UK pork sector sets new target for 2012

UK's British Pig Executive (BPEX) has launched a Two Tonne Sow (2TS) project which puts a challenging new target for pig producers; to achieve an industry average of 2,000kg of pig meat per sow per year by 2012.

Speaking at the launch, BPEX Knowledge Transfer Research and Development manager, Mike Varley highlighted that, although physical performance continues to improve, there remains a significant productivity gap between the English pig industry and its major European competitors. Latest available figures show the average carcass weight per sow per year for Great Britain is 1,608kg compared with the EU average of 2,000kg.

Closing this performance gap is crucial to ensure the long term competitiveness of the English pig sector. Producers need to ensure they are in strong position to sustain profitability during periods when the market place and exchange rates are less favourable.

Producers, allied industry and BPEX all have a part to play. The BPEX Knowledge Transfer team will work closely with producers, providing information, advice and support on six main areas: breeding, finishing, health, nutrition, buildings and training.

Meanwhile, the BPEX has developed a sow productivity calculator for producers to work out where their output of pig meat per sow per year currently stands.

The figures will help them benchmark their business against the English industry average and other businesses and pinpoint which areas of performance to prioritise to achieve the 2,000kg annual target.