Pig

Defra Ministers have become embroiled in a spat with industry after claiming the backlog of pigs on farms has now been ‘almost completely removed’. By Abi Kay, Ewan Pate and Hannah Binns.

African Swine Fever (ASF) and poor profitability have hit pig production in Germany as the pig population declines.

Foreign pork products from systems using farrowing crates would not be allowed to be imported if the UK Government chose to ban them here, Farming Minister Victoria Prentis has said.

Alec and Caroline Matheson have developed a successful charcuterie business from their home at Bogrow Farm in the Scottish Highlands. Katie Fallon finds out more.

Pig industry figures have called on Government to provide some ‘proper support’ to halt the decline in production as the industry contracts.

The spread of African swine fever (ASF) into a new area of Europe has sparked fresh calls from NFU Scotland for proper border checks on imported pigmeat to be introduced.

The standard pig price (SPP) has continued to rise with prices up 0.78p/kg in the week ending May 28 to a record 176.73p/kg, but it remains a long way short of soaring costs of production

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas has written to all pig keepers imploring them to take every step to keep African Swine Fever out of the country

Irish pig farmers are facing unprecedented pressure as the industry continues to financially haemorrhage 55 euros (£46) on every pig sold.

An end to supply issues, fair prices and increased market demand were needed to get the pig industry back into a healthy position, according to Karro Food Group chief executive Steve Ellis.