Could outdoor pigs play a role in regenerative arable systems?

Arable businesses attending Groundswell this year will have the opportunity to explore whether outdoor pigs could offer a viable addition to regenerative farming systems, with a dedicated session hosted by AHDB on Thursday 2 July.

Taking place at 10:00am on the AHDB stand (C40), the session – Outdoor pigs and regenerative systems – will examine the potential for integrating outdoor pig production into arable rotations, both as a soil health intervention and a means of generating additional farm income.

Chaired by Andrew Blenkiron, Managing Director of Elveden Farms Ltd., the discussion will bring together perspectives from across the supply chain, combining practical farm experience with wider industry insight.

Speakers include Nicky Campbell, Sustainable Agriculture Manager at Cranswick PLC, who will provide a commercial producer perspective on the role of outdoor pig systems, and Maddie Dedman, Sustainability Programme Manager at the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), who will offer insight into how these systems align with wider sustainability expectations and supply chain priorities.

With increasing interest in regenerative practices, the role of livestock integration is gaining attention across the arable sector.

Outdoor pigs, in particular, present a potential route to reintroducing organic matter and nutrients back into the soil through farmyard manure and slurry applications while also influencing soil structure and biological activity.

The session will explore how these systems can contribute to improved soil health and biodiversity outcomes, as well as the practical considerations involved.

While the benefits of mixed farming approaches are well established, integrating pigs into primarily arable businesses raises important questions around infrastructure, management and scalability.

Alongside the potential opportunities, speakers will also address the operational challenges of implementing outdoor pig systems at scale, offering a realistic view of what is involved for farms considering diversification.

The discussion forms part of AHDB’s wider presence at Groundswell, where visitors can find further information on current programmes and activity designed to support farmers in building resilient, profitable and sustainable systems.