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Low pig prices lead to farm closure
/pig
Prices for pigs have fallen to their lowest level for eight years.

Midland Pig Producers enter into staff consultations

Low prices for pigmeat are putting pressure on one of the UK’s largest producers to close its farms.

Midland Pig Producers in Lichfield say that they have entered into consultations with staff at two of their 10 farms over plans to close the sites “due to the state of the current pig and pork meat market.”

Speaking to the Lichfield Mercury, a spokesperson for Midland Pig Producers said: “We can confirm that we have entered into a formal consultation period with staff regarding the potential closure of two of our pig breeding farms.

"Whilst regrettable, this aptly illustrates the current market for conscientiously produced British pork when faced with cheap imports from abroad.

"Our plans to restructure our own pig production to create a sustainable model have been well publicised and whilst the development of our purpose-designed farm has been delayed, it is still our intention to pursue this course of action."

The announcement comes as Farmgate prices for pigs fall to their lowest level for eight years.

The National Pig Association say that most pig keepers will be operating in the red for some of all of 2016, attributing the fall to the strength of the euro - making imported pork and bacon cheaper - and higher-welfare husbandry.

The two units under consideration for closure house around 1200 pedigree sows.  Although Midland Pig Producers say that “all efforts” will be made to relocate both personnel and sows at other farms, it is “likely that some jobs will be lost”.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.