May 28, 2007

UK's BPEX says "good staff" vital for the development of swine business

A new strategy is putting labour at the top of the list for swine producers in United Kingdom.

For a pig unit to remain in the black, swine breeders must have a good staff equipped with proper training and a good motivation to deliver their capabilities, according to British Pig Executive (BPEX) in its programme launched together with the Pig Industry Professional Register called "From Sustainability to Sustained Ability." 

Pig Industry Training Strategy Implementation group chairman Richard Longthorp says as modern pig industry is hi-tech and forward looking, training a staff as young as 18 could manager a 500-sow farrow to finish unit at 25 with a turnover of close to a million and a salary to match.

He added that few other industries could provide that level of responsibility and opportunity.

Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker said he is fully supporting the programme which is trailblazing the British pig industry's professionalism.

PIPR has been established to recognise adequate training in the British pig industry and encourage lifelong learning.