1. MEET THE FINALISTS National Pig Awards supplement showcasing all the finalistsINSIDE INVESTING IN SLURRY How a Yorkshire farm is using grants to future proof slurry storageP40-41 RED TRACTOR SPOTLIGHT Analysis as scheme’s efforts to go green hit troubleP16-18 UK Annual Subscription £35 I I European Annual Subscription £95 I I RoW Annual Subscription £137 NOVEMBER 2023 ISSN 0966 3592 High Quality Pig Buildings & Equipment www.armbuildings.co.uk ARM Pig World CVR art 2023.indd 1 11/10/2023 16:32

3. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD COMMENT & CONTENTS EDITOR’SCOMMENT If Red Tractor wants to move into environmental territory, it must take farmers with it C ALISTAIR DRIVER is Pig World editor. Born and brought up on a farm in Leicestershire, he has more than 20 years’ industry experience. To contact him call: 07787 240832 or email alistair@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk developed with – and is primarily for – the big retailers is a massive error of judgement. The furious reaction is going to make it so much harder to develop it further, even if Red Tractor learns its lessons and, as it promises, now fully involves farmers in developing the details. Farmers feel this has been dropped on them, with some clear and obvious questions going unanswered, the biggest of which is who is expected to carry the financial burden for all this? Too many times in the past, farmers have had to shoulder their unfair share of the risk and financial impact of actions further up the supply chain. There have also been many examples of where higher standards demanded on farm, with associated costs, deliver nothing back into farmers’ pockets if consumers don’t deem it worth paying more for. It is worth everyone involved in this project taking note of some thought-provoking consumer research showing, across four countries, how consumers value welfare above climate when making purchasing decisions (p6). Farmers, quite rightly, do not want to end up doing all their customer’s work to ease people’s consciences up the chain. The backlash from the launch has already prompted reviews of farm assurance by the NFU, and in the short- and longer-term, one of the key lessons from all this will be that if Red Tractor wants to move into this critical environmental territory, it must ensure it takes farmers with it. I look forward to seeing many of you at the National Pig Awards later this month! Look out for the finalists supplement in this issue. limate change is probably the biggest threat facing society, globally, today. It is incumbent on everyone – individuals, businesses, government – to change to reduce our net emissions, alongside generally improving our environmental footprint. Food production, of course, with its associated land use, livestock and what they eat, food miles etc, is right, slap bang in the middle of that. Farmers, particularly in the animal sectors, and the food chain face an ongoing battle to demonstrate that they really are part of the solution, and not the problem, as some like to portray. It is therefore inevitable that farmers will increasingly be asked to consider, act on and demonstrate their green credentials. Various schemes and logos are already out there demonstrating sustainability in all its many guises, and there will be more to come. So, against that backdrop, a single scheme enabling farmers to demonstrate to consumers, across the retail spectrum and beyond, that the food they are buying is, indeed, sustainably produced, ticking all the right boxes, seems to have a lot of merit. However, over the past few weeks, Red Tractor, in trying to launch this concept, has managed to alienate the very people it most needs to deliver it. In any walk of life – family, business, policy, whatever – it is so much easier to buy in to something if you have been involved from the start, so you understand the thinking behind it and can question and challenge the bits you’re unsure of. In bypassing farmers in the discussions so far and presenting the Green Farms Commitment in a way that suggests it has been CONTENTS CONTENTS 26NPA PIGGY POINTS Why NPA will keep battling to strengthen our border controls to keep African swine fever out of the UK 30 INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK Jurgen Preugschas offers a perspective from Canada, where the UK trade deal is a cause for concern 31COMMENT Chris Fogden outlines why he thinks the NPA could do better - and the NPA’s chairman Rob Mutimer responds 38INDUSTRY PROFILE ForFarmers, principal sponsor of the National Pig Awards, is restructuring its business in response to the evolving pig industry 40SLURRY STORAGE INVESTMENT How Yorkshire farmer Joe Dewhirst is using a government grant to bolster slurry storage NEWS UK pork demand decline of 7% year- on-year adds to pressure from EU prices on pork market 10 NEWS A new study reveals the benefits of balanced breeding programmes 14 NATIONAL PIG AWARDS There’s still time to get your ticket ahead of the industry’s big night 16 NEWS ANALYSIS Red Tractor’s Green Farms Commitment is raising more questions than answers 20NEWS ANALYSIS Alistair Driver examines the deal to remove pigs from land to facilitate a housing development in Norfolk 22 NEWS ANALYSIS Round 2 of the expanded Slurry Infrastructure Grant scheme is set to offer more for pig producers 4 42NATIONAL PIG AWARDS WINNER Allied Industry Member of the Year, Hipra, tells Alistair Driver how the business is developing 44STAYING AHEAD OF PCV2 Helen Brothwell looks at Zoetis’s efforts to tackle the virus 46INSIDE THE INDUSTRY British and German butchers go head- to-head, a new member of the NPA team, and Pilgrim’s top taste test 48CLASSIFIED Jobs and products, plus services for sale 50MARKET MOVES Pig prices heading in the wrong direction and war in the Middle East weighs on grain markets 51PRICES Weekly clean kill figures; GB spot price v European mainland price; straw costs; wheat, soya futures PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |03

4. NEWS Germany. UK prices continue to fall at a much more sedate pace, losing 2p over the first three weeks of October. Defra figures show September UK clean pig slaughterings were down 11% year- on-year, at 780,000 head, with pigmeat production 10.2%, down. This followed year-on-year slaughtering deficits of 6% in August and 15% in July. AHDB’s estimated GB slaughterings for October remain way below year earlier levels. PIGWORLD RISING IMPORTS Imports from the EU are, unsurprisingly against this backdrop, on the rise. The latest HMRC UK pork trade data shows overall pigmeat imports were up 8% year- on-year in August at 65,600t tonnes, with fresh and frozen pork imports up by around 23% and bacon by 12%. This was the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year increases, although overall import volumes in the year to August remain below 2022 levels. Rising imports had not translated into significant changes in the proportion of British pork on retail shelves in September, however, according to the latest Porkwatch survey. It showed that British product facings were virtually unchanged in July across the categories, at 88% for fresh pork, similar to a year ago, 55% for bacon, 64% for ham and 77% for sausage. The bacon, ham and sausage figures were 8-10 percentage points down on a year ago, however. UK pork demand decline adds to pressure from EU on pork market UK pork consumption is showing signs of decline, with retail volumes down nearly 7% year-on-year over the third quarter of this year. Combined with rapidly declining EU prices, again driven by weakening pork demand, the pig price fell steadily in October, with the SPP dipping below 220p/ kg for the first time since early May. In the 12 weeks ending October 2, retail fresh pork purchases fell by 6.6%, although total spending was still 12% up, Kantar data shows, with the more expensive cuts, such as roasting joints and chops, showing the biggest volume falls. The decline in primary pork sales contrasts with growing primary beef and lamb sales, as pork prices, up 13% over the period, have risen marginally faster than beef prices and signifcantly faster than lamb prices. Lower priced pork products, such as bacon, sausages and mince, have seen growth, however, while Kantar data also shows foodservice pigmeat volumes grew by 7% in the year to September. Rapidly falling EU prices, which continued to plummet in October, are making imports more competitive and further pressurising UK price. EU prices have come down, on average, by close to 30p since mid-July, with big declines across the board led by Production gains and weaker consumption weigh on global markets Steady gains in production, combined with generally weaker global consumption continue to put pressure on global pork markets and trade, according to analysts at Rabobank. After productivity challenges in 2022 and 2023, several key pork-producing regions appear to be turning a corner. Lower feed costs and improved animal health and sow productivity, due partly to the loss of many less productive businesses, are bolstering industry optimism, Rabobank said in its latest quarterly pork report. “Although this improvement is a welcome trend and lowers costs, the additional production is compounding regional oversupplies and weighing on the market,” said Christine McCracken, senior analyst – animal protein at Rabobank. While the EU and UK saw an 8.6% reduction in productivity over the first seven months of the year, it is a different story elsewhere. In the US, for example, pork production was flat in Q3, as a breeding herd decline of 1.2% was countered by a boost in productivity per sow, while China’s pork output was up 4.8% year-on-year in Q3, reaching the highest levels in a decade, Reuters reported. Globally, consumers are adjusting to inflationary pressures, with pork affected particularly in the US and Europe last year, although pork remains a dietary staple and overall consumption trends remain stable, Rabobank added. Pork trade slowed in July and August versus year-earlier levels, as costly EU pork exports and relatively high frozen pork inventories in many key importing countries stifled demand. 04 |NOVEMBER 2023| PIGWORLD

5. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD NEWS NFU to carry out reviews to ‘revolutionise’ farm assurance after Red Tractor furore ROUND 2 OF SLURRY INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT SCHEME TO OFFER MORE FOR PIG PRODUCERS The NFU Council is to carry out two reviews into the future of farm assurance in England and Wales, following the furore over Red Tractor’s plans to introduce an environmental module next year. Red Tractor announced in early October that it intends to introduce a voluntary Greener Farms Commitment from next April to give consumers assurances over the environmental credentials of the food they buy. This will be a common scheme across retailers with its own logo, that would differ from the core Red Tractor standards in a number of ways, including requiring farmers to register a ‘plan for progress’ unique to their circumstances, rather than having to adhere to The second round of Defra’s Slurry Infrastructure Grant scheme will open for applications in November, with some significant changes, making it more accessible to pig farmers. The scheme will offer grants of between £25,000 and £250,000 to improve slurry storage in England to aid productivity and reduce pollution. The most significant change from Round 1 is that pig farms will now be funded for up to eight months’ storage, rather than six Defra has published guidance on its website ahead of the formal opening for applications. a common set of standards. However, the announcement, which carried the full and enthusiastic backing of the British Retail Consortium and various major supermarkets, prompted an angry response across the farming sectors, not least because of a lack of consultation with farmers so far, outside of Red Tractor’s 18-strong main board. Among the questions many farmers have been asking is where the financial burden associated with the scheme is expected to fall. Red Tractor responded by insisting farmers would be fully involved as the details are shaped between now and the spring. The NFU came under fire over its role in the scheme, and following a ‘passionate’ meeting of the NFU’s council, the union announced it would be carrying out a review into the governance of Red Tractor and, more widely, a longer-term review aimed at ‘revolutionising’ farm to fork assurance. Full analysis on pages 16-18 Full analysis on page 22 Brand new awards launched for women in agriculture! Agricultural Influencer of the Year Agricultural Advisor of the Year Employer of the Year Innovator of the Year Training and Education Woman of the year Trade Organisation Woman of the Year Business of the Year The awards will be held in May 2024 at a black-tie event in the members dining room of the House of Commons. The event is being run by Lewis Business Media (LBM), which owns Pig World and other farming titles and hosts various events, including this month’s National Pig Awards. It has attracted some high-profile sponsorship in the form of Nestlé, HSBC, Morrisons, the Co- op and Noble Foods. The judging panel is being chaired by Chloe Ryan, the editor of LBM title A new awards event designed to recognise and reward women in agriculture has been launched. The first ever National Women In Agriculture Awards is open for nominations across 12 categories, covering a broad range of areas where women are making their mark on the agriculture industry. From the start of November, businesses and individuals can submit their nominations, which will be judged by a panel of female food and farming leaders who know the industry inside out. The 12 categories open for nominations are: Sustainability Champion of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award Farming Woman of the Year Supply Chain Woman of the year Rising Star of the Year Poultry Business. She said: “I am so excited to be launching a scheme specifically designed to celebrate the work women in agriculture do.” Full details on how to enter can be found on the website www. nationalwomeninagriculture.co.uk Any businesses keen to get involved and sponsor the event should contact Nadia Tweedie-Walker on nadia@ lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |05

6. Do you have a story for Pig World? Email news@pig-world.co.uk Ivan Siqueira and £5m investment in its Kings Lynn site to maximise operational capacity and further strengthen the sustainability of the factories. In total, the company is investing more than £10m to support progress towards reaching net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2030 and across its supply chain by 2035. Early this year, Pilgrim’s UK closed its major Ashton slaughtering facility, with operations transferring to its facilities in Spalding and Westerleigh, following the closure of its Coalville and Bury St Edmunds sites in 2022, as it began an operational footprint review. Mr Siqueira said: “Market conditions in the UK remain extremely challenging, but we’ve taken considerable steps to ensure that our business is well- placed to not only meet these challenges, but continue to be the best and most sustainable food business in the UK.” Pilgrim’s UK recorded a loss last year, but its financial performance is improving on recent years Pilgrim’s records £2.6m loss in 2022, but financial performance improves Pig producer and processor Pilgrim’s UK recorded an operating loss of £2.6 million in 2022, marking a significant improvement on the £16m loss recorded in 2021. With Pilgrim’s UK and its former incarnation, Tulip, having struggled financially in recent years, the company said its 2022 performance indicated that its business recovery and growth plan was ‘progressing well’. The business has continued to implement its evolved business structure under the leadership of president Ivan Siqueira. Despite challenging market conditions, total revenue increased by 11% in 2022 to £1.2 billion in the year to December 25, 2022, its annual report and accounts show. As consumers continue to face challenging inflationary headwinds, Pilgrim’s UK said it has worked in partnership with key customers to mitigate costs and ongoing inflation. It cited the ongoing challenges facing the UK pork sector, with the UK breeding herd having contracted by around 20%, while, at the same time, ‘an increasing and ongoing reliance in the UK on cheaper, lower welfare imports from the EU and post-pandemic recovery challenges within certain markets has negatively impacted UK production’. Throughout 2022, the company has continued to focus on creating sustainable growth across its business through a strategic investment programme. This has included investing in the latest technologies while also delivering further product innovation and deepening customer relationships, it said. The last 12 months have seen a £1.8 million investment in the company’s Bodmin site Pig welfare outweighs climate concerns for consumers, study shows Consumers would rather pay more for higher-welfare pork than for pork with a reduced climate footprint, according to a thought-provoking study by the University of Copenhagen.  The study, published in Livestock Science, looked at pork buying habits in four countries. It showed that three out of four respondents in Denmark, Germany and China, and around 60% in the UK would be willing to pay more for pork that is ‘improved’ in terms of better animal welfare, lower climate impact, decreased antibiotics use, guaranteed freedom from harmful bacteria and animals not fed soy. Improved animal welfare came out as the clear priority. When asked to choose directly between animal welfare and climate, the majority of the consumers surveyed in all four countries said improved pig welfare was more important than a lower climate footprint. The survey responses found consumers felt they had a greater ability ‘to do something for the individual pig and its welfare’ than to affect the meat’s climate impact with their purchasing choices. “Many consumers do not think that they can make a real difference for the climate through their pork purchase behaviour, and many prefer to do something for the climate in other ways,” said associate professor and co-author Thomas Bøker Lund. Improved animal welfare came out as the clear priority The researchers pointed out that there is often a ‘practical contradiction’ between producing more climate-friendly pork, which generally equates to a more efficient pig, and improved animal welfare. 06| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

8. Do you have a story for Pig World? Email news@pig-world.co.uk NPA calls for action to prevent and prepare for ASF The NPA has called for the Government to act in a number of key areas to prevent and prepare for an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).  The last few months have seen the arrival of the virus in wild boar in Sweden and cases in domestic pigs for the first time in northern Italy, while various Balkans countries have been battling major outbreaks.  The pig sector’s concerns have been exacerbated by constant delays in implementing the Government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), which will eventually introduce proper border checks on EU meat imports. The start of a phased implementation was recently pushed back from October into early next year. The NPA is also concerned at a lack of preparedness in the event that ASF does reach the UK pig herd. In a briefing to MPs, it spelled out the industry’s needs: recent Public Accounts Committee report.  An urgent plan for regionalisation with trading partners to ensure unaffected parts of the UK could still export pork in the event of an outbreak. However, in response to a letter from NPA chairman Rob Mutimer, Farming Minister Mark Spencer gave no indication the Government would be stepping up biosecurity checks, while the wait for the BTOM continues. Mr Mutimer had asked Defra Ministers to ‘take decisive action to put in place the proper protections at our borders and ensure that the UK’s biosecurity remains a priority for the Government’. “The continued delay to checks on goods moving from the EU to Great Britain leaves us exposed to ASF as it continues its relentless spread across Europe,” he wrote. Responding, Mr Spencer insisted the Government remains ‘committed’ to delivering effective ASF border controls. No further delays on checks for goods entering the UK from the EU. Improved border controls for meat imports, for example sniffer dogs at ports, airports, Eurotunnel and postal hubs, alongside better communications at points of entry on the risks of bringing in meat products. A review of APHA resource and expertise to ensure it has the capability to respond quickly and effectively to an outbreak, particularly given the pressures already on it from the ongoing avian flu outbreak. This was highlighted as a critical issue in a Chinese ASF vaccine trial shows promising results Chinese scientists have reported promising results from a new ASF vaccine. In a trial, scientists from Harbin Veterinary Research Institute administered the vaccine to two groups of five pigs, grouped as low- dose and high-dose. The pigs were then given the virus after 28 days. Results showed all pigs that were vaccinated survived the disease. A small number of animals that received the low-dose vaccine exhibited mild, brief symptoms but no lesions were found, the South China Morning Post reported. A control group of pigs not given the vaccine all died within 10 to 12 days of contraction. Meat suppliers ‘disappointed’ at shortage occupation list decision A decision by the Government’s advisory body on labour to reject calls to add butchers and poultry dressers to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has been described as ‘disappointing’ by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS). The move would have made it easier to recruit butchers from abroad, for example, reducing the salary threshold to just under £21,000. However, the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) review of the SOL, published in October, concluded that adding butchers to the list would simply ‘embed poor conditions in the industry further’. It cited the ‘historically poor working conditions, with low pay and unsociable hours’ associated with this type of employment. It added that visa statistics show butchers are large users of the skilled worker route, meaning employers ‘can continue to use the immigration system to fill vacancies where necessary’. AIMS spokesperson Tony Goodger said the organisation was ‘disappointed’ that the MAC had rejected the two categories. He said AIMS refuted the assertions over butchers’ poor working conditions and pointed to the rural location of many meat businesses, often in areas of very low unemployment. 08| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

10. Do you have a story for Pig World? Email news@pig-world.co.uk Balanced breeding programmes can boost litter size, birth weights and piglet survival A new peer-reviewed study has underlined the contribution of balanced farm animal breeding programmes in benefiting food production, animal welfare and environmental impact. Published in the journal Frontiers in Animal Science, the study examines long- term trends in commercial pig breeding since the early 2000s, focusing on litter size, piglet birth weight and piglet survival rates, according to different genetic types (breeding lines). The authors said the results demonstrate that more balanced pig breeding policies introduced over the past 20-30 years have been successful in increasing litter size, while simultaneously increasing piglet birth weights and survival rates. Improvements have been most marked over the past decade, with the data showing that from 2012 until 2022, average litter size increased by 3.5 pigs and birthweight by 30g per pig, while piglet survival rates improved by 8%. Increases in litter size and reduced piglet mortality have also supported a reduction in sow numbers needed to produce the same amount of pigmeat, with related benefits in terms of reduced overhead costs, resource use and emissions, improved production efficiency and lowering producers’ environmental footprint per kg of pigmeat, the authors said. Over the period 2000-22, the average number of litters required to produce 1,000 weaned piglets fell from 123 to 78, as a direct result of genetic improvements in litter size and piglet survival rates. Dr Craig Lewis, chair of the European Forum for Farm Animal Breeders (EFFAB), and one of the study’s co-authors, said it was conceived, in part, to address outdated frustrations over perceptions of modern pig breeding strategies. “For example, under proposed new EU rules on animal welfare, and under pressure from animal welfare NGOs, the European Commission has discussed placing an arbitrary maximum limit on pig litter size. “Through this study, we have shown that such a move would do very little to improve welfare or reduce piglet mortality. But it would instead have the perverse effect of increasing the number of sows needed to meet consumer demand for pig meat, so increasing the environmental footprint of pig production in terms of feed use, resource use and GHG emissions,” he said. The study’s lead author, Pieter Knap, described the study is a ‘win-win-win outcome for pig producers, animal welfare and the environment’. SFI early payments received by farmers RBST survey shows native breeds benefit from lower costs Farmers can protect themselves against increases in feed and supplement costs by choosing native breed livestock, according to a survey by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). The RBST Commercial Trends Survey 2023 shows that, of farmers who keep both native and continental breeds or who have switched from continental to native breeds, 69% said overall native breeds costs were lower. This compares with 7% who type of land required are said native breed costs were higher and 21% who said costs were the same. On feed and supplement costs, 59% of farmers who keep both native and continental breeds, or who have switched from continental to native breeds, thought their feed and supplement costs were lower with native breeds. The survey also shows the opportunity for cost savings with native breeds, with 62% saying costs related to the Farmers who signed up for the early payments for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2023 received their first payment in mid-October. The early payments, a recognition by Defra of delays in rolling the scheme out and farmer cashflow problems, are worth 25% of the annual SFI value. There have been over 14,000 registrations of interest and almost 1,000 applications submitted so far. lower and 53% saying their veterinary costs are lower. When asked about barriers to growth, 35% cited the lack of a suitable local abattoir. RBST chief executive Christopher Price said it was now critical that Small Abattoir Fund is translated into ‘positive action on the ground soon’. 10| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

13. Do you have a story for Pig World? Email news@pig-world.co.uk A chance for levy payers to challenge AHDB over proposed levy rises AHDB to showcase British pork at FHC China Five pork exporters will showcase high quality British produce at Food and Hospitality China (FHC), in Shanghai, from November 8-10. They will join AHDB’s red meat export team on the British Meat Pavilion, hosted by the levy body, at one of China’s largest trade shows, providing a platform to meet existing and potential new customers from this key market. In October, Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake, pictured, joined AHDB and red meat and dairy exporters showcasing their products at Anuga in Cologne, this year’s biggest agri-food trade show, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors from around the world. Levy payers from across the four sectors will have the opportunity to question their sector chairs about the proposed levy increases at an online ‘Funding the Future’ event on November 9. AHDB confirmed plans for a 20% hike in the pork levy at the start of October, which would see the total pig levy, which hasn’t changed since 1996, go up by 21p to £1.26/pig from April 2024. The producer levy would increase by 17p to £1.02 and the processor levy by 4p to 24p. This would raise approximately £1.5 million, taking the total levy to around £8.6m. “We need to act together to face huge challenges and optimise the future of the sector,” AHDB pork sector chair Mike Sheldon said, pointing out that the pork levy’s spending power has ‘dramatically reduced’ over the past 20 years or sox. AHDB is proposing levy increases on a similar scale across the other three sectors, and has been engaging with levy payers to explain the reasons and try and gather support to justify the increases to Ministers, who will make the final decision. In a special Pigs Today podcast, Mr Sheldon explained that AHDB needs to increase the levy to maintain and enhance the services it delivers across its priority areas – exports, domestic marketing and industry reputation. He highlighted, for example, that the return on AHDB’s domestic marketing spend is starting to dwindle, but said by investing more, it can deliver more ‘bang for levy payers’ buck’. He said AHDB acknowledged that levy payers are under pressure, themselves, but urged them to see the levy as an ‘investment’, highlighting the development of export markets as a prime example of where levy spend delivers significant returns. The plans have so far received mixed support among pork levy payers, with some willing to accept the rise and others strongly opposed, particularly in the context of the recent financial crisis. During the The Funding the Future livestream, the sector chairs will, in turn, set out how the proposed levy rise will be used to benefit the industry, with each session ending in a Q&A with levy payers. The pork event will take place at 4pm. You can register and submit questions here: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/funding- your-future-live You can listen to the podcast via the Pig World website. TOPPOSTS TOP 3 MOST-READ STORIES AT www.pig-world.co.uk 1 RED TRACTOR’S PLANS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MODULE PROMPT CRITICISM AMONGST FARMERS Red Tractor has set out plans to add an environmental module to its assurance scheme from next year, in a move that has already received some criticism from within the farming sector. 2 BIG FALL IN EU PORK PRODUCTION RECORDED, AS PORK PRICES ALSO COME DOWN Pork production in the EU was 8% down, at 11.9Mt, over the first seven months of this year, the second successive year of significant decline. 3 GENE EDITING IN PIGS – MAKING THE CASE FOR A POTENTIALLY REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY The potential benefits of PIC’s gene- edited PRRS-resistant pigs are huge. But will regulators, the supply chain and consumers accept this new technology? LATEST NEWS: www.pig-world.co.uk/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION – FOLLOW US @pigworldmag PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |13

14. ALL SET FOR THE PIG INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR For general enquiries or to book your place at the event in London in November, contact Meghan Taylor at meghan@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk or for sponsorship details, Martin Goult: martin@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk TICKETS: Individual – £210 +VAT Table – £1,890 +VAT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE AWARDS, PLEASE SCAN THE QR CODE L Awards, celebrating the best of the British pig industry. We’ve had record entries and we are heading for record attendance as the awards continue to grow – and a few more tickets are still available for the industry’s biggest night of the year. The night – hosted by well-known broadcaster Cherry Healey, best known for presenting BBC’s Inside the Factory – will see 15 National Pig Awards handed out, including the coveted Overall Pig Producer of the Year. There will be the usual recognition for the unit managers and ever-important stockpeople, as well as the always impressive young producers and vets, the ater this month, hundreds of people from across the sector will gather in London for the 10th National Pig Black and Chris Brant Awards, both of which will be handed out on the night. As ever, there will be a gala dinner, following a drinks reception, and with after- dinner entertainment to follow. As ever, it is set to be another great night to celebrate the British pig industry and all the fantastic people who work within it, as the industry looks towards a brighter future, as well as being an opportunity for the sector to come together, socialise, network and have a really good time, with great food and entertainment. If you haven’t got your ticket yet, and fancy celebrating with the rest of the industry, there is still time to get in touch. industry’s future stars, plus the innovation, marketing and pedigree categories, as well as the NPA Allied Industry Award, recognising the critical supporting role of the allied companies. We are delighted to introduce a new award this year, recognising those making advances in the increasingly important area of sustainability. Look out also for the prestigious David Host Cherry Healey ORGANISED BY IN ASSOCIATION WITH SUPPORTED BY PRINCIPAL SPONSOR ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR SPONSORED BY We add performance to your business 14 | NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

16. NEWS ANALYSIS Red Tractor’s flawed green module launch puts spotlight on future of farm assurance Red Tractor’s launch its new environmental initiative, intended to provide a common scheme to demonstrate farms’ green credentials, has not exactly gone to plan. ALISTAIR DRIVER looks into the details and where the Green Farms Commitment goes from here A s examples of communication and presentation go, Red Tractor’s The launch of Red Tractor’s GFC has been mired in controversy unveiling of its voluntary Green Farms Commitment (GFC) has been almost textbook – in how not to do it. The broad principle of the GFC – the creation of a common scheme and logo to assure consumers about the environmental credentials of their food – has merits. The launch has been mired in controversy, however, due to the secrecy surrounding the GFC’s development so far. A lack of consultation with farmers has left them seeking answers to a number of critical questions, not least of which is who will be expected to bear the costs of the additional green requirements. Challenging Questions have also been asked of the NFU over its role in the saga. In fact, such has been the fallout across the farming sectors, the events of the past few weeks have put the future shape and governance of assurance schemes under the spotlight – the NFU’s Council and leadership agreed in October, as a result of the furore, to carry out two reviews into farm assurance over the coming months. It all started when the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Andrew Opie made a statement dedicated Development Advisory Panel (DAP) to oversee the ‘detail, operation, and evolution of the GFC’. Red Tractor’s Technical Advisory Committees (TAC), which include farmer representation, had not been included in discussions up to this – a source of contention. However, the DAP will include representation from Red Tractor’s Sector Boards and TACs, plus third-party expertise where required. ‘voluntary addition, which will operate very differently from its typical core standards’. The aim is to develop a common approach, enabling farmers to ‘make commitments and track their own progress’ across five key areas for environmentally-focused farming: • Carbon footprinting • Soil management • Nutrient management • Waste management • Biodiversity. on the GFC in early October, seemingly before Red Tractor had finalised the details and got the buy-in it wanted prior to making its announcement. Writing on the BRC’s website, Mr Opie set hares running when said the aim of the GFC was to ‘give further assurance and potentially data from farms on environmental performance and help retailers as they report against supply chain commitments on nature and biodiversity’. A few days later Red Tractor issued a press release setting out some details, but did little to quell farmer concerns by carrying supportive quotes from the BRC and four major retailers – but nothing from anybody representing farmers. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley said: “The initiative gives Red Tractor farmers a new way of differentiating their product and a consistent framework to talk about their environmental credentials.” He said the common approach will also benefit processors and packers by The GFC, which will have its own distinct logo, will recognise Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive and other devolved schemes, making it, Red Tractor said, ‘as easy as possible for farmers to complete’. In a key difference to the core scheme, it will be administered by Red Tractor directly, rather than by appointed Certification Bodies. Another difference is that it will not require farmers to adhere to a set of common standards across all farms – farmers will, instead, be required to register a ‘plan for progress’ that is unique to their circumstances, and then measure their success and learning against that. Red Tractor has now set up a WHAT IS THE GFC? It explained that RT’s board has set a ‘firm timetable’ to make the GFC available from April 1, 2024, and that it will be a Jim Moseley reducing the need for product lines to be segregated, while 16| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

17. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD NEWS ANALYSIS be rewarded for a more environmentally focused approach, it said many farmers are already ‘working really hard to make progress against the GFC’s five focus areas’. “Of course, specific financial benefits will depend on individual confidential contract negotiations with farmers. Red Tractor has provided retailers with evidence detailing anticipated initial costs and resources required, so it’s our expectation that farmers and their supply chain partners should ask for more,” it said. It said the GFC will ‘not force farmers to give away their natural capital and data’, stressing that no data farmers supply under the scheme will be shared with retailers or customers. On whether, rather than really being ‘voluntary’, customers might ultimately require farmers to do it, the reply was: “Not immediately,” adding that it will be a ‘slow and selective approach over time’. publication Agronomist and Arable Farmer, Yorkshire farmer Paul Temple said: “When many farming businesses are struggling for financial sustainability, to have Red Tractor pushing an environmental agenda with no indication of reward will be a battle. As a demonstration of getting communication wrong, this is a classic,” he said. Pig industry consultant Dominic Charman said: “As ever, those it will impact the most are those told last.” He said there appeared to be a belief that ‘proliferation’ of schemes would be bad for farmers, when, in reality, ‘competition’ can drive down the cost to farmers. “No other industry expects to pay for their customers’ audits. It’s time for change,” he said. The details of what pig producers will be required to do to comply with the GFC will be developed over the coming months providing the evidence retailers need ‘to show that their sourcing strategies are from farmers committed to looking after the environment’. Red Tractor said the GFC has the ‘full support’ of businesses represented by the BRC. Mr Opie said: “Retailers are under increasing pressure to disclose how their sourcing policies promote positive management of soil, water and biodiversity both to consumers and investors. The GFC offers the opportunity for farmers to deliver that assurance in a consistent, efficient scheme.” The announcement was accompanied by supportive comments from Sainsbury’s, M&S, Tesco and Morrisons. Tractor of ‘overstepping a line in attempting – evasively – to force farmers to give away natural capital and data, which the supply chain should be paying for’. Commenting on X, he noted that there was ‘no mention of collaboration or consultation “Hoping this is acknowledged as the massive cock-up it is swiftly! RED TRACTOR RESPONDS Red Tractor responded by addressing some of the many questions raised in a Q&A. It said GFC will ‘set a framework for farmers to make commitments with plans and actions if their customers ask them to’. Acknowledging the NFU’s calls to involve farmers in the development of the module, it said the new DAP, due to meet for the first time in November, will have a ‘critical role’ in ensuring first-hand farmer experience is taken into account. On whether farmers will HOW WILL IT AFFECT PIG FARMS? The Red Tractor Pigs TAC met after the announcement to feed in its comments on its practical application on pig units. While carbon will be the main focus, some of the five GFC key areas will be less relevant to pig farmers, particularly indoor producers. The TAC sought feedback on application of the GFC to standalone indoor pig units with no associated land, to with farming organisations’, and that it had been ‘framed as a fait accompli’. Yorkshire pig producer Anna Longthorp said it was ‘disappointing’ as Red Tractor usually does consult industry thoroughly to ensure what it is doing is right. She added: “Hoping this is acknowledged as the massive cock-up it is swiftly!” Writing for Pig World sister FARMER RESPONSE But it sparked widespread scepticism and anger among farmers. Summing up the views of many, Leicestershire farmer Joe Stanley accused Red • CHEALE MEATS LTD • PREMIUM TRANSPARENT FINISHED PIG CONTRACTS AVAILABLE WITH FAST PAYMENT 01277 811631 07711 719001 CULL SOWS AND BOARS Freedom Farm Food assured FREEPHONE 08085 300303 SUE PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |17

18. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 NEWS ANALYSIS outdoor pig units on short-term rented land and to integrated pig businesses. “These comments will be fed into the Red Tractor Pigs Board and then the DAP, whose first task will be to give feedback on the technical content of the module before it is finalised to ensure its practical application by sector, and how that might need to change,” Red Tractor’s pigs technical manager Georgina McDowell said. She stressed that the module is not prescriptive about specific actions, but is more about target setting and demonstrating progress. Red Tractor Pigs chair Stewart Houston defended the principle of the GFC. “You have to remember that members of Red Tractor include retailers, processors and producers. We have been talking about this for about three years and if we hadn’t gone ahead, the retailers would have come up with their own schemes, with multiple checks on different standards and conditions,” he said. “We are still trying to work out which bits are relevant to us. Carbon will be the main one initially wrote on X that ‘the NFU have not been involved with the development of the bolt-on module’. However, in its Q&A, Red Tractor said the processes and how it engages with farmers. The second larger review, proposed by NFU president Minette Batters – who, in an interview with Farmers Weekly apologised to NFU members over its handling of the situation – and supported by her officeholder team, will look at repurposing assurance in a post-Brexit world. Aiming to ‘revolutionise farm to fork assurance’, it will examine whether producers get ‘fair value’ from assurance schemes, and look at the relevance of assurance to different sectors and whether the one-size-fits-all model is fair and correct. good time to take a deep look into all aspects of how farm assurance operates. We will be keen to feed into the review.” OPEN LETTER At the time of writing, Red Tractor had given no indication that it intends to alter its timetable with this initiative. However, in an open letter to members, Red Tractor chair Christine Tacon stressed that the assurance body wanted to ‘offer a positive contribution and the views of our members matter to us very much’. She said GFC was being designed to ‘find a common approach which limits the number of demands on farmers’, which she said made it necessary to work with BRC and its members to ensure their commitment. “Throughout that process we have sought to represent and protect the interests of Red Tractor farmers, which is why our preparatory work last year included trials on 25 farms. “In turn, those customer stakeholders have made it very clear how urgent this is. There is a risk they will use alternative, possibly global standards, which will not differentiate British produce from overseas,” she said. “In some sectors we can already see sustainability marks being required which are adding cost and complexity for farmers.” This appeared to do little to appease farmer critics of the initiative, however. The reality is that RedTractor now has a massive job on its hands to build farmer buy-in for the GFC. Hopefully, going forward, it will have learned some key lessons on engagement over the past few weeks. Tom Bradshaw NFU was represented on board, which ‘unanimously agreed this approach in September and has discussed this work regularly over the last two years’. Mr Bradshaw then clarified his role. He said NFU has long supported Red Tractor Assurance, but stressed that, ‘for the past 18 months we have been robustly challenging the governance behind the development of this environment module’. He said he was ‘alarmed’ that it had been previously decided by the Red Tractor board, before he was on it, that the TACs and technical committees would be ‘bypassed’ in its development. “I have found this position completely unacceptable and said so repeatedly,” he said. The NFU’s council, made up of farmer representatives from across the regions, embarked on a long and ‘passionate’ discussion on GFC when it met a few days later, with calls to ‘pause’ it while a review of Red Tractor’s governance takes place. Minette Batters The National Sheep Association (NSA) also called for a ‘root and branch review’ of Red Tractor, following an extraordinary meeting of its English committee. NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “We do not accept GFC will remain a voluntary scheme, and additionality like this comes with a cost that needs to be supported via market premiums or by full alignment with the SFI and Countryside Stewardship schemes.” AHDB said it was ready to support discussions over the future of farm assurance. NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “We continue to support Red Tractor and appreciate the value of farm assurance for pig farms, but recent weeks have highlighted just how important full and proper engagement with its farmer members is when it comes to something as significant as this. “We will be involved in the future development of the module, and agree that this is a Stewart Houston and a number of producers are already doing it. One challenge is going to be which carbon calculator to use.” He stressed that the pig sector will be represented as the details are developed between now and next spring. ASSURANCE REVIEWS After initially issuing a relatively reserved and conciliatory statement, the NFU put out a more robust statement a few days later confirming that the Council had ‘unanimously agreed’ to the creation of two critical reviews into farm assurance schemes in England and Wales. The first will examine the governance of Red Tractor, including its decision- making procedures and their transparency, its consultation NFU SPOTLIGHT The NFU, which launched Red Tractor in 2000, and still, today, is one of six ownership members of the scheme, has come in for criticism, too. NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw, a member of the 18-strong Red Tractor board, Christine Tacon 18| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

20. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 NEWS ANALYSIS Deal to remove pigs from land to facilitate housing development sparks concerns News that public money is to be used to remove pigs in Norfolk to facilitate a housing development under the nutrient neutrality principle has raised eyebrows across the sector. ALISTAIR DRIVER looks into what it might mean T NPA chairman Rob Mutimer feels this type of deal could harm the outdoor pig sector he practice of using public money to remove pigs from land to facilitate housebuilding projects could prove to be detrimental to the outdoor pig sector, according to NPA chairman Rob Mutimer. In what is reportedly the first deal of its type, money from a joint venture between Norfolk councils and Anglia Water is to be used to ensure pigs are no longer kept on site, located on either side of the A47 bypass south of Norwich, the Eastern Daily Press reported. The aim is to prevent ‘harmful nutrients’ running into two nearby rivers, the Yare and Tas, which, under the nutrient neutrality principle, would enable a nearby stalled housing development to go ahead. Nutrient neutrality is a means of ensuring that a development plan is not associated with a net increase in nutrients in local catchments. Under the terms of the deal, the landowner will be compensated and have covenants placed on the land, meaning pigs can no longer be farmed there, although arable crops, hay or wildflowers could still be planted. EDP reported that a parish council meeting heard the scheme could cost between £1m and £1.5m. The move would enable the local authorities to grant permission for 5,000 homes, He also questioned the principle of removing pigs to mitigate pollution from housing. “A lot of work has been done on outdoor pig farms with grassland management to reduce run-off and water pollution – and that is not taken into account,” he added. breaking the deadlock that, for 18 months, has prevented housing getting the go-ahead in catchment areas of the river Wensum and the Broads. This followed a directive from Natural England, specifying that councils could not permit new housing unless developers could offset the extra nutrients which would flow from wastewater in the new homes, for example from washing machines and sewage. In the first deal resulting from councils’ efforts to provide mitigation measures, the landowner will be compensated by Norfolk Environmental Credits (NEC), a joint venture between four Norfolk councils and Anglian Water. Councils are reportedly borrowing millions to lend to NEC for mitigation schemes, enabling developers to buy ‘credits’ from it to offset nutrients created by housing schemes from projects such as changes in agricultural land use, septic tank conversion and water infrastructure enhancements. Phil Courtier, director of place at Broadland and South Norfolk councils, said: “We are on the cusp of finalising a deal that will be the first of its kind in the country to release a significant number of homes and improve the environmental quality of the Broads and the river Wensum.” PROFOUND IMPACT In September, the House of Lords voted to block plans by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Local Government Secretary Michael Gove to relax the nutrient neutrality requirements. Jonathan Pyle, PR manager for South Norfolk Council, said nutrient neutrality has had a ‘profound impact on many parts of the country’. Norfolk now has a backlog of approximately 16,000 new homes, with multiple Districts unable to grant planning permission for new homes for 18 months. “While it is acknowledged that the Government is continuing to seek a ‘silver bullet’ solution to the restrictions arising from nutrient neutrality, in this vacuum of uncertainty there is a need to deliver local solutions to restart our growth agenda,” he said. He described the NEC as a ‘unique partnership to address this ‘potentially catastrophic impediment to growth’. BARRIERS Council leaders are reportedly hoping more farmers will come forward to help provide mitigation measures. However, the story has inevitably raised concerns within the pig sector. NPA chairman Rob Mutimer, a Norfolk outdoor pig producer himself, said it could create further barriers for the outdoor sector. “If you are an independent farmer and you own a farm and want to retire, it could be a good thing, but you have to bear in mind that a lot of outdoor pigs are kept on rented land,” he said. “I’m not sure this type of deal to address nutrient neutrality is going to do the industry any good, as it might reduce the amount of land available for outdoor pigs significantly, if it became a big thing. It won’t necessarily come into producers’ coffers, and it could restrict us in what we do.” “In this vacuum of uncertainty there is a need to deliver local solutions to restart our growth agenda” 20| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

22. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 NEWS ANALYSIS Round 2 of expanded Slurry Infrastructure Grant scheme to offer more for pig producers replace existing stores that are no longer fit for purpose add additional storage, if other stores that will stay part of your system meet slurry storage regulations, were built to relevant standards and remain fit for purpose expand an existing store, for example by adding another ring to a suitable steel tank cover new and existing stores. Defra said this will help farms who have invested in storage to increase capacity by preventing rainwater from entering the store. Concrete stores: Defra has added the option of in-situ cast concrete stores as an alternative to circular and panel stores, lagoons and bags, with the aim of improving flexibility in areas where it is harder to transport in pre-cast panels. Underwriting agreements: An option for landlords to underwrite grant funding agreements has been added to give tenants more confidence to apply, where their landlord agrees to take over their agreement if they don’t complete the project. Defra said it was making these changes to improve flexibility and environmental outcomes. RPA will contact Round 1 applicants with a time-limited opportunity to update their application to include these changes in their project, without having to reapply. The Department is not planning to make further changes to the items on offer for Round 3. From this month, pig producers in England will be able to begin applications under Round 2 of a significantly improved Slurry Infrastructure Grant (SIG) scheme. ALISTAIR DRIVER examines how the changes will help the sector Farmers can choose from different types of stores, store covers and store accessories that meet the specifications. Types of slurry store include: above-ground steel slurry stores precast circular concrete slurry stores earth bank lagoons, with or without synthetic liner stores using precast rectangular concrete panels in-situ cast reinforced concrete stores large volume supported slurry bags, over 2,500 cubic metres. The second round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant (SIG) scheme will open in November, with some significant changes that will make it more accessible. The first round, which opened a year ago, paid out £34 million, but its focus on six months’ storage, while helpful for many cattle farms, excluded lots of pig farms that were already there. Defra recently announced £147m would be available for two larger SIG rounds in autumn 2023 and 2024, which will include funding for up to eight months’ storage for pig farms. Round 2 will again offer grants of between £25,000 and £250,000 to improve slurry storage in England. The grants are intended to take slurry storage arrangements beyond legal minimums, with the aims of improving the use of organic nutrients on farm to aid productivity and reduce pollution; improving water and air quality and reducing greenhouse gases. Defra. These are: Storage capacity: The most significant change is that pig farms will now be funded for up to eight months’ storage, opening up the scheme far more widely. Defra said this will help pig producers with less land safely store organic nutrients until they can safely spread it or export it to neighbouring farms. Those who applied for six months of storage in Round 1 will be able to increase it to eight months. Slurry separators: Grant funding is now available towards a slurry separator as part of projects to increase storage capacity. The grant will provide a contribution towards a screw or screen press separator unit, gantry and temporary storage of stackable materials. Defra said separators can make slurry easier to store, move around the farm and apply in line with a nutrient management plan. Impermeable covers: Support will also be available for covering for existing stores that are fit-for- purpose with impermeable covers. This option can be used alongside building a store, or on its own, as long as you meet scheme storage requirements and minimum grant thresholds. Farmers can use the grant to pay for fixed or floating flexible slurry covers. New or expanded stores must be fitted with an impermeable cover unless a slurry bag or acidification is being used. There is a long list of additional items in the guidance, including: a slurry separator, gantry and temporary storage for the stackable material from the separator a reception pit electric-powered slurry transfer pump powered take off (PTO) or WHO CAN APPLY? Farmers can apply for an SIG Round 2 grant if their farming system already produces slurry, and they farm pigs, beef or dairy. Both land owning and tenant farmers can apply. The slurry store must be built on land you own or farm as a tenant. WHAT THE GRANT CAN PAY FOR? Farmers can use the grant to: KEY CHANGES Ahead of the opening of Round 2 this month, Defra has published full guidance for the scheme, including five changes, based on industry feedback gathered by 22| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

23. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD FIND OUT MORE A Yorkwold Pigpro slurry store Full scheme guidance: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/slurry-infrastructure-grant- round-2-applicant-guidance A Defra blog on SIG Round 2: https://defrafarming. blog.gov.uk/2023/10/12/slurry-infrastructure-grant- guidance-now-available-for-round-2/ Defra will be hosting a webinar about the scheme at 2.30pm on November 9. You can register via the Defra blog CASE STUDY On page 40, you can read how Yorkwold Pigpro, the first business to have a grant approved under SIG Round 1, is using a grant to improve its slurry storage arrangements. the priority areas in November, by selecting ‘Slurry Infrastructure Grant - Round 2’ on the MAGIC (https://magic.defra.gov.uk/ magicmap.aspx) tool. Last year, around 30% of projects shortlisted were outside the prioritised areas and Defra is urging people to submit expressions of interest, wherever they are located. For those not shortlisted, Round 3 will open in autumn 2024. which will be assessed by the Environment Agency. Stage 3: If the EA confirms this is satisfactory, you will be asked to submit your full application by June 27, 2025. It will be assessed by RPA and, if eligible and you meet all the conditions, RPA will offer you a grant. The grants of between £25,000 and £250,000 for each applicant business, per round will be paid in arrears. Final payments will be based on the reference cost contribution for the items, detailed in the guidance, or 50% of the actual invoice costs at claim stage, whichever is lower. If you are offered a grant, RPA will send you a grant funding agreement, setting out conditions you must meet for five years from the payment of your final claim. hydraulically driven chopper pump galvanised steel pipework 100mm or 150mm diameter polyethylene (PE) or equivalent pipework 100mm or 150mm diameter under-floor transfer channels slurry store wall or in-situ mixers inspection platform with ladder for above-ground concrete and steel slurry stores safety fencing for stores constructed below ground level, earth-bank lagoons and slurry bags. Wizard tool should be used to calculate current and future slurry storage requirements. Getting this calculation right is essential for completing a good application, making the best of organic nutrients in slurry and preventing pollution, Defra said. You can then complete the online checker to see if you’re eligible and how much grant you might get, based on storage needs, and, if you wish, submit an online application via the checker. Stage 2: If your project is shortlisted, RPA will ask you to complete a slurry store location and design assessment form, REACTION NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson welcomed the announcement. “We are really pleased the storage has been increased to eight months as this brings many more pig farmers into play,” she said. “We were involved in the development of the scheme and, while we didn’t get everything we wanted – we pushed hard for more storage capacity and permeable covers – it is a real improvement for pig farmers on Round 1. We urge members to consider applying if you think it could help your business. Please, don’t be put off by the priority areas – just apply!” APPLYING Stage 1: AHDB’s updated Slurry AHDB updates Slurry Wizard tool AHDB has added new updates to its Slurry Wizard tool to improve user experience, ahead of the opening of Round 2 of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant Scheme. Slurry Wizard enables farmers to work out slurry storage requirements and explore different scenarios. The recent updates include making rainfall data and predictions more accurate, assessing every sq.km of locality and making the tool more usable and effective by allowing slurry and wash water produced on farms to be accounted for. MANAGING DEMAND Defra is expecting to invite ‘many more’ projects to submit a full application than last year and, if needed will prioritise projects where coordinated action is needed to reduce water and air pollution from farming. Producers will be able to view PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |23

25. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD NEWS ANALYSIS Thinking of standing? ‘You learn a huge amount about the industry and meet some great people’ Veterans who are stepping down set out the benefits of representing your industry A number of long- serving members will be standing down from the makes it tick. “Better than that, it turns out we’ve got some really good people in this sector who are dedicated, hard-working folk – salt of the earth! “The travel can sometimes be a bit of a pain, but these days quite a lot of it is done online. It’s a real privilege to be in the thick of policy discussions that affect all our businesses - and have your say and pass on words of wisdom from your own network of contacts.” Howard Revell, Pilgrim’s UK’s pig production director, has spent 15 out the past 18 years on PIG and its predecessor. “Before I joined Producer Group, I was probably quite naïve about some industry issues. I was nervous that I was going show myself up. But it has really helped me to understand the wider sector and to talk about the industry. “It is a valuable thing to do and you get to feed into policy discussions that very often affect your business directly. Almost without exception, you get good sorts on PIG, interesting people who you can learn from and pick up the phone to, if you need to know something.” He stressed that the time NPA’s Pig Industry Group (PIG) after the forthcoming elections early next year. While this will remove a great deal of knowledge and experience from the group, it also opens up opportunities for others to step into their shoes and bring their own energy and vision. Hugh Crabtree has been involved with the NPA since its inception in the late-1990s, serving for a long time as Allied Industry Group (AIG) chair and, more recently, as NPA vice-chair on the amalgamated PIG. After more than two decades of unstinting service, he is keen to highlight to those thinking of giving it a go, just what you can get out of PIG. “Being in the front line of policy making in a small and almost club-like industry sector like pigs is actually good fun. You’re working with professional staff – we have the best – and with peers on both sides of the farm gate,” he said. “This contact provides a clear insight into the sector and what NPA staff receive the backing of pig producers, and being on PIG is hugely rewarding too,” she said. “It’s so important to understand all the implications of the different government, environment and legislative aspects that affect the industry. “Farming can be a very insular and introspective occupation. “The NPA allows you to see the much wider picture and to meet up with farmers and allied industry people from all over the country.” commitment is manageable, with only four meetings a year, two of which are online. “Most of the people on PIG are pretty busy people, but they find the time, as they it see it as being really valuable,” he said. Sally Stockings is another long-serving PIG member who is stepping down. “I have been very privileged over the last 12 years to work with extremely motivated professionals who support the whole pig sector. “It is vitally important that the Sally Stockings Hugh Crabtree ELECTION TIMETABLE January 8 – nominations close January 23 – email voting opens February 5 – postal ballots sent out to those who have not voted online February 22 – voting closes ELECTING A STREAMLINED PIG Howard Revell l The NPA is seeking candidates for eight producer and four allied member seats on PIG. l Producers will be elected on the basis of the most votes received, rather than a regional basis. Efforts will be made to ensure a balance between indoor and outdoor production and independent and corporate producers. l Allied members will be elected via most votes in four categories – buildings/equipment, health, marketing/ processing and nutrition. l Producers will only vote for producers and allied industry members for allied industry candidates, with one vote per membership. l See the NPA website for details on how to nominate yourself, and the latest on the candidates. FIRST NPA ELECTION 24 NOMINATION IS IN! Peter Bryant, head of sales and marketing at A-One Feed Supplements, has become the first candidate to throw his hat into the ring. You can read his manifesto and keep up to date with candidates as they come forward on the NPA’s special Election 24 web pages. PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |25

26. PIGGYPOINTS We will continue the fight to strengthen our border controls to keep ASF out COMMENT As Lizzie mentioned in last month’s article, the battle to get border checks implemented on goods moving from the EU into mainland GB received a further setback when they were delayed for a fifth time. Following this, we have reinvigorated our campaign to raise awareness with Parliamentarians of the ever-increasing threat of ASF without effective border controls in place. Of particular concern in the Government’s own publication about the new border controls (or Border Target Operating Model, as it is officially known) is a case study on ASF itself. It opens with a line that everyone in the industry knows all too well: “An outbreak of African swine fever would be a fundamental threat to the viability of our pig industry.” It then goes into detail that had not previously been in the public domain: “Recent routine inspection of retail shops by local authorities in the UK detected frozen, raw and uncooked meat products marked clearly as suitable only for sale in the originating EU country. “Further investigations found these products had been purchased by two importers, linked to over 280 retail outlets in the UK. These products were exported commercially, and properly pre-notified on the UK imports system.” The conclusion offers a chilling appraisal of the danger that faces the industry: “Although the products didn’t test positive for African swine fever on this occasion the very fact that these products reached the UK presents a serious and immediate threat to the UK pig industry. These goods would not have made it to the UK if sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls had been in place because they would not have been certified for export by a veterinarian in the originating country.” The final sentence says it all. Charlie Dewhirst is senior policy adviser at the NPA “Defra is very sympathetic to the industry’s concerns but decisions on border controls lie with the Cabinet Office, which wields significantly more power in Whitehall” Government in our recent meetings and briefings with Minsters, MPs, Peers and officials. They are: 1. No further delays beyond April 30 2024 on SPS checks for goods entering the UK from the EU. 2. A review of APHA resource and available expertise to ensure it has the capability to respond quickly and effectively to notifiable disease outbreaks, particularly as the ongoing avian influenza prevalence means that we could very conceivably see concurrent outbreaks of two different notifiable diseases. 3. We urgently need to agree a plan for regionalisation with our trading partners to ensure that unaffected parts of the UK could still export pork in the event of an outbreak. 4. Improved and increased border controls for meat imports (sniffer dogs etc at ports/airports/ Eurotunnel and postal hubs). We also need better communications, including messaging at points of entry, to emphasise the risks of bringing in meat products. We have another six months until the SPS controls are introduced, and we will remain needlessly vulnerable during that time. However, even if we get to April 30 next year and we are still free of ASF, the risk will not have gone away. Implementing SPS checks would reduce the threat of ASF, but the Government has delayed them again because they are under pressure from supermarkets who say it will make food more expensive. But what would happen to prices if there was an ASF outbreak in the UK and entire food supply chains had to be shut down while we eradicate it? It is worth pointing out that Defra is very sympathetic to the industry’s concerns but decisions on border controls lie with the Cabinet Office, which wields significantly more power in Whitehall. Restrictions on non-commercial imports of pork were increased in September last year, limited to 2kg, and a campaign to raise awareness of ASF has been more visible at ports and airports. While the 2kg limit is welcome, it would be better to follow the EU’s example and ban any non- commercial pork imports. This would send the right message to tourists arriving in the UK. However, 99.9% of pork coming into the UK is through commercial routes and these remain unchecked. The Government’s own case study clearly demonstrates that there are rogue operators using these channels to bring illegal meat into the country. With all this in mind, the NPA has set out four key asks from the 26| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

28. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 INTERNATIONAL THIS MONTH’S COMMENT COMES FROM CANADA OUTLOOK COMMENT Why we are asking our Government not to ratify the unfair CPTPP deal with the UK With the world having been in turmoil with coronavirus and the wars we are now seeing in different parts of the world, it becomes more and more challenging to predict how businesses will navigate through – and, of course, the swine industry is not immune to all of the challenges that this brings. With the unprecedented increase in production costs, as well as the uncertainty in being able to trade our pork to other parts of the world, the challenges are endless. Our country, Canada, is especially vulnerable to any events that affect world trade, as we export approximately 70% of our production around the world. We as an industry in Canada have always encouraged free and fair trade around the world and believe that should be not only for pork coming into our country, but also regarding our ability to send our pork to other countries. We agreed with the new trade deal with the EU when it was enacted, but, unfortunately, we have been quite disappointed in the ability to actually send pork into the EU due to the tough requirements put on by our pork products as a result of phytosanitary issues. that would grant accession for the UK to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trading agreement that already covers Canada and 10 other countries (Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam). We were hopeful that the UK, taking into account the strong historical connection between our two countries, would create a more reasonable and fair deal, which would benefit both our countries, but, alas, it was not to be. The concern is that the UK is unwilling to accept Canada’s meat inspection system and food safety and animal health measures. On top of that, the lack of reciprocal tariff measures will allow UK pork to enter the Canadian market without reciprocation. The meat industry in Canada is asking our government not to ratify this agreement so our industry is not more disadvantaged than it already is. The volume of UK pork to Canada is continuing to increase every year and yet we cannot access the British market at all, as a result of these barriers. like in other parts of the world, the prices for our pigs not keeping up with those increases. Prices have also been affected by a more competitive export market, leading to very low cut-out margins for our packers. Another issue has been the collapse of the prices of Isowean piglets – piglets weaned away from mothers and other age groups on the farm to keep them free of pathogens – moving into the US, causing massive losses for those producers that sold across the border. This has caused some major cutbacks in our sow herd, which will likely show up next year in reduced slaughter numbers. As most of you are probably aware, pig health in Canada is quite high on our farms, although we still deal with some diseases. I’ll talk about a couple of them. PRRS is still a concern in some farms, but generally under control. A heavier strain has been identified, but it seems to have been contained through rigorous biosecurity. Meanwhile, PED, is still showing up from time to time, but, again, is under control. Some regions which were hard hit a few years ago have been able to eradicate this devastating disease. It’s been great to share with you again what is happening in Canada. I wish everyone a very prosperous 2024. Jurgen Preugschas is president of family pig business, Pigs R Us, in Mayerthorpe, Alberta. He is a former chair of the Canadian Pork Council “The concern is that the UK is unwilling to accept Canada’s meat inspection system and food safety and animal health measures” DIFFICULT TIMES Our industry in Canada has been through some difficult times over these last two years, with producers’ input costs rising exponentially and, CPTPP CONCERNS This brings us to the deal struck recently between our two countries PRODUCTION Tony Skinner 020 7216 6405 tony.skinner@ccmediagroup.co.uk ART EDITOR Sarah Crowhurst sarah@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk DESIGNERS Chrishna Othendee, Rachel Wood EDITOR Alistair Driver07787 240832 alistair@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk PRODUCTION EDITOR Allan Norbury 01825 725296 allan@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk SUB EDITOR Sally Rush 01825 701243 sally@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk GROUP SALES DIRECTOR Martin Goult M.Inst.M 01825 983124 martin@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS Nic Wood 01580 883844 nic.wood@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk Because of the sensitive nature of all intensive livestock production, Pig World is available only to those who are directly involved in pig production, or directly connected to it (allied trades, food chain, government, research, etc). News and views in Pig World do not necessarily reflect the official position of the NPA, except where stated. We strive for accuracy – if you have cause for concern please call. Printed by Stephens & George Print Group, Goat Mill Road, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1SL, UK T 01825 983105 F 01825 983108 E info@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk W www.pig-world.co.uk Price per annual subscription: UK £37 European £95 Rest of the world £137 NPA members receive Pig World as part of their membership package. GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR AND PUBLISHER Simon Lewis 01825 983119 simon@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk 28| NOVMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

31. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD COMMENT COMMENT The NPA, in my opinion, needs to look at how it can do things better Some things are unanimously a good thing, beyond criticism – ‘motherhood and apple pie’, as the Americans would say. On a very short extension of that list would have been, for a while, the National Pig Association. Unfortunately, recent changes in our industry have led to the NPA, sadly, in my opinion, losing that halo. Just as apple pie can be improved (vastly, in my opinion) with the addition of blackberries, the NPA needs to have a little look at how it might do things better. As I am no longer a member or directly a supplier of finished pigs and no longer an independent producer, I probably have less fear of speaking out than many others. The very sharp practice by certain processors of two years ago, which could easily be seen as, in effect, stealing from producers, has gone largely unchallenged, as far as I am aware, by the producers’ representative organisation. A very large proportion of their membership subscriptions will now be coming from processor-owned producers, and NPA cannot be seen to be criticising those processors very robustly. Of course, the NPA has been superb with individual producers that have suffered incursions and exposés, but that is more about defending wider industry reputational damage. It was clear to me, however, during the crisis that the NPA could do very little for individual producers’ problems, for fear of upsetting the dominant forces of the industry. Lobbying with the NFU might have helped give rise to some temporary extra pig slaughtering days, which gave some processors the opportunity to ‘help’ producers by stealing their overweight pigs. I can be absolutely certain that the scale of overcrowding and overweights was nearly non-existent on processor- owned pigs. Indeed, my own travails were because of the processor-owned producer that I supplied seeing the problem coming down the tracks and dropping the most recent supplier, me. Of course, it did not stop them buying more supply when local herds became available, probably at bargain basement prices. So, how do we improve independent producer representation? As one retired and esteemed industry figure quipped, an association of independent pig producers could meet in a ‘phone box. Maybe part of the answer is for enough independent producers to stand and get elected to the Pig Industry Group. Just maybe the NPA leadership, who I still hold in high esteem, might read this and either do something about it or reassure those of us who are concerned. Meanwhile, I am still happy to be a member of NFU, for now. Chris Fogden is a first-generation farmer and Nuffield Scholar, who is currently re- organising his pig business on 40ha of rented land within the rotation of a large Norfolk arable estate COMMENT We hear the criticism, but let me assure you, the NPA continues to fight on behalf of all pig producers Following Chris’s comments, a view which we know is shared by others, I just wanted to respond to his various points to try to assure him of the firm position we have maintained for some time now. I’d like to start by saying NPA are absolutely not impervious to criticism – we are here to serve our members, and if we can improve how we deliver value for subscription, then we’re more than happy to listen. Whilst we acknowledge that a large proportion of our subscription is now derived from processors, this doesn’t stop us challenging them and having difficult, but necessary conversations in private. This is because I firmly believe that it is not appropriate for a trade association to publicly criticise its members, no matter who they are. NPA did absolutely everything within its, at the time, limited powers to try to alleviate many desperately dire situations during the crisis. We may not have achieved exactly what many wanted or thought we should, but it wasn’t for the want of trying. Following the crisis, the best way for us to effect change was to work with Defra to implement the contractual practice legislation that will actually ensure the entire supply chain is accountable in future. We were instrumental in persuading Defra to go ahead with this important piece of work, and we have continued to push them on it. At the time of writing, we are expecting an initial copy of Defra’s proposal to be made available for members to comment on. I firmly believe it’s the only way the fairness that is so needed is going to be delivered. One of the real strengths of the NPA is that it includes, not only producer members, but allied members, including the integrator/ processors, too. Yes, this does lead to conflicts of interests at times, but NPA has always and will always be involved in those difficult exchanges between different parties, as that is just part and parcel of the association’s role. And, without doubt, our membership from all parts of the sector gives us a far greater mandate than an association that only represents primary producers. Without processor members, we would represent a significantly smaller proportion of the sector when lobbying on all producers’ behalf, which would dilute our effectiveness. I wholeheartedly agree that we need strong independent producer representation on PIG, especially as many existing members are due to step down. The forthcoming elections in February are, therefore, the ideal opportunity for anyone who may agree with Chris to step up to the plate. If you are interested in standing, please visit our website. Rob Mutimer Norfolk outdoor pig farmer and NPA chairman “It is not appropriate for a trade association to publicly criticise its members, no matter who they are” PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |31

33. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD COMMENT COMMENT Our struggles to keep staff when they are promised riches elsewhere A lack of staff appears to be a worldwide phenomenon in everything. What appears to be a wonderful business is anything but. Take our local car dealership, suddenly sold up. And farming?! Reasons: lack of competent staff, being sick and tired of shortages and being sabotaged by employees, who couldn’t care less, except getting paid for doing nothing every day. So where does that leave piggeries? Where would you prefer to work, in an air-conditioned office, or knee deep in pig shit and getting bruised all over? I have tried to analyse what keeps our staff happy and cheerful, despite the downsides to the job. Seems to be: “No people, boss. I can work on my own without having to get on with other staff.” Now that works well until some knowledgeable ‘mate’ gets in their ear with glowing stories of better jobs and conditions elsewhere. This has happened twice. One of our Filipina blokes went to Queensland with the promise of a much better deal. With stars in his eyes, he moved to his new accommodation, a shipping container with flies and heat, miles from civilisation. He lasted two weeks before returning, never to leave again. The most recent incident was our latest employee, also a Filipina, that Mat paid all immigration costs (substantial) for to get him to Australia. Six weeks before the end of his contract, he handed in his notice as, once again, some idiot painted a glowing picture of employment in Queensland (1,000 miles away, north). His deliberate breaking of his contract created all sorts of problems with immigration, unknown to him. If only he had discussed the ramifications of this decision with Mat, but the horizon was too golden. So away he went to the promised land to begin work the following week. Monday morning, Mat got a telephone call at 10am – “Er boss, can I come back to work for you again?” He had lasted two hours. Mat said he’d need to give two week’s notice and all the usual requirements to leave his new employer. “No, bugger that, I’m leaving now!” What went on I have yet to hear, but that is now two out of two to return from the promised land. Sadly, it is not that simple with immigration. Mat has to now draw up a new contract, this time with the option of bringing out his family, which is how it should be in my opinion. Lots of money is involved with immigration, but this bloke works well, and without him, Mat is short staffed, with no options to fill this vacancy from within Australia. Australians are too ‘delicate’ and lazy. Without staff we have no pigs, so, once again, the choice is ours. Blackmail, if you like, but that is the reality in Oz where no one has to work. So, at a cost, our staffing problems are currently laid to rest until next time. Neil Unger advises a 500-sow farrow-to-finish pig unit in Australia, alongside an arable unit cropping 3,400ha annually “Without staff we have no pigs, so, once again, the choice is ours” COMMENT AHDB’s Pig Clubs have plenty to offer I look forward to this time of year because it is when I get to host several autumn Pig Club meetings on behalf of AHDB. There are different types of Pig Clubs – international, national and in my case, local. This year, my autumn pig clubs run from late October through to early December, and they offer an excellent opportunity for producers to catch up with and meet others working nearby. They are all face-to-face events, so it means I will be travelling between Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon and Wiltshire to meet those active in the pig industry. I find the clubs offer a much more relaxed and social atmosphere compared to meetings held on farms, and, as such, the conversations are different. If I am going to an office, I will turn up with an agenda and, arguably, get more from an individual farmer about specific topics. But the interaction with like- minded producers at a Pig Club helps join the dots and allows everyone to get a clearer understanding of the bigger picture. Discussions can go in any direction, so no topic is off the table – even the proposed levy increase. If you are on our database, you will be notified of the meetings closest to you. There is the added draw of a dinner but, if even that is not enough, then there is a presentation too. In this autumn series, it will either be a virtual tour of an indoor farrow- to-finish pig unit, a talk about pig health or some advice on how to tailor pig rations for winter. All I ask is that you reserve your place so we can keep tabs on numbers. If you are able to attend one of the nights when we have the virtual farm tour, Ben Golledge, a production manager in the South West, will detail his new dry sow house, the service house and the farrowing house. He will talk about their sow management pre- and post-weaning and explain the feeding regime in the farrowing house and how they use milk cups. As with all our events, there will also be a market update from one of our analysts. There are similar meetings in the spring, and we offer national and international events, which are based online. One of this year’s highlights was a look at Mexican pig production and consumption. My counterpart in the east, Andrew Palmer, hosted a webinar and was joined by Gonzalo Rivero, director of pig & poultry at Zoetis UK. It was interesting to hear about many aspects of Mexican pig production, including staffing, marketing, public perceptions, health issues and government support. You can watch proceedings in our event archive (ahdb.org.uk/pork- events-archive). Patrick Loten AHDB knowledge exchange manager for pork for south and central England “I find the clubs offer a much more relaxed and social atmosphere compared to meetings held on farms” PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |33

34. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT How I was reminded of the story of my mother and the pig’s head An ‘interesting set up’, indeed – Environment Agency inspection day The story of my mother and the pig’s head has passed into family legend. My mother was the toughest, most resourceful person I have ever known – however, one thing she wasn’t was a good cook of meat. Whether that was from living through rationing or living some of her life in the tropics, I don’t know. Most meat was cooked until ‘well and truly done’! From time to time, we would stock my parents’ freezer with pork, and it is fair to say one lump of frozen pork can look much like another, if a bit frosted over. Unfortunately, one time, this meant we accidentally gave her half a pig’s head, which she didn’t realise until she went Autumn, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, farm inspectors and not such a mellow Muriel. Although we are grateful that most inspectors wait until after harvest before descending on us, it always seems like they arrive when everybody is exhausted and in need of a break. So, when the Environment Agency rang up, wanting to come and check our IPPC permit, and, above all, our drains, the wails of despair reached a fresh crescendo. The slight hysteria which such a visit always brings was exacerbated by the fact that the very nice Environment Agency lady was bringing a trainee with her. Obviously, this means she is going to be even more thorough than normal. Inevitably, the huge amount of paperwork is a foreign language to me and is left for Muriel. Drains on the other hand are very much my thing and, with noble help from Dodgy and Adam, every catch pit and drain outlet was scrupulously cleaned and re- marked either red for dirty or blue for clean water. The day of the inspection dawns and everything is looking in order, remarkably even the small amount of paperwork I’m entrusted to do! We are working our way steadily through a massive heap of files, and the inspectors seem happy with everything, when the phone rings. ‘Pigs out!’ I whisper to nearly vegan son, who is having his first experience of an inspection. He exits discreetly at pace nearly colliding with number one daughter, who has been alerted by a shop customer and they charge off to sort things out, while Muriel and I pretend everything is OK. Paperwork done, everybody heads out to inspect drains, tanks, bunds, incinerators and fertiliser stores. We pause briefly in the mill to admire the freshly swept floor, and most importantly, the locked rat poison store; at which point Romeo, the mill cat, as if to prove a point, emerges with a large rat, which he then drops at the feet of the inspector, while yowling loudly and demanding biscuits for a job well done! Fortunately, both inspectors like cats. Suddenly, there is an almighty bang, and we look up to see that a pen of sex-crazed on-heat sows have lifted their gate off its hinges. Nearly vegan son and I run/limp fast and manage to stop them escaping, and, soon, the gate is back on with a new split pin in the hinge, and we are signing off the final bits of paperwork to say we’re doing a good job and that there are no non-compliances, at which point the cat throws up a barely digested rat… The two inspectors depart, still smiling, with the senior inspector telling her trainee how fortunate he is to start on a farm with excellent paperwork, and such an ‘interesting set up’! When it’s all over we heave a massive sigh of relief for a few minutes before realisation strikes that we still have Red Tractor pigs and combinable crops and RSPCA pigs inspections to look forward to before Christmas! Muriel Naughton, with her husband Cameron, rents 800 acres from the Crown Estate in Wiltshire. They have 500 outdoor sows on a three-week batch production system. Weaners are liquid- fed to bacon weight in straw yards and then sold through Thames Valley Cambac Cameron Naughton to put the defrosted joint in the oven on Sunday morning, to her surprise and slight consternation. Incidentally, 30 years ago, we always had the heads back when we had a pig for the freezer, as Cameron’s mother, being a superb cook, would make delicious brawn. I remembered my poor mother’s reaction to the pig’s head, as just before harvest Cameron and I escaped for a few days’ holiday to a field in Hampshire (it was as exotic as it sounds). While we were away, we had a message from our son, who was helping in the farm shop and took a meat delivery from the butcher, which, unusually, included two heads (the meat, not the butcher). These were, in fact, for a friend’s granddaughter, who is studying to be a doctor and wanted to practice surgery on the jaws! We do get a range of reactions to meat from our customers; some come in slightly disgruntled that we don’t have boxes of pigs’ ears, and other delicacies such as chittlings and trotters. I agree whole-heartedly with their wish to utilise every part of the pig, but I also know that, unfortunately, it would probably depress overall pork sales. Having had a couple of litters of pigs in the stable yard over the summer for customers to enjoy seeing, we recently posted on our social media that the piglets were going to be moved as the donkeys were coming back from Weston beach for their winter holidays and would need the stable yard back. A ridiculous number of people went slightly ashen and quite literally whispered: ‘Where have the piglets gone? Have they – you know – been, err – you know, eaten?’ We are talking about 20kg piglets! I was very tempted to march them into the shop and pick up a leg joint or loin chop and point out the size difference, or else say: ‘Yes! I ate one between two slices of bread this morning!’. However, I know either response would cause them to turn a bit green and never buy any meat again, so being a nice person, I reassured them that the piglets were safely just moved into another barn, and they breathed a sigh of relief, conscience absolved, and tucked into a freshly made sausage roll. “The slight hysteria which a visit always brings was exacerbated by the fact that the very nice Environment Agency lady was bringing a trainee with her” 34| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

38. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 FEATURE COMPANY PROFILE ForFarmers is committed to delivering quality nutrition to a changing pig sector ForFarmers restructures to meet the changing demands of the pig sector The ForFarmers team (from left): Stephen Evans – young animal feed (YAF) specialist, Sam Bradley - pig technical & commercial advisor, Simon King - business development manager, Sian Southwell - key account manager, Emily Morgan - account manager, Tim Sawyer – YAF manager Leading feed supplier, ForFarmers, the principal sponsor of this month’s National Pig Awards, is restructuring in response to an evolving pig sector. Here, key figures from the company set out what this means and their longer-term commitment to the industry O the rising costs of raw materials through to a labour shortage. These impacts have had repercussions throughout the sector, and in response, like many businesses across the supply chain, ForFarmers has had to adapt to meet the market’s ever-changing needs. Among a range of measures, they have implemented an organisational restructure which the feed business believes will reap long-term benefits and reaffirm its local commitment and support for the UK pig industry. As part of these restructuring efforts, Craig Saunders has stepped into the new role of commercial director for pig and poultry. “In April this year, we introduced a new operating company which is responsible for our pig and poultry customers,” said Mr Saunders, who previously managed the ForFarmers pig sales and technical teams for eight years. milling locations remain the same, ensuring we have a foundation of well-invested mills in key pig and poultry producing areas,” Mr Saunders said. “While getting the fundamentals right is critical, it is also key that we sustain our programme of continuous innovation. We have demonstrated this commitment with our VIDA piglet brand, for example. Since launching in 2016, VIDA has evolved and now features the zinc-free VITAL range designed to optimise piglet gut health to replace the reliance on prophylactic medicinal use.” ver the past year or so, the UK pig industry has, of course, been confronted with several extraordinary challenges, from “The UK pig and poultry operating company is fully responsible for all aspects of the pig business, from the control of raw materials and input buying to formulations and products, our milling operations and logistics. As a team, we have over 100 years of pig industry experience and we are now closer to the specific and unique needs of our UK pig farmers and, in essence, our aim is to be your local feed business. “Over the last few years, market turbulence has seen a contraction of the UK pig industry, so our team structure has had to reflect that.” ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE REMOVAL OF ZINC As the deadline for removing zinc oxide in piglet diets draws closer, the remaining stocks are starting to be used up across the whole industry. Launched just a year ago, the ForFarmers VITAL zinc-free diet range has been trialled on many commercial units. It has already demonstrated comparable performance results, with existing targets being met, giving customers the confidence of a life QUALITY FEED AND EXCELLENT SERVICE Mr Saunders stressed that, despite these changes, the feed business remains committed to investment in its mills to ensure quality and consistency across all of its products. “Our primary objective is to continue to provide an excellent, unparalleled quality and delivery service to our customers. Our 38 |NOVEMBER 2023| PIGWORLD

39. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD “While getting the including rapeseed and sunflower meal. “We have also conducted research to evaluate how to best use synthetic amino acids and digestibility enhancers with the goal of further improving protein digestibility and reducing nutrient emissions to the environment. With the combined use of these co-products, we aim to reduce our reliance on soyabean meal in pig diets in favour of more sustainable options.” fundamentals right is critical, it is also key that we sustain our programme of innovation” ahead without zinc, the company said. To further support its customers through this transition period, ForFarmers also offers its NutriCare 360 survey tool. This easy-to-use platform is designed to look at the bigger picture of the farm. It takes into consideration the role of health and management, as well as nutrition, and allows specialists, farmers, and vets to work in unison to meet the end goal of improved piglet health and vitality. NutriCare is further supported by a selection of on-farm tools, such as water quality assessment, hygienogram cleaning assessment and checks on piglet vitality and climate. Following the launch of VITAL, the NutriCare tool has been used extensively over the last 12 months and has become an integral part of the ForFarmers offer when discussing and supporting the decision to remove zinc oxide from piglet diets. The tool also helps customers to evaluate their farm situation and why zinc has been used previously. Offering on-farm feed advice is a key part of ForFarmers’ offering A CLEANER ENERGY FUTURE Over the last three years, ForFarmers has made improvements to its milling processes, including replacing mill parts with more energy efficient systems. This has reduced energy used per tonne of feed and the mass of green-house gas emissions. From 2020, ForFarmers reduced its UK emissions from a combined 33.22kg to 30.18kg of CO2, per tonne of feed. The company is also looking at investing in solar energy for its Burston and Selby facilities – once planning has been approved, the Burston project will save around 400 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. As it currently stands, the power generated from the project will annually cover about 15% of the electricity needed for the mill. Once the Selby application and planning forges ahead, it will supply energy to its most power-hungry operations at peak demand time and supply energy to the adjacent property. Future innovations are also in the pipeline for battery storage at both sites, along with hydrogen generation for commercial vehicles or as a replacement of site gas. Alongside both projects, ForFarmers is installing 350kW of roof-top solar at its Newcastle-under-Lyme warehouse facilities, which will cover around 23% of the mill’s peak demand. works closely on with its customers. The tool allows for bespoke customer information to be evaluated and can recommend new diet selections with a performance prognosis given. Information on cost and environmental impact is also available, supporting any decisions on dietary changes – the Feedscoop finisher tool is proving to be a central part of those conversations, the company added. A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH With sustainability high on the ForFarmers agenda, Beth Austermuhle is at the helm of delivering its green strategy as the company’s new environment, sustainability & governance UK manager. Ms Austermuhle, who has worked at ForFarmers for 12 years, said: “ForFarmers is well placed to help the livestock sector reduce its environmental impact. As part of our ‘Going Circular’ sustainability strategy, we have set specific reduction targets across our scope one, two and three emissions, alongside our commitment to use 100% responsibly-sourced soya bean meal in all markets by 2025.” Ade Adebiyi, monogastric nutritionist, added: “Soyabean meal remains a valuable feed ingredient and a major source of protein and amino acids. Along with soya, our pig diets are formulated with a variety of co-products from other food and beverage industries, such as distilleries, and locally-sourced alternative proteins, MAXIMISING HERD PERFORMANCE Given the challenges the industry faces – be it the removal of key medications, the critical delivery of the sustainability agenda or an increasingly volatile raw materials market – offering feed advice is a key part of the conversations ForFarmers has with its customers. Alongside its piglet nutrition programme, the company has adopted a two-fold holistic approach and is currently working closely with its customers to focus on a finishing pig feeding programme to maximise performance. As ForFarmers remains committed to the pig industry, they are pleased to see the next generation of pig industry professionals joining the sector and delighted to welcome back Stephen Evans to the team. Stephen, an AHDB Pig Scholar, has recently been nominated for the Farmer’s Guardian and Northern Ireland Agriculture student of the year awards. Meanwhile, the ForFarmers Feedscoop finisher tool focuses on reviewing the diets and regimes for an individual unit and evaluates how that diet is performing in relation to efficiency and therefore cost. The volatility in feed costs over the last 18 months means this has never been more important and it is an area the company INNOVATING ForFarmers will continue its extensive research and development programme, ensuring it is on the front foot with alternative and novel solutions. Alongside the responsible sourcing of soya, the company is also driving research into the next generation of alternative proteins and exploring alternative sources to reduce dependence on soy. As residual consumers of waste, ForFarmers is aiming to be inherently sustainable, innovative, and continually looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, wherever possible, while fully dedicating itself to a sustainable future for its customers. Craig Saunders PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |39

40. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 NEWS ANALYSIS FEATURE SLURRY STORAGE INVESTMENT The team: Rich Riley, production director, Joe Dewhirst, group managing director, Rob Beckett, managing director, Yorkwold Pigpro, Phil Harman, production manager Forward-looking pig business using slurry grant to help fund latest investment With the second round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant (SIG) scheme about to open, HELEN BROTHWELL spoke to Yorkshire farmer Joe Dewhirst about how his business is using a grant from Round 1 to bolster their slurry storage Y half that allocation,” Joe said. “Over the next five years, we’ll be assessing how we can make use of the funding on other sites, probably for replacements on one or two units, which currently have older, above- ground stores and we’ll also add covers.” The team considered slurry bags as well as steel and concrete above-ground stores for the current project. “Bags are a cheaper option but a steel or concrete above- ground store is our preferred option for the longer-term, where it can be justified,” Joe explained. The new store will be 60 metres away from the pig unit and the lagoon pipe will be disconnected from the existing slurry reception pit and reconnected to the above- ground store. A new pump will also be installed, with the capability to pump slurry to a height of six metres. “I’d like to think the store itself will last ABOVE-GROUND SLURRY STORE The earth-banked lagoon on one of Yorkwold’s breeding units of 750 sows, is being replaced with a concrete, above- ground slurry store of 6,000 m³, with a membrane roof. Funding was approved in late September, making it the first business to have a grant approved under the first round of the SIG scheme. The build is expected to take about six weeks, including groundworks, concreting and building, with completion expected by the end of the year. “There’s a maximum £250,000 available in total per business per round, across all sites and this store takes us to a little over orkwold Pigpro, part of Dewhirst Farming Group, is planning to be in pig production for the long term and, as such, continues to invest wherever appropriate, focusing mainly on redevelopment rather than expansion. That includes pig buildings and slurry storage, with their current project part- funded by the Government’s Slurry Infrastructure Grant (SIG) scheme. “Our main aims are to improve pig productivity and the environment for the pigs and people working for us,” said Joe Dewhirst, group managing director. Yorkwold has around 8,000 sows across 12 breeding sites – ranging in size from 100 sows on their nucleus unit to 350, 750 or 1,100 sows – along with rearing and finishing sites, plus additional contract finishing sites on local arable farms. The business has undertaken a programme of reinvestment for the past 10 years and have around another 10 years’ worth of investments they would like to make. “Our confidence has taken a knock in the past couple of years, but the investments we made prior to that helped to get us through,” Joe said. Yorkwold’s new first stage building 40| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

41. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD NEWS ANALYSIS The new sow service house How the new slurry store will look – a store on another of Yorkwold’s units after farrowing during the highest risk period for piglets being laid on and, while they are still working with the system to make sure they are getting the best out of it, they are happy with the decision to move to adaptive farrowing. “It’s obviously the direction of travel for the industry and, although you need to get used to changes in the way farrowing is managed, once it’s working well it’s great – the sows are really content. It’s important to make sure people are trained to work in the new system and a bit of care is needed with more protective sows,” Joe said. “We have another 725- sow unit where the sow accommodation needs rebuilding, and we plan to put adaptive farrowing there, too.” for up to 50 years and the membrane might be 25 years,” said Joe. “We were attracted to the concrete, rather than steel as our perception is that there will be less corrosion from the gases contained by the roof.” They would have replaced the slurry store on the unit within the next five years anyway, but the grant has enabled them to replace it much sooner. “It’s a difficult one, as slurry storage improvements are needed to meet a requirement, but it’s a lot of money to spend without an obvious financial return on investment, so the grant makes a big difference,” Joe said. “There are obviously benefits for the environment and the slurry will be much easier to manage. It will mean the slurry is more concentrated and there will be less to spread, compared with the lagoon, which collects a lot of rainfall.” Joe was keen to highlight the level of investment required, and already going on, in the pig industry – both to enhance pig welfare and productivity and protect the environment. “Without it, pig businesses are not going to survive. We need government backing to give us more confidence in the short and long term, not just for pig production but farming as a whole,” he said. “That includes supporting us with funding for key investments ,and also making sure we’re looked after within the supply chain. Slurry Infrastructure Grants Farmers are often in the weakest position and there should be greater fairness.” FARROWING INVESTMENTS Previous investments on the same unit have included changes to farrowing management, moving sows from a three- week batch to a five-week batch system, which required alterations to pig flow and replacing an old building. A third of pigs stay here until finishing, with two-thirds going to contract finisher units on arable farms, all in slatted nursery and finishing accommodation. “The five-week system meant we needed extra nursery accommodation, so we knocked down an old finishing house and replaced it with a new 2,000-place first stage building,” Joe explained. “We also needed an additional service house as we’re now weaning more sows in one go. The system has bedded in really well so far and we’re really happy with the building work from ARM Buildings.” As part of a rebuild on another breeding unit two years ago, they installed 100 Big Dutchman adaptive farrowing pens, in five rooms of 20 pens. They close the sows in for four days Joe Dewhirst STAFFING Maintaining a full team on all the units can be challenging, as for many pig businesses. “We have a core of long-standing, experienced staff in the team but we still get those who come and start and then realise it’s not for them,” Joe added. “It’s another driver for modernisation and investment – people are now looking for a nice working environment. And we fully acknowledge that a good team is the single most important factor for optimal pig health, welfare and performance. “The key is making sure our staff are fully trained, motivated and have all of the tools at their disposal to do their job to the best they can. That’s really a non- negotiable for optimum pig production in our eyes.” Joe believes that it is essential to continue to invest in improvements, despite it being harder now to make decisions on exactly what and when, with higher interest rates and uncertainty around markets and policy. “We’ve got a good strong business and we want to build on that,” he said. Retrofitting of impermeable covers Slurry separators Wider geographical targeting Further flexibilities for tenants. The minimum grant per applicant per round is £25,000 and the maximum is £250,000. The second round of Defra’s Slurry Infrastructure Grant scheme will open for applications in November. Pig, dairy and beef producers in England can apply for funding to replace, build additional or expand existing slurry storage, to help improve use of organic nutrients and reduce pollution. Improvements announced in this round include: Eight months’ storage capacity for pig units Guidance for Round 2 SIG applications: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/slurry-infrastructure-grant- round-2-applicant-guidance PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |41

42. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 FEATURE 2022 NATIONAL PIG AWARDS WINNER Russ Warin was ‘press ganged’ into dressing up as a pig during the industry protests Juan Hernandez, Russ Warin, Steve Winfield and Jon McKechnie received the award from Sam Godfrey, chair of the NPA Pig Industry Group, and host Matt Dawson “We are punching above our weight” – how innovation and a focused team is driving Hipra forward needing more butchers. I am delighted producers are making money again, but it’s going to have stay this way for a long time to get back to where we want to be.”. Pharmaceutical company Hipra won the 2022 NPA Allied Industry Member of the Year Award. Key account manager Russ Warin told ALISTAIR DRIVER its success was down to effective products, innovation and a strong team T to dress up as a pig chasing politicians,” he reflected. During the ‘Save Our Bacon’ pig demonstrations, Russ could be seen in Manchester, Leeds and beyond dressed in a pig onesie, trying, with fellow protestors, to raise awareness about the pig sector’s plight and to highlight to the Government, supply chain, public and media why the British pig AWARD WINNERS Hipra, the Nottingham-based pharmaceutical supplier to the livestock industry, won the NPA Allied Industry Member of the Year Award at last year’s National Pig Awards. This one comes with extra significance as it is the only award on the night voted for by the pork sector public. Russ, the company’s key account manager, was delighted with the win, on behalf of Hipra’s tight-knit UK team of four, which also includes Steve Winfield, Jon McKechnie and vet Juan Hernandez. “It’s the first bit of recognition me and my colleagues have had, so it’s very heartfelt. You always hear when things go wrong, but you don’t often get recognised when it he partial recovery of the UK pig sector is good news for Hipra’s Russ Warin on a few levels. “I now no longer have sector desperately needed their support. “It was peer pressure from the Morgan sisters and the Longthorps, to be honest. Or maybe I was just the fattest one that fitted in the costume? Either way, it was really important for me to play my part on behalf of Hipra ,” he said. From the sound of things, he wouldn’t have needed a lot of persuading. “We had a family fancy dress party at the weekend. I had five costume changes, to be the star of the whole thing,” he told me. “A couple of years ago, we were all there chanting about Russ has been a rugby referee and delighted in showing Matt Dawson the yellow card at last Year’s National Pig Awards The Hipradermic needleless vaccinator 42 |NOVEMBER 2023| PIGWORLD

43. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD FEATURE: 2022 NATIONAL PIG AWARDS WINNER goes right! It was a public vote, so it’s good recognition and great to be the first ever pharmaceutical company to win it,” he said. Russ’s own profile, including his support during the crisis clearly helped, but he attributed the award to the way his team works with its customers and the success of its main products, including the needle- free Mhyosphere vaccine, launched three years ago for protection against both M. hyo and PCV2. Hipra’s Steve Winfield, Jon McKechnie and Russ Warin at the 2022 British Pig & Poultry Fair VACCINE DECISION Hipra is a global pharmaceutical company, based near Girona, in Catalonia, Spain, where all the products Hipra markets in the UK are manufactured. It sells pharmaceutical products across the globe and, according to Russ, has benefited from a key strategic decision. “The company’s philosophy was the right one in that they decided to move away from antibiotics and medications, so it’s now focused as a vaccine-orientated company globally,” he said. Hipra also now has a human health division, which has grown after it intervened during the early days of Spain’s Covid outbreak, amid concerns over the country’s lack of human vaccine manufacturers. “Our R&D teams developed a COVID vaccine at short notice in response to the country’s need, so we now have a human health division. Hipra’s vaccine has become the first COVID vaccine to receive the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, its organisation’s seal of approval,” he added. they evaluate its performance, but also to Hipra’s needle-free intradermal device, the Hipradermic, through which its vaccines, also including its Unistrain PRRS vaccine, are administered. “The biggest issue in the pig sector, and many others, at the moment is staff,” Russ said. “We can only produce pigs if we have the staff to do it, so if we can make a laborious task of vaccinating easier for staff, it hopefully helps with attracting and retaining people. “We can only produce pigs if we have the staff to do it. If we can make a laborious task of vaccinating easier for staff, it hopefully helps with attracting and retaining people.” An example, he said, is its response to the phasing out of zinc oxide at medicinal levels in piglet diets, offering producers protection against Oedema disease, which could, among other infections, become more of a threat in the absence of zinc. “Some people have done more than others to prepare for life without zinc oxide. If you haven’t already, you need to be working with your vet and nutritionist, and possibly get Hipra involved because we might see oedema, a disease that nearly disappeared 30 years ago, on its way back.” “It’s a constantly evolving sector. That’s why it’s so exciting. It’s just a crying shame that so many friends have had to quit the sector. We’re seeing more stable incomes and we’re seeing higher prices and lower costs and people are making money again, but we are not really seeing any return in production in any meaningful way,” he said. “It’s not surprising that people aren’t jumping back in and we are going to have to accept that we are a smaller player and the integrators will increasingly hold the numbers. We want to see independent businesses thrive, but, in reality, we need the integrators as well.” He acknowledged that, as production was condensed into fewer hands with some big players getting bigger, it changes the dynamic for suppliers. “If you lose one big customer, it can be very costly,” he said. He said supermarkets had a responsibility to safeguard the future of UK food production, with their pricing and sourcing policies and urged the Government, as it considers the future of farrowing crates and other policies to carefully review the impact on the industry practically, financially and from a welfare aspect. “The whole industry was in an utter mess last year. The positive thing is that is behind us, but we need a lot of successful years for this industry to recover. That’s why we have gone the extra mile, whether that’s me dressing up as a pig or supporting our clients on farm however we can.” “Ease of use is key here – not everybody wants to use needles. Vets and progressive farmers have bought in and know it’s quicker, easier, safer and better for staff and, more importantly, better for the pigs.” The other key ingredient for Hipra, according to Russ, is its four-strong team, which has huge experience. “We have all specialised in pigs throughout our careers,” Russ said. “We’re interacting with a lot more people because we provide equipment and we have to provide training for the Hipradermic. “Maybe one reason we were successful last year is that a lot of farmers and farm staff were appreciative that Steve ,Jon or me took the time to visit and sort out a problem or do a repair or answer a query. We have all raised our profile because we have had to over the last couple of years, which have been horrendous for every farmer.” UK GROWTH When Russ joined the company eight years ago, he was Hipra’s sole UK employee, working in the Swine business unit. Until recently, despite the company’s global reach, Hipra was a relatively small player in the UK market, with three much bigger rivals. That is changing, according to Russ, who is proud of the company’s growth during his time. “We were probably one of only a few companies linked to the UK pig sector that showed any growth last year, which is saying something, given that we lost 20% of sows and people weren’t taking in gilts, so the market was particularly precarious. “Yet, we had a very successful year in a very difficult climate, and we’ve continued to grow this year,” he said. We’re punching above our weight. We continue to grow in a declining market, and we keep bringing innovative vaccines to market.” He put the success of Mhyosphere PCV down to the vaccine’s efficacy, highlighting how vets increasingly come round to it as ADAPTING Russ outlined how Hipra was constantly looking to adapt within an ever-evolving pig industry. “We are big enough to compete and small enough to react,” he said. PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |43

44. PIGWORLD NOVEMBER 2023 FEATURE PORCINE CIRCOVIRUS TYPE 2 “Infected pigs can be shedding the virus while not showing any signs, perpetuating the challenge. It can also be difficult to assess vaccine efficacy where we don’t see signs,” Dr Bandrick added. Researchers have investigated whether vaccines of different genotypes provide cross protection when the field strain and vaccine strain doesn’t match. VIRUS EVOLUTION Published research has shown the closer the match between the vaccine strain and the field strain, the more effective it is. It has also shown in research by Bandrick et al, published in 2022, that a dual vaccine – containing two PCV2 genotypes, PCV2a and PCV2b – provides better protection than a single-genotype vaccine with PCV2a alone. A study by Um et al, 2021 showed that in a herd with subclinical PCV2d infection, vaccination with a dual-genotype PCV2a/ CV2b vaccine resulted in significantly greater immune response and also better growth performance, than a single PCV2a vaccine. PCV2d has 97.7% similarity to PCV2b, so similar that PCV2d was initially called ‘divergent PCV2b’. This is most likely why adding the PCV2b strain to the vaccine, alongside PCV2a, has greater efficacy against PCV2d, as demonstrated by the published research. “We have done assessments of immune recognition sites across PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d,” said Dr Bandrick. “When PCV2a and PCV2b are present in the same vaccine, PCV2b increases the immune recognition sites in common with PCV2d by more than 20%. “Having the two vaccine strains together also adds to the immune epitopes in common with PCV2a field strains and therefore, theoretically, the immune response to PCV2a. This is because there is now more variability within strain PCV2a, as it has been around a long time, has mutated and potentially recombined.” Therefore, a combined vaccine offers greater antigenic coverage to those PCV2a strains that are more similar to PCV2b, research by Foss et al, published this year, shows. Staying ahead of PCV2 – an evolving virus Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), which first emerged in the UK in 1999, continues to evolve and cause problems within the pig herd. HELEN BROTHWELL takes a closer look at the changing virus and delves into Zoetis’s work to tackle it P changing at a greater pace than was first anticipated. In fact, it is the most rapidly evolving virus of its type and is endemic across the global pig population. PCV2 has a small genome, so the mutations that naturally occur happen at a higher rate than many DNA viruses as they have no DNA ‘proof-reading’ function to check for errors during replication, explained US-based Meggan Bandrick, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Zoetis director and swine species lead in Global Biologics Research. Circovirus has a stronger ability to mutate compared to many DNA viruses and also to recombine, where different PCV2 viruses have merged to form new strains. “PCV2a was the first genotype seen so all vaccines were based on that,” Dr Bandrick said. “Today, we have nine in total, from orcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is diverse, continually evolving and thus highly successful, PCV2a through to PCV2i, with ‘i’ having just been officially classified. “Generally, PCV2a-based vaccines do a good job. But now there are three main, commercially relevant strains circulating across the globe, PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d, with ‘d’ the most predominant strain today in most pig producing countries.” While relatively little PCV2d is diagnosed in the UK, compared to flu or PRRS, for example, surveillance and preparedness for further change are key. THE COST OF SUBCLINICAL DISEASE The most common type of PCV2 infection is subclinical, causing reduced growth, increased susceptibility to other diseases and, therefore, costs of up to £8.10 per marketable pig, according to research published in 2013. It is particularly difficult to manage because it lingers in the environment, even after cleaning and disinfection. The virus also targets fast-replicating cells within the pig, including immune cells which replicate at a very high level in response to infection – so a disease-challenged pig becomes increasingly susceptible. Estimated cost of subclinical PCV2 disease UK PCV2 genotype split - 2021 44 |NOVEMBER 2023| PIGWORLD

45. NOVEMBER 2023 PIGWORLD FEATURE PORCINE CIRCOVIRUS TYPE 2 Relative prevalence of PCV2 genotypes over 24 years IMMUNE RECOGNITION “By using vaccines that induce a robust immune response, we might have the opportunity to slow some of the evolution,” Dr Bandrick added. The virus’s immune recognition site – or epitope – is a specific part that is changing at the highest rate, because a change in the epitope helps the virus escape immune detection. “So, focusing on vaccines with more similar recognition sites to the field strains may help reduce risk of vaccine escape. Vaccine development should keep up with viral evolution, if we can,” said Dr Bandrick. Genetic sequencing of the virus actually circulating on farm is offered by Zoetis, so vets and producers can compare field strains to vaccine strains and see which offer the greatest similarity. “This helps us understand which vaccine may be most appropriate for that situation, so take the opportunity to do some sequencing, especially if the farm is seeing clinical signs,” Dr Bandrick added. Secondary bacterial infections are also common due to the immunosuppressive nature of disease due to PCV2.” The age of pigs affected has also broadened and, in more recent years, disease has been diagnosed from three to 25 weeks of age, although most disease is still seen in post- weaned pigs from six to 14 weeks old. A survey of healthy slaughter pigs from 2019 by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) showed PCV2 virus prevalence in serum was 16%, confirming that PCV2 infection remains active in the national pig population and a threat to unvaccinated pigs, even if clinical disease is not evident, said Dr Williamson. Since 2011, APHA has regularly genotyped the PCV2 involved in disease incidents confirmed in diagnostic submissions from pigs in England and Wales to monitor any changes in genotype and the appearance of new genotypes. Since 2013, the genotype involved has changed from being PCV2b to mainly PCV2d, which follows a global shift. Of the PCV2 genotypes (a to i), PCV2e is of interest as it is genetically more divergent from other genotypes and it is not clear how effective current vaccines would be if PCV2e was found to be associated with disease. However, PCV2e has not been detected to date by APHA, Dr Williamson confirmed. “We need to keep monitoring PCV2 disease incidents and genotypes and we appreciate all the information, samples and pigs provided to APHA by vets and their pig-keeping clients that help us to do that. Investigation of apparent vaccine failures is also vital and vets should report any confirmed failures to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate,” she added. Looking ahead, it will be difficult to get ahead of PCV2 evolution, but the research community is committed to understanding the PCV2 virus situation in the field and helping the industry to keep up. PCV2-ASSOCIATED DISEASE IN GREAT BRITAIN When post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) – caused by PCV2 – first hit the UK pig population from 1999, its clinical impact was devastating, with mortality levels reaching 30% in some herds in the post-weaning period, Susanna Williamson, of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) recalled, speaking at Zoetis’s Young Pig Vets conference last month. “We still see ‘wasted’ pigs with porcine circovirus 2-associated disease (PCV2-D) but surveillance data shows that another main clinical sign seen is respiratory disease. ai166370429417_PelGar Pig World & Poultry Business October 2022 186x60mm.pdf 1 20/09/2022 21:04:54 Dr Meggan Bandrick C M Effective rodent control with baits for every situation. Y CM Developed, tried and tested in the UK, PelGar’s comprehensive range of baits ensures you always have the most effective solution for your rodent problems. MY CY CMY K www.PelGar.co.uk Use rodenticides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. PIGWORLD| NOVEMBER 2023 |45

46. NPA elections: How you can help your industry, your business and yourself! Nominations for election to the NPA’s new-look Pig Industry Group (PIG) are open. We need forward-thinking, passionate producers and allied industry representatives to step forward. You can help your industry in key policy areas, but, according to some PIG veterans who are stepping down, being on the group can also help you and your business! “The NPA allows you to see the much wider picture and to meet up with brilliant farmers and allied industry people from all over the country.” Sally Stockings, producer member “Being in the front line of policy making in a small and almost club-like industry sector like pigs is actually good fun. A better understanding of the industry is always going to be helpful. I have certainly found it so.” Hugh Crabtree, NPA vice-chair “You meet and learn from some great industry people and it has certainly given me a much better understanding off the sector and a lot more confidence to talk about the industry.” Howard Revell, producer member You can find can everything you need to know about the elections on the NPA website. http://www.npa-uk.org.uk/

47. INSIDE THE INDUSTRY German butchers visit the UK on red meat fact finding mission World champion butchers, the Butcher Wolfpack of Germany, paid a visit to the UK on a four-day trip to find out more about British lamb, beef and pork production and the possibilities of exporting meat to Germany. On Saturday October 14, AHDB hosted 13 skilled German butchers at an event at Hogs Back Brewery, in Farnham. The highlight was a showdown between Dirk Freyberger, the German butchery team captain, and his English counterpart, Simon Taylor, demonstrating their lamb butchery skills. Following this exhibition, and in the spirit of friendly competition, the pair engaged in a ‘grill off’ where taste, timing, and innovation took centre stage. The butchery event was held in collaboration with BBQ Magazine and as part of the Hogs Back & Friends Beer Festival. Simon said: “Our aim is to spotlight the craftsmanship of butchers, ethically reared British meat, and the growing BBQ culture.” Dirk Freyberger, the German butchery team captain, and his English counterpart, Simon Taylor THE LATEST MEMBER TO JOIN THE NPA TEAM PHOTO CREDIT: TIM SCRIVENER The newest member of the NPA’s team, Katie Jarvis, began her role as a senior policy adviser at the end of October. Katie, who was working as an NFU county adviser in the South West, replaces chief policy advisor Rebecca Veale, who left the association after four years in mid-August, while Charlie Dewhirst has been promoted to the role of NPA chief policy adviser. Prior to taking up her South- West role, she worked at the NFU’s Brussels BAB office for five years. Katie, who enjoyed a good relationship with the NPA during her time at the NFU, said she was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to be joining the team. During her first few weeks, she will be embarking on visits to prominent producer and allied businesses to familiarise herself with the industry. Katie Jarvis Guy King picks up Farmers Weekly Pig Farmer of the Year Award Guy King, of GSK Pigs, in Norfolk, has won the 2023 Farmers Weekly Pig Farmer of the Year Award. Guy, who also won the 2022 National Pig Awards Outdoor Pig Producer of the Year Award, received the award at a ceremony in London in early November. The business has 8,600 sows across nine outdoor units in Norfolk and Suffolk, three of which are run in partnership, with 59 staff. Guy has developed good working relationships with his landlords that make the most of outdoor pigs in arable rotations. He has worked with Catchment Sensitive Farming and Anglian Water for many years to reduce diffuse pollution and run-off, so soil and nutrients do not end up in watercourses. NPA senior policy adviser Charlie Dewhirst, an independent judge, said: “Guy impressed us with his passion for developing his business and commitment to the environment.” PILGRIM’S LINCOLNSHIRE SAUSAGE PICKS UP TOP SPOT IN TASTE TEST RANKING Pilgrim’s UK’s Waitrose No.1 Free Range Lincolnshire Pork Sausages has taken top spot in Delicious magazine’s rankings for the best pork sausage. Judges were impressed by their coarse texture, visible herbs and distinctive notes of sage. Described as a ‘top crowd- pleaser’, the sausages beat stiff competition from across the board. Matt Casey, head of customer & culinary innovation, said: “Testing was conducted blind – which shows why our sausages speak for themselves. A huge congratulations also goes to our Linton team for producing orders and ensuring quality standards are maintained.” 47| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD

50. MARKET MOVES Floundering pork demand and EU price competition sends pig price the wrong way MICK’S MARKET UPDATE The British pig price is moving downwards despite continuing tight supplies. Retail price inflation is affecting demand, particularly for chilled primary pork, while competition from EU imports is intensifying. The SPP has been trending downwards during the last month and moved below 220p/kg at the end of October. Production remains at historically low levels, with AHDB estimating the weekly clean pig kill at around 160,000 head a week. In the nine months to September, Defra estimates that UK pig slaughter has been 11% lower than a year earlier. There are signs of strain in the retail market, although total spending continues to rise and the overall fall in volume sales is relatively modest. The challenge is that consumers are buying more sausages and minced pork at the expense of prime pork cuts. This is being driven largely by very high prices, with Kantar data from AHDB showing roasting joints in the three months to early September up 26% year on year. Steaks were up 21%, while chops averaged 47% more than a year ago. The EU market has continued to fall as we move into the autumn, despite continuing low slaughtering. The German market is stepping down, with weekly price reductions standing on for a week or two before reducing again. Post-summer demand and poor profitability in abattoirs are being quoted as important factors. Germany’s weekly base price has fallen by €10 cents/kg in recent weeks and is €40 cents lower than the peak at the end of July. The French auction price has also fallen steadily in the last month, down by €12 cents/kg. The Spanish market has fallen a little faster, down by the equivalent of 40p/kg since the peak in the summer. The overall impact has been that the differential between the EU and UK average prices (as measured by the Reference Price) currently stands at beyond 30p/kg. It seems likely that the EU market will continue to weaken in the coming weeks. EU prices remain well above major non-EU countries, which continues to undermine export performance, particularly for countries such as Spain, which is reacting by looking to sell more within the EU. Independent analyst Mick Sloyan looks at how recent EU and global trends could shape the UK pork market Currency, weather, war and politics continue to weigh on global grain markets PHIL’S FEED TRENDS We are another month into the 2023/24 season, and the world continues to become more volatile, given issues with currency strength, weather, wars and political tensions. In October’s edition of the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised global wheat production down by 3.91Mt to 783.43Mt. Given that the projected demand for wheat is 795.86Mt, we would necessarily be looking at pulling on global reserves. If we discount the stocks held in China, which amount to 132.92Mt but would be denied to the rest of the world, there is 125.21Mt left available, which should, theoretically, be sufficient this season. The USDA’s projection for maize production was slightly increased, and now stands at 1,214.47Mt, which is ahead of the 1,200.2Mt expected demand. With the ratio of maize being in credit, this has helped limit any dramatic increases in the wheat market. There are concerns with soya production developing, as weather in parts of the major growing regions of Brazil remains too dry. Even though national planting is in line with the five-year average, some of the early planted crop will need to be resown due to poor germination and spotty stands. The latest estimate from the USDA is for 163Mt, but this has been recently revised by Conab to 160Mt, and could be revised down further should rainfall not be forthcoming. The expectation this year was for the El Niño event to dramatically benefit both Brazilian and Argentine arable production, but some regions of Brazil have reached temperatures of 43oC, with strong sunlight and low relative humidity. There is still time for the weather to come right and the estimated production be realised, but later planted soya will result in a delay for the safrinha maize crop, which could then impact on the USDA’s current projection. War in the Middle East has supported the crude oil price, which has then filtered through to the cost of vegetable oil and oilseed crops. This and a weakened pound- to-dollar exchange has given a significant boost to hipro soya prices recently. Phil Baynes, of Baynes Nutrition, sums up the latest from the feed ingredient markets 50| NOVEMBER 2023 |PIGWORLD