UK pig industry begins to rebuild
18 May 1999
UK pig industry ‘begins to rebuild’
SOME pig farmers are already anticipating a recovery in the market and beginning to rebuild their herds, reports The Herald.
The results of an industry survey undertaken by the UK agriculture departments in March show a swing towards increased output.
The survey suggests herd contraction has slowed and young breeding stock numbers appear to have been recovering.
It found the national herd of in-pig sows and gilts contracted by a further 6% in the first three months of the year. But increases in other sows (1.3%) and maiden gilts (2.2%) were recorded.
The newspaper expresses the view that the rise in numbers might cause concern in the industry. A reduced volume of British pork and bacon production is seen as essential to maintain the recent upturn in pig prices.
There is also no indication of a reduction in the pig herd on the Continent.