News

The recent Grocer article based on a report produced by sustainability advisors 3Keel and sponsored by all the major UK supermarkets, firmly pointed the finger at the pig industry and a lack of transparency throughout the soya supply chain, in fuelling deforestation. Our downfall, the article suggests is that due to our sector being comprised of many independent producers (unlike poultry) who simply buy standard rations from feed compounders, we are unable to declare origin or sustainability spec of that soya. It’s true that feed traceability within the pig industry does present greater challenges in comparison to other sectors that are more vertically integrated, but as a sector who has purposefully reduced its reliance on soya by 50% over the past 10 years or so, this doesn’t mean we’re not committed to doing more.

The Government is allowing extra time to apply for planning permission due to COVID-19.

At this time of year, you would normally see the Ladies in Pigs kitchen “Rosie” out and about at shows, events, and schools’ days, but things are a little different this year.  The dedication to promote the commitment of our pig farmer keyworkers goes on though.

Debbie Wilson, Chairwoman, reflects on the current situation, “We are in an unprecedented situation and we are mindful of the ultimate sacrifice some families have had to face during these difficult times.  As an organisation, we are committed to continue the support of our keyworker farmers across the country.  This has been done in a more creative, online format with support for online shows being prominent.”

NFU are asking their members including those that keep pigs to take part in a survey, to establish their thoughts on the planning system ahead of reform change. 

NPA urge any member who is also a member of NFU to take part in the survey.  You can access the survey here.

Do you want to negotiate for success?

AHDB has organised a free webinar on 14 September to help you to develop skills in negotiating for success in your business.

Ged Futter from The Retail Mind and mixed farmer and vet Charlie Thompson will cover several aspects of how to negotiate for a successful outcome, different techniques to try and how to plan a strategy before entering a negotiation.

The USDA has released its latest view on world markets and trade for livestock. 2020 forecast global pork production has been raised by 2% to 96 million tonnes, still 5.5% lower than in 2019 , AHDB analyst Jennie Tanner reported.

The rise is largely due to higher than expected pork production in China, which is in the midst of producers rebuilding their herds to take advantage of high domestic prices in the wake of African Swine Fever (ASF), which decimated the country’s herd.

In the latest issue of Pig World, YNPA vice chair Jack Bosworth paid tribute to two YNPA members taking a stand on important issues

YNPA member Lee Thompson, a finishing fieldsman at Wayland Farms, explains why he is break the stigma held around mental health in farming

Members are advised that the NPA's AGM will be delayed and now take place on December 3rd after a meeting of the NPA's Pig Industry Group. 

Update in the Members Area, you can read the advice by clicking through here. If you would like to register for access to the members area please cintact us directly.