Pig farmer scoops David Black award

Winner of the fiftieth anniversary David Black award is Lincolnshire pig farmer, Meryl Ward.

In an awards ceremony at the Liberal Club, Whitehall, farm minister Jim Paice presented Ms Ward with the trophy to mark her long running contribution to the pig industry.

The judges praised her for her significant work on various industry organisations, including the Farm Animal Welfare Council to which she was said to bring level headed realism through her business sense and farming experience.

Her Lincolnshire mixed farm has 2200 sows, most of which are finished as bacon, with some being sold in the farm retail enterprise, Uncle Henry’s Farmshop, giving a complete farm to fork insight into the supply chain.

In acceptance of the award, Ms Ward recognised the need to create a strong supply chain to guarantee the future sustainability of the industry.

“For most producers, there are limited opportunities for a robust supply chain. We need a joined up, transparent route to the consumer – something we don’t have at present – and improved products with a fair reward to the producer.”

She also emphasised the high welfare standards of the British pig industry, but voiced concerns over the fact the sector was only 48% self sufficient.

Farm minister and ex pig farmer, Mr Paice shared similar concerns; “I recognise there is no need demanding high welfare and the added costs that come with it, when we are still willing to import lower standard products.”

A new award, created on the day of the fiftieth anniversary celebrations, was also presented to Nick Sloyan, for his distinguished service to the pig industry.

Aldershot butcher Paul Turner, was also presented with the British Sausage Award for his work raising funds for Help for Heroes through sales of his gold award winning sausages.