Pig Farmers meet the Challenge

Over 30 pig farmers and guests recently celebrated their success in the Business Challenge for Pig Farmers training programme.   Guest speaker was Bryan Young, Ulster and Ireland rugby player. Bryan, who studied at Greenmount and still maintains a strong interest in farming, congratulated the farmers on their hard work and commitment to the industry.

Portadown pig producer, Shane Moore, commenting on the programme, said ‘it was one of the most enjoyable and positive programmes organised by CAFRE that I have attended.’  ‘Even though I have been in pigs for a number of years, I still learnt a lot’ continued Shane.  ‘The programme also gave me the opportunity to meet and get to know other pig producers.  I can now put faces to a lot more names which is great.’

The Business Challenge for Pig Farmers consisted of a series of workshops and culminated in a visit to the Pig Fair at Stoneleigh.  CAFRE’s pig development advisers visited participants on their own unit to help them apply what they learnt and to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.  Participants explored the issues that impact most on the profitability of pig production. This included how to reduce feed costs, the best feeder type for finishers and the benefits of depopulation and repopulation.

Plans are being made for a similar course in autumn 2009.  If you would be interested in participating, please contact Liz Donnelly (02894426767) or Mark Hawe (02894426768) at Greenmount Campus.

Bryan Young, centre front, with John Fay and Mark Hawe, Greenmount Campus, and pig producers from Counties Tyrone and Londonderry

Bryan Young, centre front, with John Fay and Liz Donnelly, Greenmount Campus, and pig producers from Counties Down, Armagh, Londonderry and Antrim