Farmer Focus: Finally turned a corner with pig performance

Performance continues to improve with the feel of the herd being much better, and it finally feels like a corner has been turned.

The gilt litters are the only area of concern as they are suffering from E coli scour. It is responding well to medication but leaves me wondering why the vaccination programme doesn’t cover these piglets.

As spring arrived we missed the worst of the wet weather – and that allowed us to get some maintenance done around the perimeter of the farm, which had been delayed by the wet autumn.

The lane to the farm is now missing most of its potholes. Hopefully the lorry drivers will appreciate a smoother arrival.

We have been through our annual Red Tractor assessment, which I consider to be essential in helping to maintain the premium that British pork deserves. All we need now is a price to match the quality. Many thanks to the team for their work in ensuring we received no non-compliances.

See also: Repairs before return to normal weaning

It is interesting to note that the assessor commented that the herd seemed much more relaxed and contented than at his previous visit last year.

The Pig and Poultry Fair is just around the corner and I am starting to organise my visit, as there are several suppliers I wish to speak to regarding alterations we are planning in one of the farrowing houses and some revamping of ventilation systems in another.

Previous experience has taught me that unless I plan these visits mentally I will wander around staring at all the shiny toys. Two years ago the result was a handler and a loader.

One part of the show I find informative and thought-provoking is the forum discussions. I’m not sure time will allow me to stop and listen this year, but I’ll try. There goes the masterplan already.

With hype continuing to build around the in-out debate, this pig farmer is still no closer to reaching a decision on which side of the fence he is going to land.

See also: Read more from the Livestock Farmer Focus writers

Tony Bayles runs a herd of 1,000 sows producing 7kg pigs and all his own replacement stock on contract to a large local producer.