Coxford site have improved with a grassland management protocol.
SUSTAINABILITY
the herd occupied and noticeably mobile.
“The sows enjoy grazing; they’re calmer and more compliant when we work with them, and the chap who does our pregnancy scanning says there’s less stress in the herd now it’s on grass, which makes his job much easier,” Rob explains.
The sows eagerly feed at the trough once a day, but the grass provides constant gut fill, and unit staff report less straw usage as huts don’t need bedding up as often as they did when the herd was on stubble. The grass paddocks are also ‘more comfortable’ during summer months as the sward is cooler to lie on than bare soil.
Rob says the herd is also in better shape physically, as grazing keeps sows moving. They are in good condition across all parities and definitely fitter throughout pregnancy, which he believes is helping reduce the length of time taken to farrow and speed up post-partum recovery.
Right: Jim Egan, Kings Crops, says this sward now more than two years old, has excellent grass growth, a strong root structure and healthy soil. Maintaining grass cover is promoting the nutrient and moisture holding capacity of this light land and providing a valuable green manure for subsequent cropping.
Below: Rob McGregor (far right), LSB Farm manager, explains the merits of grassland management to producers, managers and landowners at an open day last Autumn.
Green feed - these in-pig gilts were turned onto new ground sown with Kings Crops pig mix in 2021. These paddocks have now been in production for more than two years and in October 2022 were still providing good cover and plentiful grazing for dry sows.
“sections, with huts and water drinkers located in the central area, and two additional pens fenced off on either side. They are initially given the middle section and one side paddock, and once the area is grazed off the side paddock is closed off to recuperate and sows are given the fresh paddock on the other side.
Paddock brief
The original leys have now been through two winters and last year’s prolonged drought, when temperatures exceeded 35 degrees C. The ground, viewed during autumn 2022, remains in good condition with 80-90% grass covering the service radial and gestation paddocks. There are only a few bare patches, mainly around feed troughs and water stations, and there is little evidence of poaching and rooting. Maintaining the sward, particularly in the dry sow area, has also altered dunging patterns. Manure deposits are now widespread, and that’s helping distribute nutrients more evenly across the whole acreage.
The flip-grazing system Rob uses with dry sows allows the sward to rest and recover while still in production. The sows are penned in large paddocks, separated into three equal-sized
“Our sows generally live in two out of three paddocks. The central paddock is in continual use and we just flip the additional grazing area from one side to the other as the grass gets grazed. This means we can rest part of the sward and give it time to recover, and it does grow quite quickly once the sows move off. It’s simple, your guide is the grass growth and the sows tend to follow it as it grows,” he explains.
Currently the site is sown with two seed mixtures. One half has Kings’ specific pig blend containing a high percentage of creeping red fescue, an intermediate perennial ryegrass, and late perennial ryegrass species at a rate of 35kg per ha. The rest is down to a two-year fallow mix originally designed to use on Ecological Focus Areas (EFA). It includes Italian ryegrass and legumes like vetch, Birdsfoot trefoil and Red Clover, sown at 20kg per ha. The pig mix has provided better cover, which Jim Egan, technical advisor with Kings, says is due to the red fescue content.
The paddocks sown with our pig-specific blend are more robust than the ryegrass/legume leys; they recover well, and are very productive.
LSB COXFORD – A COMMERCIAL OPERATION WITH SUSTAINABLE VISION AND VALUES
• Contract breeding herd supplying weaned pigs to BQP/ Pilgrims
• Batch production system, weaning at 5 weeks of age
• Herd size is 900 sows with a 1 to 6 parity profile, breeding its own replacements
• Sows average 14.8 born alive and rear 12 pigs a litter
• Average weaning weight at 35 days of age is 10kgs
“The paddocks sown with our pig-specific blend are more robust than the ryegrass/legume leys; they recover well, and are very productive. This trial shows us there is a strong case for including creeping red fescue in grass cover that’s going to be followed by pigs and a typical AB15 two-year stewardship mix and/or longer term GS4 legume and herb-rich blend could benefit from the fescue element. It would promote a more resilient root network that can bind the soil together and improve structure. It responds well to organic nutrients, with good tillering and root development – characteristics that do reduce erosion and improve the ground’s water and nutrient holding capacity, which is what we want,” he explains.
Kings is keen to test red fescue with stewardship swards and is now working with outdoor herds and landowners in East Anglia to develop seed mixes and management plans that fit within scheme remits. These blends will be more robust and some of the longer-term leys might also have opportunity to add value by taking a forage crop before the pigs move in.
“There are definitely opportunities for livestock breaks within UK crop rotations and what we’ve learned at LSB is how seed mixes can be adjusted to comply with various environmental requirements while benefitting both pig farming and arable production,” says Jim.
However, success relies on all partners having a fundamental understanding of the management/ business objectives of each enterprise. Timing is
vital and Jim says getting this right for all parties, relies on good communication.
“Good grass cover takes time to get established and some landowners often underestimate how long it takes to produce a robust, pig-resilient sward. A suitable ley will take at least three to four months to establish, but the longer it can be left to mature before pigs are introduced, the better. The longer the grass is on top, the deeper the roots are underneath, which makes for a strong sward,” he explains.
But fitting grass establishment and then pig production within a farm’s arable programme takes planning and Jim says the overall farming strategy must be flexible enough to enable the pig enterprise to manage their grass cover effectively, too. LSB took the decision to drill its own grass leys into stubble post-harvest as accessing arable labour during the very busy cultivation/ drilling period was a challenge. Choosing to do it themselves meant they could follow the combine, take advantage of decent conditions and give the new ley plenty of time to get established before the pigs moved on to it in February 2021.
“This worked well for us and proved cost effective. Our landlord supports what we’re doing, we are working together and our pigs are now able to move onto established grassland. When we move on after two years, we’re leaving green cover behind us, which is helping the arable operation as green manure, by providing valuable organic nutrition for subsequent crops,” says Rob.
Sustainability enhancement –threat or opportunity?
Paul Smith looks aheadAny industry aiming to be part of the future in an increasingly global marketplace must plan for that future and anticipate the need for change. Driving forward the government’s ambitions as a science superpower, a 2022 Spending Review committed record levels of investment in the UK’s world-leading research base over the next three years, with R&D spending set to increase by £5 billion to £20 billion a year by 2024-2025 – a 33% increase in spending over the current parliament by 2024-2025. As it happens, the government has allocated £11m for certain agricultural research projects costing between £1m and £3m which focus on boosting productivity and enhancing sustainability. These are highly relevant to the pig industry.
There will be big changes in research priorities
Such announcements do little to inspire the UK pig industry whose recent priority has been to survive to the end of the month rather than contemplate the future. Despite this grim reality, what’s left of the pig industry’s research base comprises the gateway to its future. It has not been a good time for researchers and armchair prophets heralding the need for change nor for sharing their new ideas with those at the sharp end of our industry. Nevertheless, organisations such as the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (Pork) and National Pig Association have continued to nurture their close liaison with university departments and researchers. Such links are necessary to help identify and support industry relevant research priorities and safeguard the pig industry in what inevitably will be a much changed future.
SUSTAINABILITY
Enhanced sustainability will provide a competitive edge
Pig feed – big changes in composition forecast.
Throughout the whole of global agriculture and particularly within the fiercely competitive pig industry, research priorities are dominated by sustainability demands. Within the UK, the government has set a target for a net zero carbon footprint by 2050. In recognition of the need for UK agriculture to remain a key global player, the NFU has shown commendable foresight setting its own demanding target of carbon neutrality by 2040. Against this background, other research priorities pale into insignificance. Interested onlookers acknowledge that the pig industry has made impressive advances towards carbon neutrality in recent years. It is way ahead of those producing meat from ruminants. In particular, because of the close relationship between indoor pig production and arable farming, plus the bonus of soil enrichment from outdoor pig friendly production, our home industry should have a head start on the competition.
European competitors have been particularly sharp in acknowledging this environmental reality. Consequently they have been proactive in enhancing their sustainability credentials. The EU’s main exporters of pig products have got the message and aim to become global leaders in sustainability issues. Food miles is but one aspect of life cycle assessment of any product.
Researchers at Queen’s University, Belfast under the umbrella of the Centre for Innovation In Agriculture (CIEL) have appraised changes in the environmental impacts of modern pig production in Great Britain over 18 recent years. Findings indicate that genetic selection for lean meat production in fast growing pigs has already led to much needed improvements in the efficiency of energy utilisation. Overall, the system changes led to reductions, for indoor and outdoor bred systems respectively, of 37.0% and 35.4% for global warming potential, 21.2% and 16.4% in terrestrial acidification potential, 22.5% and 22.3% in freshwater eutrophication potential, 15.8% and 16.8% in agricultural land use and 16.5% and 16.1% in fossil resource scarcity. Whereas the outstanding changes in pig performance had a useful environmental impact, the bigger impact arose because of changes in feed composition. Looking forwards
there will have to be massive changes in what we feed our pigs.
Sustainability enhancement must be regarded as a long-term objective and the associated changes will be painful for many of those currently working on the food supply chain. It will be driven by those who have a strong focus on the need for climate change. They will campaign for a change in modern farming practices which become part of the common objective. It will be driven by the government, go-ahead farmers and multidisciplinary innovators. Their collaborative efforts will be strongly influenced by those who hope to be around after 2050. Many of today’s young people are comfortable in this era of social media and are quick to use it to their advantage. While not clued-up on the complexities of the bigger picture, they are adamant that changes are needed in how their food and particularly their meat is produced. Consequently this socially focussed sector of the population have latched onto climate change as a means of ensuring that their pipe dream becomes a reality.
Biological circularity will become more important
New thinking suggests that farmers will have to sharpen their focus on unlocking the biological potential within the area of land they farm. They will be expected to have less reliance on chemical inputs beyond the farm gate and lessen the pollution impact that enterprises without the buffer of broad acres create. Inevitably yields of cereals will be reduced, and it will become less affordable to use the remaining tonnage
of cereals to feed farm animals. The future pig industry will have to make vast changes in ration composition since there is now less scope for exploiting improvements arising from better pig productivity. Those who produce pigs outdoors on suitable arable land will be early adopters of this need and within the associated farm boundary there will be more emphasis on growing pulse crops for feeding to pigs and utilising more arable by-products. An increased use of anaerobic digestion will also help to boost the circularity credentials of pigs fed indoors.
The foregoing will not have been easy reading for pig people who have worked closely with scientists to develop our modern industry. However, those still reading will be those who seek to understand the consequences of comprising just a part of one cog of several that convey a shortening food chain. The Sustainable Food Trust’s report Feeding Britain From The Ground Up should have sounded a wake-up call for the pig industry. Some of its conclusions were spine chilling. The report forecasted that future grain production would halve and pulse production would double, resulting in a 75% reduction in pork and chicken production. It was suggested that our staple meats would become beef and lamb delivered from grassland production. Emerging from this cloud of methane was a suggestion that beef and lamb production would continue to be produced in quantities similar to present times. Those who want a future in pig farming must not only be aware of the pressures from concerned consumers but also of those emanating from the ‘enlightened’ arable and ruminant sector.
Improved performance reduces environmental impact – but feed effect greater.
Trials show benefit of green cover to soil, crops and stock
Jane Jordan reportsEd Bramham-Jones, operations director at Norfolk Rivers Trust, says having livestock in an arable rotation definitely benefits cropping and soil health. They return organic matter and plenty of nutrients to the ground, but experience shows that the light, free-draining land typically used for outdoor pigs, has limited water and nutrient holding capacity which can cause problems.
“Pigs do bring plenty of organic nitrogen back to the soil, but retaining those valuable nutrients can be challenging when herds move straight onto stubble or are managed on bare earth. The project at LSB Pigs in North Norfolk was initially set up to try and control some of the environmentally negative aspects associated with excessive run-off, during the winter and following episodes of high rainfall. Many outdoor pig units and land owners in this catchment area were struggling to control erosion and the soil loss on some units could be quite considerable. But we’ve all learned so much more from growing grass, with benefits that extend beyond water protection and reducing run off,” he explains.
Farm manager Rob McGregor says that having grass cover has altered drainage patterns and the unit does not experience as much waterlogging as it used to during the winter months, which makes it easier for staff to navigate when feeding and moving stock. The run-off during torrential storms – which seems to be occurring more frequently –is now also more controlled, there are fewer water gullies and ruts and the site’s low-lying areas are no longer flood excessively.
Having a thriving sward with an active root system improves the moisture and nutrient holding capacity of the free-draining land and the growing grass also locks in and utilises nutrients –mainly nitrates, phosphorus, potassium and trace minerals – deposited in pig manure, which helps reduce the risk of leaching. And, when the pigs
move off and the land is cultivated those valuable ‘locked in’ organic nutrients are released and readily taken up by the next crop.
Protective benefits
Fiona Wood, catchment scientist with Anglian Water, has been monitoring soil structure and nutrient concentrations on LSB’s Coxford site across all seasons for a number of years. So far, data collected from paddocks sown with a pig-specific grass seed mixture indicate that maintaining cover in pig paddocks protects soil structure and how, when the conditions are extreme as they were during last summer’s drought, an established root system can ‘survive’ below the surface and help preserve soil health
One paddock is resting (left), while the other two are in production. The grass recovers quite quickly once sows move off. Time to re-establish and improve longevity and quality of the sward above and below ground.
and nutrient levels.
“We have some more data to collect before this trial is complete and hope to have some conclusive results this Spring, but anecdotally, looking at what’s been happening with the pig-specific ley and the flip-grazing routine, we can see it’s influencing soil structure and ecology. The soil looks well, with plenty of worm activity and a robust root system keeping it all together. Our observations certainly suggest that rest and re-establishment during pig production does help to maintain green cover and promote deeper root development, which is important as it will lessen nutrient loss and help protect ground water quality,” she explains.
Fiona Wood of Anglian Water sets out the benefits of resting pig paddocks during production to let them recuperate.
These are critical issues for catchment sensitive areas, particularly those that rely on aquifers for fresh water supplies. A significant number of Anglian Water’s boreholes are located on light land in pig producing areas and the company is keen to encourage more farmers to explore how green cover crops and sward management can protect soil and water quality and benefit outdoor pig production. Financial support and grant funding are available to farm businesses via water companies and associated agencies to sponsor trials, training, equipment, and technical innovation/development projects aimed at improving water management and soil/ protection. Such partnerships are worth consideration as the pressure to reduce costs and become more environmentally responsible will denote a new mindset for primary food producers. UK agriculture must strive to minimise impacts at every stage and mixed farming systems do offer opportunities to optimise resources. Working collaboratively, with other sectors and industry stakeholders, should enable the pig sector to reach carbon neutrality, or certainly come close.
Useful links: https://norfolkriverstrust.org/project/greencover-outdoor_pigs/ https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/business/helpand-advice/working-with-farmers/ https://www.kingscrops.co.uk/services
Shoppers recognise and trust the logo
Red Tractor is a unique food and farm assurance scheme covering animal welfare, food safety, traceability, and environmental protection from farm to pack.
It was created more than 20 years ago in the wake of damaging food scares to give shoppers reassurance that their food was British, traceable, safe and farmed with care.
With more than 2,000 pig members, it is the largest and most comprehensive UK food and farming assurance scheme. The products from all the sectors we cover, contribute more than £14 billion to the UK economy.
Red Tractor’s standards cover requirements around traceability, biosecurity, housing, animal medicines, pig health and welfare through to environmental protection. All pork products carrying the logo come from pigs that have been born, reared, and slaughtered in the UK, meeting our standards at every stage of production. Our standards can be found online at www. redtractorassurance.org.uk.
The Red Tractor scheme is a celebration of the skill of UK pig producers and a symbol of the quality and high standards of British farming. Eight out of ten UK primary shoppers recognise
and trust the Red Tractor logo, it is the mosttrusted food marque in the UK. The UK’s largest retailers, caterers and food brands insist on Red Tractor for their produce. And, because it is valued by government, it is recognised by its agencies and local authorities, resulting in fewer government inspections on Red Tractor farms.
Red Tractor helps to ensure farmers are meeting standards that deliver what their customers expect. Every farmer is required to meet those standards every day. Regular inspections and vet visits mean that each member receives an important health check for their business.
For more information on the scheme and how it operates go to www.redtractorassurance.org.uk or www.redtractor.org.uk/our-standards/pork
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is a statutory levy board funded by farmers and others in the supply chain. Our purpose is to be a critical enabler, to positively influence outcomes, allowing farmers and others in the supply chain to be competitive, successful and share good practice. We equip levy payers with easy-touse products, tools and services to help them make informed decisions and improve business performance.
Established in 2008 and classified as a nondepartmental public body, AHDB supports the following industries: meat and livestock (beef, lamb and pork) in England; dairy in Great Britain; and cereals and oilseeds in the UK. For further information about AHDB, visit ahdb.org.uk
Our priorities for pork
Traditionally, the English pig sector has adapted quickly to make the most of change. In recent years, our pig meat has been exported to more than 100 countries, and the industry has responded positively to shifting consumer trends in the home market. However, the agility of the sector will continue to be tested as we become more exposed to global competition.
As a result, we face the following challenges:
• How can we sell every part of the pig for the best return at home or overseas?
• How do we continue to protect the reputation of pork and promote its benefits to consumers?
• How do we continue to improve animal health and welfare and reduce our impact on the environment?
• How can we improve production efficiency in a way that supports the reputation of British pork while remaining competitive at home and overseas?
The opportunities and challenges these questions raise cannot always be addressed by individual producers or processors acting alone. However, funded by your levy, we support the industry to position itself to both survive tough times and thrive when circumstances allow.
Selling every part of the pig
We invest over £19m every year in marketing and export development to ensure that pork appeals to modern, busy households in the UK and appears on menus and in supermarkets around the world.
We have representatives in key international markets who coordinate and lead our in-country export activity. This proved hugely valuable with the travel restrictions enforced during the pandemic.
We host British exporters at international trade fairs, providing them with an important platform to meet potential clients, develop existing relationships and showcase the best of British pork products to a global audience. Over the coming year, we will be heading Anufood in China, Expo Carnes in Mexico and Foodex in Japan, to name just a few of the many trade fairs we attend and exhibit at. We also host inward missions to potential new markets, and in 2022 we gained access to a new market for pork in Chile.
From January to June 2022, more than half of the 108,294 tonnes of pig meat exported to non-EU countries was imported by China, followed by the Philippines, which has become the world’s third-largest importer of pork from the UK. Shipments to the Philippines were valued at £25.9m in the first six months of the year, up 14.8% compared with the same period last year. AHDB led the first commercial mission to the Philippines in May 2022, hosting nine UK exporters in Manilla to facilitate the all-important businessto-business meetings with leading importers.
so well received that it’s now a core part of AHDB’s consumer marketing work. The campaign educates consumers on the sustainability aspects of British farming and the nutrients found in pork, particularly vitamin B12.
In addition to our marketing work to help influence consumer attitudes and perceptions around pork, we also support industry initiatives to help connect consumers with the farming sector and ensure that young audiences are wellinformed about where food comes from through our education work.
Animal health and welfare and the environment
We provide a wide variety of support services and tools to help all producers breed and rear animals in optimal conditions. We also work closely with other organisations, such as the British Pig Association (BPA), the National Pig Association (NPA) and the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS) to ensure that, wherever possible, we can offer producers a holistic approach to managing animal health on farm.
Consumer marketing activities, such as the midweek meals campaign, which is now in its sixth year, support the industry by encouraging a positive attitude towards pork. Demonstrating pork’s versatility, taste, leanness, and value ensures it remains relevant to modern consumers and drives sales.
Independent evaluation of AHDB’s midweek meals pork marketing campaign, which ran from October to November 2021, showed that following the campaign, 78% of consumers were likely to purchase pork the next time they shopped. A further burst of the campaign, centred around the message ‘Feed the Family for Less with Pork’ in October 2022, inspired consumers to use economical cuts of pork such as shoulder, sausages, and lean mince to create budget-friendly, everyday dishes for the family.
Our We Eat Balanced advertising campaign, which was first aired in December 2021, was
• Electronic medicine book for pigs (eMB): Our pioneering digital platform has recorded a 60% reduction in the use of antibiotics across 94% of finished pigs since its introduction in 2016
• Pig Hub: Pig Hub is a single pig industry portal for all producers, which provides an accurate database for the industry, recording changes on individual pig units
The environment is also a growing concern among consumers, policymakers, and farmers. Our Environment team is active in major groups and decision-making both domestically and globally.
• Ammonia emissions: Our ammonia monitoring trial demonstrated that the British pig industry is successfully reducing ammonia emissions. The results, which were welcomed by the Environment Agency, finally enable the industry to firmly demonstrate compliance and best practice, saving producers an estimated £15.3m from environmental mitigation costs
• Slurry cooling: Slurry cooling is reported to reduce ammonia emissions by up to 75%, and
Protecting the reputation of pork and promoting its benefits
the heat extracted can be used to heat livestock housing, reducing energy and heating costs. We have created a dedicated slurry cooling hub to equip pig producers with the correct resources, guidance, and tools to understand the options available for implementing slurry cooling on a farm.
Supporting you and your business
Farmer-to-farmer learning: Our Farm Excellence programme is about making real change on farm through a wide-reaching platform of activity that allows farmers and producers to learn from one of their most trusted sources, each other.
Monitor Farms focus on improving overall business performance and generally concerns the whole farm. The recent cohort of six Monitor Farms, working with our knowledge exchange team, has been introduced to the principles of lean management. As a result, pig managers are becoming more efficient and saving money by stepping back and looking at things with fresh eyes, using proven lean management techniques to find more efficient ways of working.
Improvements often relate to simple things, with small changes achieving savings which add up over time without compromising performance.
Our retail and consumer insight teams work to understand the needs of modern food
consumers and how their attitudes towards cooking, buying and eating influence the whole supply chain. Our findings and insights are available to farmers, retailers, and processors to ensure that our domestic food industries can strive to be world-class.
• Farm input outlook: The Farm Input Overview publication gives an insight into recent trends in farm inputs and feed, together with an outlook for animal feed ingredients
• UK pig meat outlook: Our pig market outlook publications provide insights into trends across the pig sector, together with our latest production and trade forecasts
Our training courses are open to pig unit staff across the country. There is a range of ways for people to train, for example, through online webinars and face-to-face workshops.
Contacts
• Get in touch with the Pork team at: ahdb.org.uk/meet-the-team-pork
• For queries about PigHub and eAML2, email: pighub@ahdb.org.uk
• For general information and news, visit our website: ahdb.org.uk/pork
• Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, Pork Weekly, at: ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch
RSPCA Assured label goes from strength to strength
Now in its 29th year, RSPCA Assured is proud to have almost 25% of UK pig production operating under the RSPCA Assured scheme to the RSPCA’s higher welfare standards. With more than 800 different pork products on offer in retail, pig production firmly remains one of RSPCA Assured’s biggest successes. In fact, RSPCA Assured labelled pork products account for more than 40% of all the different RSPCA Assured products available.
RSPCA Assured has continued to work closely with retailers and 2022 saw a major move by M&S to sell only 100% slower-reared, higher-welfare RSPCA fresh chicken in addition to all pork, farmed salmon, farmed trout, milk and eggs. This means they now offer more RSPCA Assured products than any other retailer. The impact of the scheme has also extended to discount supermarkets, with Lidl announcing in September 2022 they would only stock 100% free range eggs (by 2024).
Despite the rising cost of living, customers are showing retailers that they still care where their food comes from. But it’s not just in retail where RSPCA Assured continues to make its mark. The scheme’s expansion into foodservice continued with the development of a supplier directory to make it easier for businesses to find RSPCA Assured suppliers. All RSPCA Assured product lines saw growth last year, highlighting increased customer demand for higher welfare products. Pork sales were driven by demand for sausages as barbecuing and outdoor socialising grew in popularity with the good weather.
Today, more than 60% of UK consumers* recognise the RSPCA Assured label, continuing the upward trend in awareness. The successful start of its Welly Vision ten minute micro-documentary campaign on YouTube and RSPCA Assured social channels was bolstered by TV advertising, and has helped to raise the profile of the charity and its mission to improve animal welfare standards for farmed animals. The Welly Vision feature on pigs, fronted by food campaigner and TV presenter, Kate Quilton, was aimed at people who eat bacon, sausages or other pork products, and those interested in finding out more about pig farming.
Outdoor piglets on a RSPCA Assured breeding unit
You can find more information on how to become a member visit: https://business.rspcaassured.org.uk/resourcesfor-farmers/becoming-an-rspca-assuredmember
And don’t forget to keep up with the latest RSPCA Assured news on social media: Twitter: @rspcaassured Facebook: RSPCAAssured Instagram: @rspcaassured_official
Keep an eye on RSPCA Assured social channels for more Welly Vision news.
For pork products to be labelled RSPCA Assured, all stages of a pig’s life must have been covered by the RSPCA’s standards including on farm, in transport and at the abattoir. Processors and packers must also be RSPCA Assured certified. The RSPCA standards are informed by scientific evidence and encourage best practice. The standards cover pig health, diet, environment, care and welfare outcomes. This includes the provision of bedding, nesting material for sows and environmental enrichment such as straw.
All RSPCA Assured members receive annual assessments by specially-trained assessors and are also subject to additional unannounced visits to ensure standards are maintained.
*Opinium Research poll of 2,000 UK respondents, June 2022.
National Pig Association
The NPA is the only organisation that represents British pig producers within Government, and with processors, caterers and retailers.
Our activities on their behalf include:
• Engaging with the media to promote and provide insight into the pig sector
• Lobbying all relevant Government departments to protect and enhance members’ interests
• Pushing Government to do all it can to protect our borders from notifiable disease entry and raise awareness to all stakeholders
• Working closely with Defra to secure a positive outcome for pig farmers as policies change and agricultural reform continues
• Regular discussions with retailers and processors fighting for a fair price and treatment of producers
• Responding on members’ behalf to consultations and official enquiries
• Representing pig farmers to a wide variety of interest groups
• Collaborating with farming groups across the UK and EU.
• Providing one to one support for members on a wide variety of issues
• Targeted campaigns to promote British pork
If you would like to know more about the vital role that our organisation plays in the pig industry, please contact us!
National Pig Association Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
CV8 2TZ
Tel 02476 858780
Email npa@npanet.org.uk Web www.npa-uk.org.uk
WHO’S WHO
THE STAFF
Email: npa@npanet.org.uk
Chief Executive: Lizzie Wilson
Tel: 07790 117091
Senior Policy Advisor: Rebecca Veale Tel: 07551 155654
Senior Policy Advisor: Charlie Dewhirst Tel: 07741 263194
Office Manager: Andrea Tranter Tel: 02476 858780
NPA BOARD
Rob Mutimer Chairman
Phil Stephenson Vice Chairman
Hugh Crabtree Vice Chairman
Sam Godfrey
Tom Allen
Howard Revell Jane Matthews Tom Bradshaw
NPA PIG INDUSTRY GROUP
Sam Godfrey Chairman Tom Allen Vice Chairman
Rob Mutimer
Phil Stephenson
Hugh Crabtree
Sally Stockings
Andrew Freemantle
Robin Lawson Sophie Hope
Joe Dewhirst
Howard Revell
Michelle Sprent Oliver Bown
Gemma Thwaites
Ashley Gilman
Eduardo Velazquez
Steve Urwin
Your guide to BPA: British Pig Association
The British Pig Association is the independent national pedigree registration organisation for 14 breeds of pig in the UK. Founded in 1884, the Association today is dedicated to the conservation of our native pig breeds. In partnership with the RBST, a gene-bank is being built to protect our breeds in the event of an outbreak of exotic disease. As part of our on-farm conservation programme we try to help small scale producers of pedigree pigs build sustainable rural businesses to ensure the long-term survival of our breeds in the farmyard. In support of this objective the BPA has launched a Pedigree Pork programme to promote finished pigs from pedigree breeders to independent butchers and assist with direct retailing of pork to consumers. Our Junior Pig Club works with schools to encourage the next generation of pedigree pig breeders and raise awareness of the link between consumption and conservation.
Eat Them to Save Them
The BPA website has an interactive search page for local suppliers of pedigree pork. The website also has full listings of suppliers of both breeding
and finished pedigree pigs based on the latest information from the pedigree database.
The BPA has always recognised the individual identity of the breeds within the association. Each breed elects its own representatives who are the first point of contact for members with questions about pedigree breeding or problems to be resolved. A full list of representatives is available from the BPA website.
WHO’S WHO
President: The Marquess of Salisbury KCVO PC DL Chairman: Mr C Impey
Deputy chairmen: Mr B Kelly, Mrs M Naylor Council: Mrs T Bretherton, Dr M Giles, Mr C Impey, Mr Brian Kelly, Mrs S Lugg, Mrs M Naylor, Mr N Overend
Chairman pedigree pork and education committee: Brian Kelly briankelly134@gmail.com
Chairman pedigree show committee: Maria Naylor maria@framfieldpigs.co.uk
Chairman pedigree breed development and conservation committee: Chris Impey chrisimpey@btinternet.com Chief executive: Marcus Bates
British Pig Association
Trumpington Mews, 40b High Street
Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LS
Pedigree Enquiries: 01223 845096 Administration: 01223 845100 Email: bpa@britishpigs.org Web: www.britishpigs.org Twitter: @britishpigassoc Facebook: @britishpigs
BREEDING
CLEANING
BQP
Tel 07802 596702
Email mark.jagger@pilgrimsuk.com Web www.bqp.co.uk
Have you considered growing high welfare pigs? Do you have an under utilised buildings? Or simply wish for another revenue stream on the farm? We offer: • Help and advice for conversions and new buildings. • Long term sustainable contracts. • A regular and stable cash flow. • Total support from our experienced team of Field staff and Vets. • Good income in return for supplying the building, water, straw, labour, get quality muck back.
DUAL PUMPS LIMITED
Unit 8, Hudson Road, Saxby Road Industrial Estate, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1BS Tel 01664 567226 Fax 01664 410127
Email info@dualpumps.co.uk Web www.dualpumps.co.uk
BUILDINGS
Rydal Estate, Colton Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 3HF
Tel 01889 575055
Email info@armbuildings.co.uk Web www.armbuildings.co.uk
ARM Buildings have manufactured specialist pig buildings for over 35 years. Our buildings are manufactured using the company’s own factorymade laminated panel system. ARM Buildings are equipped with the best available equipment and materials and include monitored ventilation systems with a free 12 month subscription to ‘Barn Report Pro’. As well as supplying new buildings as a complete package, buildings can be delivered in kit form. Refurbishment projects are also undertaken and a wide range of equipment from slats to feed systems are available. ARM Buildings offer a full project management service including base-works construction, erection of buildings, installation of equipment and a full planning service.
Agricultural, Industrial, Marine or Construction… Evolution 3 24 Hp Loncin V-Twin pressure washers have the power & reliability to operate in the most demanding environments. Pairing the industry leading Interpump 66 series pumps with a 24 Hp Loncin V-Twin petrol engine, the range offers flows from 15 to 41 lpm and pressures from 200 to 500 bar. With the ability to have two operators working from one machine, the Evolution 3 24 Hp Loncin V-Twin pressure washers offer unrivalled versatility. We sell pumps, power equipment and related fluid handling components and accessories to a wide range of industries. We also produce pressure washers, pumping solutions and component assemblies for our dealer and manufacturing partners. We help our customers with support and advice.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
AGROVISION (AGROSOFT LTD)
Unit 16, Yew Tree Court, Earl Soham, Suffolk IP13 7SG Tel 01728 685118
Email j.nesling@agrovision.com Web www.agrovision.com/uk
The UK’s leading pig software provider. Cloud based recording for the modern pig farmer. Serving single and multi-herd businesses since 1999. Contact us to find out how our PigVision mobile apps and new analytics reporting can help you save time and analyse your herd in more detail.
ENERGY
EQUIPMENT
NFU ENERGY
10th Street, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth CV8 2LS
Tel 024 7669 6512
Email info@nfuenergy.co.uk Web www.nfuenergy.co.uk
NFU Energy services include an energy helpline, energy contract finder service, renewables feasibility and compliance support as well as energy efficiency advice.
EQUIPMENT
Systems
ARATO SYSTEMS LTD
Willow Farm, Mill Lane, Weeley Heath, Clacton On Sea, Essex CO16 9BZ
Tel 01255 830288 Mobile 07768 154001
Email david@aratosystems.com
Pig Equipment Specialists
Design – Supply – Installation – Service
ARATO Slurry Saving Pig Drinkers
ARATO Push-Fit Plumbing System
ARATO Misting, Cooling and Soaking Systems
EB Bulk Bins and Auger Systems
HI-HEAT Ceramic Strip Heaters, Lamps, Heat Pads
ARATO Curtain and Fan Ventilation Systems
ZIEHL and HYDOR Fans
FARMEX DICAM Ventilation and Heating
FARMEX DICAM Alarm and Monitoring Systems
ACO and BLIBY Ad-Lib Feeders
HAMPSHIRE Wet Feeding Systems
ARATO Slurry Valves and Slurry Systems
AUFENACKER Plastic Gates and Pen Divisions
NEACO Plastic Slatted Flooring
ARATO Mill and Mix Systems – Installation and servicing of all makes of new and old systems.
B&W FEEDS
Tel 01258 830100
Email enquiries@bwfeeds.com Web www.bwfeeds.com
B&W Feeds are the sole UK distributor for Buschhoff static and mobile equipment for onfarm feed production. Complete service provided including design, planning, installation and after sales support. Also operate fleet of the most modern mobile mill & mix lorries throughout Southern England. Certified with UFAS, NAAC & OF&G with nutritional and technical support provided. CLARKE BROTHERS LTD
School Works, Woodhouses, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9WN Tel 0161 681 4563 Mobile 07970 986955 Fax 0161 683 4317 Email clarkebros2003@yahoo.co.uk Web www.clarkebros.co.uk
Manufacturers of centrifugal feeding pumps in cast iron and stainless steel, macerator pumps for bi-products, submersible slurry pumps, wrapper stripping machines for bakery waste etc; ad-lib feeding system; wet mixers; also stocks of pvc pipe and fittings etc.
ELECTROVENT
Electronic Control Manufacturer, Unit 42, 266-290 Wincolmlee, Hull HU2 0PZ
Tel 01482 216015
After Hours Technical Support 07721 353446
Email sales@electrovent.karoo.co.uk Web www.electrovent.co.uk
We manufacture a range of Auto/Manual control panels for Fans, Heating, Ventilation, Dusk/Dawn dimmers and temperature alarm systems. At Electrovent, we take the latest technology and make it simple yet effective so that you can control the environment for your livestock with confidence. Because we design and build our control systems on a modular basis, we can provide solutions for your individual requirements with little or no charge. We offer a guarantee for one year and are always on hand to help and advise.
HINGEROSE LTD
Unit 4 Henson Park, Henson Way, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN16 8PX Tel 01536 461441
Email info@hingerose.co.uk Web www.hingerose.co.uk
UK & Ireland partner for the Dosatron range of water powered injectors with over 40 years’ experience in livestock sectors. Dosatron models are used in many applications including medication, supplementation, acidification, biosecurity, water treatment, cleaning & disinfection and more. Units are readily available through our supply network together with a comprehensive range of spare parts & accessories. All are supported by our excellent technical back up, repair service & advice.
FARMEX LTD
Unit 4, Wyvols Court Farm, Basingstoke Road, Swallowfield, Reading RG7 1WY
Tel 0118 988 9093
Email hugh@farmex.co.uk Web www.farmex.co.uk
Next generation dicam2 controls for all ventilation, heating, cooling, alarm and monitoring applications. Remote access via the app, free access to your data, free access to the best technical support available. 43 years of reliable equipment, sound advice and problem solving – plus Barn Report Pro for real-time production management tools putting you in control and turning data into information into knowledge into PROFIT! CALL US.
PHILLIPS ANIMAL HEALTH LTD
Boston Road Industrial Estate, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JS Tel 01507 523281 / 527486 Fax 01507 527437
Email info@pahltd.co.uk Web www.pahltd.co.uk
Phillips Pig Equipment is part of Phillips Animal Health Ltd – a family run business with over 40 years of experience supplying the UK pig industry. We work with partners from around the world to supply a comprehensive and innovative range of pig equipment, always with a focus on high quality to provide customers with “best in class” products. Our core range includes the Phillips Ad Lib Feeders which set the standard for build quality and longevity, Buvette nipple and bowl drinkers tried and tested on UK farms and the Medi-Gator water doser. We have recently added Meier-Brakenberg’s extensive range of weigh scales and weigh platforms and continue to work with I-TEK to bring an innovative approach to equipment and ventilation for pig buildings.
G E BAKER LTD –QUALITY EQUIPMENT
Poplar Business Centre, The Heath, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9RN Tel 01359 240529 Fax 01359 242086
Email info@quality-equipment.co.uk Web www.quality-equipment.co.uk
Quality Equipment offers a comprehensive range of equipment for all types of new and refurbished piggeries, including numerous metal and plastic feeders, hoppers and troughs, tote bins and feed barrows, drinkers, plastic and cast-iron slats, Nooyen Balance Floor Farrowing System and Paneltim® plastic panels, gates and divisions.
FEEDING
ABN
64 Innovation Way, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FL
Tel 01733 871000 Web www.abn.co.uk
ABN is proud to be a leading British manufacturer of pig compound feed, providing both products and complementary solutions to the pig livestock industry. We provide excellence in terms of nutrition, feed formulation and livestock production advice, meeting the varying needs of pig producers. Our knowledge is supported by a history of research and development investment which continues to be essential to our offering for the future.
FEEDING
ANITOX
7 Regent Park, Booth Drive, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 6GR
Tel +44 1604 811228 Web www.anitox.com
Anitox is the world’s leading authority dedicated to feed microbial quality and efficiency. We support pig producers by protecting feed value through an expert understanding of bacterial and viral feed pathogens. Our effective feed pathogen control and milling efficiency solutions support our mission to partner with the world’s food producers to develop and deliver innovative programs to produce safer food efficiently. We think globally and act locally, operating in 68 countries across North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America, with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
ANPARIO PLC
Unit 5, Manton Wood Enterprise Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 2RS Tel 01909 537380 Email sales@anpario.com Web www.anpario.com
Anpario plc is a UK-based, independent manufacturer of specialist, natural feed additives with over 30 years of expertise in animal health, nutrition and biosecurity. Anpario’s main focus is understanding animals’ intestinal health and nutrition to help our customers achieve optimal animal health and performance, boosting profitability in modern production systems.
A-ONE FEED SUPPLEMENTS LTD
North Hill, Dishforth Airfield, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 3DH Tel 01423 322706 Fax 01423 323260 Web www.a-one.co.uk
A-One Feed Supplements Ltd has now been supplying the Agricultural Industry with nutritional advice, services and products for over 40 years. With a renowned range of young animal feed products for the pig and game feed sectors, complimented with a range of quality premix, concentrates and the renowned full fat soya product Sunlustre for both mono-gastric and ruminant markets. Keeping quality, integrity and service at the heart of its business, A-One continues to grow in an ever challenging market place.
DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS (UK) LTD
Heanor Gate Industrial Estate, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7SG Email alec.perrott@dsm.com Web www.dsm.com/anh
DSM is a global leader in the production of vitamins, enzymes, mycotoxin risk management and eubiotics, eg. VevoVitall®. We specialise in developing comprehensive nutritional solutions in conjunction with our customers to enable them to succeed in a dynamic and ever-changing market. DSM strongly believe in sustainable food systems and that the livestock industry can transform itself from within to be a part of the solution. We want to play a key role in this transformation and work at species and country level, with our partners, to provide tangible and actionable solutions to create brighter lives for all. The DSM UK premix production site and the local team offer customer-specific solutions to the entire livestock industry.
CARGILL ANIMAL NUTRITION
Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate, Dalton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 3HE Tel 01845 578125 Fax 01845 578100 Web www.cargill.com/feed / www.provimi.co.uk
Cargill Animal Nutrition is a part of Cargill; a family-owned company with more than 150 years’ experience in developing food and feed ingredients. Working across 70 countries with 155,000 employees, Cargill develops resultsoriented nutritional solutions and feeding programmes, helping producers thrive and grow their business.
Big feed bills? On site feed preparation could be a solution
The new farming systems from the comprehensive BDW Feedmill Systems GmbH & Co. KG product range offer the ideal requirements to follow the trend of using home-grown cereals for the production of mixed feed.
n high capacity (1-5 t/h) n uniform feed structure n solid construction, the rotor is also used‚ in industrial machines with much higher driving capacities n stone catcher and collector for metal are standard n dust filter for improved hygiene n all parts of the mill are mounted onto a frame, this minimises installation requirements n good price-performance ratio
DUYNIE FEED UK
Unit 10b, Blue Ridge Park, Colorado Way, Castleford, West Yorkshire WF10 4UA
Bryony Farrington
Mob 07809 509300
Email b.farrington@duynie.co.uk Sales Desk 01977 516 002
Email info@duynie.co.uk Web www.duynie.co.uk
Duynie, part of Duynie Group, leading European co-product specialists. We offer responsible and sustainable feed solutions through supplying an excellent range of quality co-products from the brewing, distilling, potato processing, wheat fractionation and biofuel industries. At Duynie, we pride ourselves on the extensive research we carry out, both internally and with external partners which enables us to supply consistent quality coproducts to our customers. No matter what your goal is, Duynie work with every customer on a case by case basis, understanding no two customers have the same specific requirements. We work to utilise what our customers have, balancing the diet with co-products in order to achieve the most efficient solution.
FORFARMERS
Horizon House, Fred Castle Way, Rougham Industrial Estate, Bury St Edmunds IP30 9ND Tel 0330 678 0984
Email info.uk@forfarmers.eu Web www.forfarmers.co.uk
ForFarmers is a leading UK feed manufacturer of livestock nutrition, offering Total Feed solutions through the VIDA range for piglets, NOVA for sows and ULTRA range for finishing pigs.
As part of an international business, UK pig producers benefit from group raw material buying, cutting-edge innovation and new product development, all backed by extensive nutritional trials in the UK and Europe. Quality, high performing products are delivered by a team of local feed specialists and technical experts who are firmly rooted in the needs of UK farming.
HARBRO
Tel 01888 545200 Web www.harbro.co.uk
Harbro Ltd offer innovative high quality livestock solutions focused on improving animal performance and customer profitability; includes a comprehensive range of pig creeps, compounds, supplements and feed additives.
In addition we also offer a complete on-farm mix and milling service designed specifically for mono-gastric diets, allowing custom formulation. Available nationwide.
part of
TARGET FEEDS LTD
Brades Road, Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire
SY13 2DX
Tel 01948 880598 Fax 01948 880730
Email sales@targetfeeds.com Web www.targetfeeds.com
With 40 years’ experience in producing specialist animal feeds we pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service whilst maintaining our high standards of nutritional expertise. From ingredients to feed supplements through to finished feeds Target Feeds Limited has the answer.
ZARKOS-SMITH ASSOCIATES
5 Park Lane, Histon, Cambridge CB4 9JJ
Contact: Andrew Zarkos-Smith T: 01223 565611 F: 01223 565622 M: 07720 461662 Email andrew.zarkos-smith@ntlworld.com Web www.zarkos-smithassociates.com
VILOFOSS
Hempstead Road, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EE
Tel 01263 586666
Email orders-uk@vilofoss.com Web www.vilofoss.com
Vilofoss is an innovative Danish company specialising in the manufacture and supply of vitamins and mineral supplements to home milling pig producers and the feedstuff industry. Based on the know-how within pig nutrition from Denmark, our branded ‘Landmix’ mineral supplements can be tailored to the individual herd to provide the finished feed with the required vitamins, minerals and trace elements to achieve optimal performance. Our UK production site and technical team allow us to provide prompt, flexible service to meet the changing needs of our customers. Vilofoss are also producers of the well known Stalosan®F dry hygiene product.
ZSA are experts in pig nutrition and feed management. We are proud of our family business ethos. We are honest, open and committed to our customers. As a team we focus on quality, whilst embracing and creating opportunities. We enjoy what we do and value our collaboration with customers. We are innovative, offering creative and distinctive solutions with the vision to inspire and encourage ideas. Our starter feeds include the very successful OPTICARE range that consists of five unique complete feeds, specially made for piglets, to ease the transition from sow’s milk to other raw materials. Together with SWINCO our partners from The Netherlands, we are delivering some of the most advanced in-feed technology to our customers today. We also offer: Milk cup systems & advice • Tailored premix and mineral packages – for home mill & mix • Fermented soya & specialist commodities • Wet feed calibration & feed mill auditing
FEEDING SYSTEMS
HAMPSHIRE FEEDING SYSTEMS
c/o Danagri 3s Ltd, The Livestock Centre, Tasley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4AQ Tel 01746 762777 Fax 01746 764777 Email info@hampshirefeedingsystems.com Web www.hampshirefeedingsystems.com
The leading UK manufacturer and supplier of Liquid Feeding equipment for ALL stock.
• High quality, realistically-priced products that are designed to last.
• All are extremely reliable and easy to use.
• Nationwide service, 365 days of the year.
HEALTH
NEWQUIP LIMITED
NQ House, Conygarth Way, Leeming Bar
Business Park, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 9EE Tel 01677 428600 Fax 01677 428601
Email enquiries@newquip.co.uk Web www.newquip.co.uk
The sole distributor of Big Dutchman pig and poultry equipment for mainland Britain. Newquip supply spare-parts and carry out complete pig installations nationwide. The range includes Liquid or Dry feeding, Ventilation, Heating, Housing equipment and Disposables.
HEALTH
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM
ANIMAL HEALTH UK LTD
Ellesfield Avenue, Bracknell RG12 8YS
Tel 01344 746957
Email vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com Web www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk, www.prrs.com, www.preventionworks.info
Boehringer Ingelheim is the largest independent healthcare company in the world and a leading supplier of swine vaccines globally and in the UK and Ireland, with Enterisol Ileitis, Ingelvac MycoFLEX®, Ingelvac PRRSFLEX®, Reprocyc® PRRS EU and the industry changing Ingelvac CircoFLEX®. Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to providing the unique services producers and veterinarians need to minimise disease transmission, maximise immune response and optimise profitability; helping to shape the future of swine health.
CEVA ANIMAL HEALTH LTD
Explorer House, Mercury Park, Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0HH
Matthew Walters - Swine National Account Manager Email matthew.walters@ceva.com Mobile 07545 734320 Web www.ceva.co.uk Ceva Animal Health is a global company focused on technical product innovation and delivering high quality products to veterinarians and pig producers. Ceva has a full swine vaccine portfolio including DUO®, providing protection against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and PCV2, Coglapix® for App and Progressis® for PRRS. Ceva have a full solution for swine influenza with Respiporc Flu3® and Respiporc FLUpan®. The portfolio also protects against other important diseases with Enteroporc COLI AC®, Salmoporc® and Ecoporc Shiga®. Services such as The Ceva Lung Program allow analysis of respiratory health aiding in accurate monitoring of farm efficiency and economics. Forceris® is an innovative product, improving convenience for the producer and offering great protection against Iron deficiency anaemia and coccidiosis. Other products in the range include Altresyn® and Pracetam®.
EAST RIDING FARM SERVICES LTD
Pexton House, Pexton Road, Kelleythorpe, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 9DJ
Tel 01377 249249 Fax 01377 249248 Mob 07802 397103 or 07808 906680 Email erfs@erfs.co.uk Web www.erfs.co.uk
We are suppliers of quality animal health products and sundries to the UK pig industry – ERFS offer a next day national delivery. Our product range includes FERROFERON (Gleptoferron) 20% INJECTABLE IRON, vaccines, disinfectants, marking and identification, rodent and insect control, wormers, protective clothing, surgical equipment, household, needles and syringes, electrolytes, electrical and lighting, AI, pig scanners and PORCICHEW HIGH WELFARE PIG TOYS.
HOUSING
ECO ANIMAL HEALTH
The Grange, 100 The High Street, Southgate, London N14 6BN
Tel 020 8447 8899 Fax 020 8447 9292 Email enquiries@ecoanimalhealth.com Web www.ecoanimalhealth.com
ECO Animal Health, a global animal health company headquartered in London, UK develops and licenses branded products to promote animal well-being and sustainable productivity through the careful and responsible application of science. Our UK products include Ecomectin® and Ecozole® worming products for pigs.
GALEBREAKER AGRI
Galebreaker House, New Mills Industrial Estate, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 2SS
Tel 01531 637900 Fax 01531 637901 Web www.galebreaker.com
VVS side curtain systems are designed to provide the ultimate solution in natural building ventilation. Our automatic systems make use of temperature, wind and rain sensors to ensure that the climate within the building is continually optimised, maximising herd productivity. All systems benefit from an industry-leading 10 year warranty.
Email lauren.mccallie@huvepharma.com Web www.huvepharma.com
HUVEPHARMA® is a fast-growing global pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, manufacturing and marketing animal health products including veterinary pharmaceuticals, anthelmintics, anticoccidials, feed additives, medicated premixes, and enzymes. Huvepharma production sites are based in Europe and the USA and are committed to product quality and safety control, with major investment in innovative formulations which meet our customers’ requirements.
PYRAMID MASTER BUILDINGS (& EQUIPMENT) LTD
“Specialists in Buildings for the Pig Industry” Espersykes Farm, Espersykes Lane, Old Malton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6RE Tel 01653 699778
Email enquiries@pyramidltd.co.uk Web www.pyramidltd.co.uk
The company’s aim is to provide a quality build that will stand the test of time. No project is too small or too large for Pyramid Master Buildings Ltd. We specialise in the design, manufacture and erection of buildings and supply of equipment for the pig industry. The core business encompasses new build from conception for all stages of pig production. We also offer buildings for self-erect, refurbishment of existing buildings and portable pig units. We have a bespoke inhouse design service and would be happy to discuss your requirements.
Reduce costs , improve performance and
Our
Top performing customers are currently achieving an FCR of 2.31. Call us now to find out how you can start saving: Lee Thompson, Pig specialist: 07990 241372
www.harbro.co.uk farming@harbro.co.uk
HOUSING IDENTIFICATION
SHUFFLEBOTTOM LTD
Crosshands Business Park, Crosshands, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 6RE Tel 01269 831831
Email enquiry@shufflebottom.co.uk
Shufflebottom Ltd manufacture award winning steel framed buildings for agricultural and industrial uses across the UK and further afield.
DALTON TAGS
1-3 Whittle Close, Newark, NG24 2DY Tel 01636 700990
Email sales@daltontags.co.uk Web www.daltontags.co.uk
Dalton Tags supply an extensive range of Livestock ID Tags to the GB farming community including Cattle, Sheep and Pig Tags, and are widely renowned for their exceptional quality in both product and service.
G E BAKER LTD –QUALITY EQUIPMENT
Poplar Business Centre, The Heath, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9RN Tel 01359 240529 Fax 01359 242086
Email info@quality-equipment.co.uk Web www.quality-equipment.co.uk
Quality Equipment’s construction department offers a full range of building services including ‘turnkey’ packages for new housing for sows, weaners, growers and finishers, including planning and groundwork. Our design expertise and thorough knowledge of equipment and systems allows us to offer extensive refurbishment solutions to best utilise existing buildings.
SHEARWELL DATA LIMITED
Putham, Wheddon Cross, Minehead, Somerset TA24 7AS Tel 01643 841611 Fax 01643 841628
Email sales@shearwell.co.uk Web www.shearwell.co.uk
Established in 1992, Shearwell is a British animal identification company, stocking visual and electronic ear tags for pigs, cattle, sheep and goats. Our steel KL3 tag is an economical form of identification for pigs going to slaughter. For lifetime tagging, our plastic tags have excellent retention rates. Our full product range includes EID Readers, apps and our popular ShearWeigh Weigh Head and Load Bars. Pig tattooing equipment is available and Porcichews, which provide an enriched environment for intensively reared pigs. Call us and quote ‘The Pig Guide 2023’, to get a free marker stick with your order.
ORGANISATIONS
YORKSHIRE FARMERS
11/13 Castlegate, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7DP Tel 01653 697941 Fax 01653 694489
Email sales@yorkshirefarmers.co.uk Web www.yorkshirefarmers.co.uk
Yorkshire Farmers is one of the UK’s leading farmer owned businesses and has been involved in livestock marketing and processing for over 85 years. Our primary aim has always been to get the best return for stock for our trading members, but we also offer a range of other specialist services including support with environmental permits, farm assurance, partial restocks, destocks, genetics, feed, buildings and budgeting. We have a range of options for vertically integrated supply chains and our Bed and Breakfast contract rearing units benefit from our in-house dedicated team of fieldsmen and administration staff.
AHDB PORK
Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2TL Tel 02476 692051
Email pork.info@ahdb.org.uk Web www.ahdb.org.uk/pork Facebook @AHDBPork Twitter @AHDB_Pork
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board is a statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain to help the industry succeed in a rapidly changing world. We equip farmers with easy-to-use, practical know-how which they can apply straight away to make better decisions and improve their performance.
MILL & MIX
DANAGRI 3S LTD
The Livestock Centre, Tasley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AQ Tel 01746 762777 Fax 01746 764777
Email info@danagri-3S.com Web www.danagri-3S.com
Mill & Mix Systems, cleaners, horizontal/diagonal or vertical mixers, computer mixing systems, flexible augers, Skiold hammer mills, disc mills, structure mills, silos and cable transport systems, straw mixers, shredders, storage silos, feed systems, crushers.
HUMANE SLAUGHTER ASSOCIATION
The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire AL4 8AN Tel 01582 831919 Fax 01582 831414
Email info@hsa.org.uk Web www.hsa.org.uk
The HSA is a UK-based, independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) that works through training, research and technical developments to help the industry maintain high standards of animal welfare during transport, marketing and slaughter (including emergency killing on-farm).
SLURRY
ROADHOGS RECRUITMENT LTD
Tel 0800 999 3655 Mob 07912 864646
Email enquiries@roadhogsrecruit.co.uk Web www.roadhogsrecruit.co.uk Roadhogs Recruitment Ltd. have been helping British and international pig farmers to recruit staff since 1990. Our knowledgeable team has sourced many permanent staff of all abilities for our farmers and secured numerous careers for our applicants. We are the only pig farming recruiters in the UK offering a permanent and temporary relief cover service. www.facebook.com/RoadhogsStaffingSolutions
A-CONSULT LTD
The Barn, Manor Business Park, East Drayton, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 0LG Mobile 07970 449221
Tel 01777 249444 Fax 01777 248452 Email info@aconsult.co.uk Web www.agri-tank.com
A-Consult specialises in providing solutions for the storage and handling of liquids and slurry for the agricultural sectors. Established in 1986, we have successfully installed over 7,500 tank structures throughout the UK and Europe.
SLURRY
WATER & IRRIGATION
CE PROJECTS LIMITED
Unit 11-12, Llewellyn Roberts Way, Maer Lane Industrial Estate, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 1QS. Tel 01630 653771
Email elaine@ceprojectsltd.co.uk Web www.ceprojectsltd.co.uk
The only Company to contact for Slurry & Effluent Treatment. We pride ourselves on our reputation. We manufacture, supply, install, service and repair your slurry separators, pumps, stores, mixers, flush systems and much more. We have been supplying the pig industry for over 18 years with most parts in stock, we won’t let you down.
HUGH PEARL (LAND DRAINAGE) LTD
New Farm, Bobbingworth, Ongar, Essex CM5 0DJ Tel 01277 890 274 Fax 01277 890 322 Email admin@hughpearl.co.uk Web www.hughpearl.co.uk
With over 60 years of experience, Hugh Pearl are the right choice to solve your drainage problems. Specialising in providing a design and construction service for: land drainage, ditching and water supply; reservoirs for irrigation, effluent disposal, fishing and amenity; and pipeline reinstatement land drainage.
STORTH LTD
Stoneleigh Park, Station Road, Holme, Nr Carnforth, Lancashire LA6 1HR Tel 01524 781900
Email sales@storthmachinery.co.uk Web www.storthmachinery.co.uk
EXPERTS IN SLURRY MANAGEMENT. We have the solution to assist and resolve your slurry problems with scrapers, pumps, stores, separators, mixers and application systems. British manufactured, fully galvanised machinery with full product support. We can also design and produce bespoke machinery and systems to suit your requirements and have a well-stocked parts department.
bc@pig-guide.com
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Always current advice
Vilofoss use the latest knowledge from across Europe to optimise feed composition to achieve optimum nutritional and economic performance based on the individual conditions on the farm.
● Individually tailored feed to the individual herd
● Feeds formulated using on-farm ingredients
● Balanced with vitamins, minerals and amino acids
● Formulating feed to future demands of food safety and focussing on the reduction of antibiotic/Zinc use