Pig Producers Rise to ‘The Challenge’

Twenty six pig producers from Counties Antrim, Armagh, Down and Tyrone were recently awarded Diplomas for the Business Challenge for Pig Farmers programme.  After presenting the Diplomas Mr Rory Best, Ulster and Ireland rugby player, congratulated the group on their achievement and wished them every success in the future.

The group of young producers were the first to successfully complete the Challenge programme.  The programme consisted of a series of group meetings which culminated in a visit to a Pig Conference, Trade Fair and large scale pig unit in Mullingar. There was a good mix to the content of the meetings from practical on farm issues to business management and maintaining high pig health status. The topics which created most interest and discussion were pig production costs, how to reduce feed costs, the best feeder type for finishers and the benefits of depopulation and repopulation.  The producers all agreed that participation in the programme benefited them in the day to day running and management of their business.

A second Business Challenge for Pig Farmers programme will be held over the coming months.  If you would be interested in participating in the programme please contact LizDonnelly (02894426767) or Mark Hawe (02894426768) at Greenmount Campus.

Liz  Donnelly, Greenmount Campus is pictured with Rory Best, Alan Hopps, Greenmount Campus and pig producers who successfully completed the Business Challenge for Pig Farmers

Rory Best who presented Diplomas to local pig producers is pictured with Liz Donnelly, Mark Hawe and Alan Hopps, Greenmount Campus

Rory Best, Ulster and Ireland Rugby International, presented certificates to Tyrone farmers who completed the Business Challenge for Pig Farmers.  Also included are Mark Hawe and Alan Hopps, Greenmount Campus