Lizzie, Zoe and Anna honoured at National Pig Awards

Some familiar figures picked up prestigious awards at last night's National Pig Awards in London. 

Special Achievement Award 

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson won the Special Achievement Award for her tenacious work on bringing about a workable solution to the Farming Rules for Water.

Lizzie led discussions, alongside other industry representatives, on the impact of the interpretation of the new guidance, which would have prevented any pig farmer from spreading slurry or farmyard manure in the autumn – bringing with it significant financial implications.

Using her expertise, Lizzie elevated the issue to Ministerial level and lobbied until the agreed terms were made acceptable. As a direct result of her determination and persistence, Defra revised the guidance earlier this year, saving producers millions and allowing autumn spreading.  

David Black Award

Former NPA chief executive Zoe Davies won the David Black Award for outstanding contribution to the pig sector over many years. 

Zoe was chief executive of the NPA for eight years and was with the association for 14 years in total. During her time at the helm, she became a figurehead for the British pig industry, leading from the front on every major issue affecting the pig industry over the last decade.

The citation read: "Due to her unrivalled expertise and tenacity, she was continually able to shape government policy, facedown threats to the industry and give NPA’s members the strongest possible voice in every forum.

"In the last two years, Zoe has led the industry through one of the most challenging periods it has ever faced. Her skills in representing the concerns of her members meant that she had the ear of key decision-makers in government, who subsequently convened roundtables and implemented measures to support the sector.

"As the public face of the pig industry, she was able to use her high profile with the media to generate public sympathy for the challenges facing it."

Chris Brant Award 

The NPA Chris Brant Award, recognising those who go the extra mile for the pig industry was won by Anna Longthorp, for her work with the #BiteIntoBritrish campaign over the past year, which has raised thousands of pounds for charity. 

Over the past year, Anna has done a huge amount to raise awareness of the plight facing British pig farmers and wider industry by urging consumers to 'Bite Into British' and 'Back British Farming'.

This has included developing a range of #BiteIntoBritish merchandise, including gilets, hoodies, hats and caps and more, which, with generous sponsorship from ForFarmers, Cargill & Duynie, has raised over £5,000 for farming charities.

Anna received a warm ovation when she received the accolade from her dad, Richard, a previous winner, himself. 

NPA Allied Industry Member of the Year

The NPA Allied Industry Member of the Year, voted for by NPA members and Pig World readers, was HIPRA. 

The overall Pig Producer of the Year was Northern Ireland-based JMW Farms, with GSK Pigs winning the Outdoor Producer of the Year title. 

You can see the full list of winners HERE