Spotlight on the Pig and Poultry Fair 2022

This year’s fair was the first in four years and the comprehensive forum programme tackled the important subjects in the pig industry, pork market, as well as ways to improve farm efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions. As supporters, we had a good presence at the Fair and produced an impressive line-up of speakers who took part in a series of presentations and panel discussions at the Pig Forum. 

The atmosphere at the Fair was upbeat despite the challenges going on in the pig industry. Producers, suppliers and the allied industry were happy to connect and interact with each other after so long.

Jen Waters, Head of Knowledge Exchange Pork, AHDB,  said she was pleased to see so many producers at the Fair.

“It had a great vibe despite the incredibly difficult circumstances. It was really nice to engage with everybody,” she said. “Producers want hope for the future and to hear about opportunities. So to hear in the Pig Forum that pork is very much in demand and consumers want to eat it was reassuring.”

Market and consumer trends

This session looked at AHDB’s work in helping to optimise the market for British pork, by focusing on how producers can sell every part of the pig, stimulating consumer demand and improving the profitability of pork to remain competitive at home and abroad.

The session was chaired by Angela Christison, AHDB Director, Strategy Development, and she opened with comments on the crisis the industry is facing and acknowledged everyones effort.

• What’s happening in the markets – at home and abroad - Duncan Wyatt, AHDB Lead Analyst 
• Changing consumers attitudes towards pork -  Steve Evans, AHDB Senior Insight Manager
• Stimulating demand for British Pork abroad -  Susan Stewart, AHDB Senior Export Manager
• Consumer marketing – driving sales of pork at home - Liam Byrne, AHDB Marketing Director
• A farmer’s view – why this work matters to the pork industry, what it means for my business, how it benefits the industry - Tim Bradshaw, Pork Council Member

Environmental challenges 

This session discussed managing environmental and sustainability risk and what it means for business. It was introduced and chaired by Mike Sheldon, AHDB Board Member and Pork Sector Council Chair.

• Future challenges ahead and consequences for farmers - discuss AHDB’s tools, guidance and research that can help (Climate change, nutrient management) - Jon Foot, AHDB Head of Environment
• The updates to rules for water - Nicola Dunn (10 May), AHDB Environment Scientist
• The updates to rules for water - Lizzie Wilson (11 May),  Policy Services Officer, NPA

Animal health and welfare

This session reported on ways of preventing the spread of disease, responsible antibiotic use, increasing our understanding of pig behaviour and improving the physical environment on-farm protect the reputation of the pork industry. This session was also chaired by Mike Sheldon, AHDB Board Member and Pork Sector Council Chair.

• Discusion on AHDB’s existing scheme, tools and resources - Mandy Nevel, AHDB Head of Animal Health & Welfare
• Changes that might be coming around alternative farrowing – understanding the practicalities, link it into the pathway (DEFRA) - Nick MacIvor, Consultant, AM Warkup
• Estimating the costs of endemic disease - Dr Beat Thomann, University of Liverpool
• Pig Handling – Using the Welfare training platform - Jen Waters, AHDB Head of Knowledge Exchange Pork

Developing people in UK agriculture

Would you want to work for you? This session discussed the steps you can take to recruit, train and develop your staff, how to keep them motivated and why it’s important to look after them.

Panel discussion looked at ‘How to be the employer of choice’ and was chaired by Mark Campbell, AHDB Business insights & skills  Knowledge Exchange Manager - AgriLeader and Izak Van Heerden, AHDB Business insights & skills Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager.

Tuesday 10^th May – Izak Facilitating

• Karen Halton, Dairy Farmer
• Will Armitage, Dairy Farmer
• Nick Lawson, Rattlerow Farms – Pork producer

Wednesday 11^th May – Mark Facilitating

• Joe Delves, Dairy Farmer
• Rob Hodgkins, Sheep & Arable Farmer
• Nick Lawson, Rattle Row Farms – Pork producer