Audience asked to consider pig production

Young farmers looking to establish their own enterprise have been urged to consider a move into pig production.

Speaking at the New Entrants to Farming Gathering at Perth Racecourse yesterday, Scottish Pig Producers chief executive Andy McGowan said there was scope to produce more pigs in Scotland.

He said the traditional route into the industry, that of finishing pigs, was no longer an option as it was becoming more difficult to source weaners, however there are opportunities to establish breeding sow herds and produce weaners for existing finishers.

“We need more pigs, which is where hopefully some of you come in,” he told the audience of mainly young farmers.

“We have got a market now for another 1,500 to 2,000 pigs weekly which is long-term and sustainable.”

He said farmers had two options for entering the industry – indoor production, which makes up about 80% of Scottish Pig Producers’ requirements, or outdoor production.

“Indoor production takes investment but I had guys last year when the prices were as low as they have been in a decade and they were not losing money,” said Mr McGowan.

He said outdoor production would require the farm to be Freedom Foods assured and the pigs would need to command a premium of about 10% to make the system viable.

Mr McGowan warned against organic production and said the high cost of obtaining GM-free soya meant a premium of at least 250% was needed.

He said investment of around £100,000 would be enough to set-up a new breeding unit, and existing sheds were preferable as it was easier to get planning consent for a change of use to a building rather than a new unit on greenbelt land.

Andy McGowan.