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Falling prices may force pig producers out of industry
Pigs farm
The average pig price has fallen steadily with pigs losing a third of their value since 2013.

Many producers now losing money

Pig producers may be forced to leave the industry if prices continue to fall, warns AHDB Pork.

The average pig price has fallen steadily with pigs losing a third of their value since 2013. Price falls have accelerated in the past 12 weeks, losing 13p/kg (Around £11 per head).

As a consequence, many pig producers are now losing money and there is an increasing risk some will decide to leave the industry.

A report by AHDB Pork found that although pig production was consistently higher in 2015 and 2016, retail purchases of pork have been decreasing.

Together these factors have contributed to the fall in pig prices, which are currently at a near eight-year low.

Stephen Howarth, AHDB Pork market specialist manager, explains: “The report has been produced against a backdrop where production continues to rise as efficiency and productivity improve and record weights are being seen.

“This all leads to more pig meat on the market. At the same time, demand for pork has dropped, even though the price is falling.

"UK pork is having to battle hard against cheaper EU imports, exacerbated by the weakness of the euro against sterling and a supply glut on the continent due to increased production and closure of trading routes to major export partners.”

To read the report visit: http://pork.ahdb.org.uk/media/271132/pig-market-crisis-briefing.pdf

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk