As pig producers face rising feed prices and increased fuel costs, Menter Moch Cymru have stepped up the support for pig keepers in Wales to help them combat the challenging conditions that are putting increased pressure on profits and margins.
Across the UK pig keepers are leaving the sector due to the challenging conditions. This is also being seen in Wales. However, many Welsh pig keepers and retailers are also still reporting that the buoyant market for local produce is keeping them afloat, with many struggling to keep up with demand for their products.
This is somewhat of a comfort in light of the increase in cost of production, however, Menter Moch Cymru are encouraging businesses to review their production and make cost-effective changes to reduce input costs.
The latest technical article produced by the project aims to help producers do just this. It contains practical ways of reducing cost of production without sacrificing performance.
In addition, a special two-part free webinar series starts on the 28th of April with Richard Hooper Livestock unit manager at Harper Adams University who will be looking at the various ways of reducing cost of production whilst maintaining or improving productivity and providing practical suggestions for pig keepers on how to manage on-farms costs.
Part two will be held on the 26th of May with Caroline Dawson who will be discussing ways of adding value to your pork products by looking at direct selling channels, the importance of telling a good story, industry and consumer trends, adding value through product innovation and success stories. You can register for the webinars on the Menter Moch Cymru website.
For those unable to attend the webinars, the recording will be available shortly after the events on the Menter Moch Cymru online Resource Hub. The new technical article which provides bite-sized tips on the topic is also available now on the Menter Moch Cymru website.
Menter Moch Cymru is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
Lauren Smith, Menter Moch Cymru’s Development Officer for South Wales said: “With input costs at record highs, it’s important that producers take control of the situation where they can and adopt a pro-active approach; for the sake of their margins and their own well-being.
“We have created this new guidance and have arranged these webinars to help pig keepers at this particularly difficult time. The focus is on useful and practical advice on reducing costs that are within the farmers control without sacrificing performance.”
There are many areas of production, where efficiencies and cost savings could be made. In focus will be effective management of feed including ways to improve feed efficiency, herd management approaches for optimal productivity (farrowing & finishing), bedding alternatives, practical changes to pig housing, pig health and processes on-farm to ensure the most effective use of labour.
The Menter Moch Cymru project offers a range of support, grants and free training for pig keepers in Wales. With the project coming to an end in December, businesses are encouraged to make full use of the support available before it’s too late.
For more information visit www.mentermochcymru.co.uk