Looking ahead: Updates and plans for the coming months

Since re-joining the pork team back in November, I have been gathering feedback from the industry about on-farm activity. Many have given feedback that much of this activity is well-catered for within individual supply chains or via established relationships with other farming businesses, allied industries, and in-house expertise. Therefore, there is less need for traditional on-farm knowledge exchange, but the focus on our stock people within the industry and environment, health, and welfare is increasingly important.

So, based on this feedback and the discussion at our recent pork council meeting, we have committed to continuing to coordinate our stockperson training. We will aim to increase accessibility, address gaps in the current offering, and ensure the best trainers and delivery. In areas of environment/buildings, health, and welfare, you have mentioned that you value work in bringing together knowledgeable and skilled people to identify barriers and practical ways of overcoming those tricky industry challenges, as well as highlighting this work to others, including policymakers, with credible data and information on industry practices. An example of this is how the Pig Health and Welfare Council and the Building Suppliers' Forum operate. The Building Suppliers' Forum has helped understand impending legislation and implications for the industry and provided data for policymakers, such as on loose lactation. It has built credibility and leveraged the immense knowledge base. We will build on this type of work that you value and ensure you feel as connected as possible. As a result, you might see us trying out different ways of more collaborative working to deliver some existing pig clubs and continue developing webinars, panel debates, podcasts, and so on. Please engage with it and let us know what works.

Regarding panel debates, the Pigs Tomorrow Conference is coming up in early May. We have a full line-up of speakers for the two days. I am particularly excited about chairing day two with Alistair Driver. Speakers will discuss building a positive public image, looking after staff, practical barriers to achieving net zero, and achieving higher welfare (without necessarily increasing costs). You will also get to taste some of our LovePork recipes for lunch.

AHDB’s Mix up Midweek with Pork campaign, which promotes the health benefits of pork, ended on 25 February and a further consumer marketing campaign will be back in May during National BBQ Week. This will extend to the summer period, tempting consumers with delicious, easy and simple pork ideas and encouraging them to try new barbecue recipes. Be sure to look out for these during the coming months. Kits for butchers and farm shops will be available to order.

I also want to bring to your attention the funding the Government is providing for farmers to invest in technology and kit to improve the health and welfare of their livestock. Grants ranging from £1000 up to £25K are available. A list of eligible items has been compiled in collaboration with farmers, academics, and industry groups, including sealed water tanks, electronic pig weighing and sorting facilities, and portable loading ramps. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, which includes Animal health and welfare grants, is expected to begin accepting applications from farmers in March, who want to improve animal health and welfare and sustainability on their farms. For more information and how to apply, visit the scheme's website