Positive outlook in pig and poultry sector

The majority of pig and poultry producers are positive about the outlook for their sectors over the next two years.

A survey of 100 farmers ahead of next month’s British Pig and Poultry Fair at Stoneleigh found 83% of broiler producers had a positive outlook about the coming two years, along with 68% of pig farmers.

In contrast only 56% of egg producers predicted a positive short-term future for their business.

Broiler producers were more upbeat about Brexit than pig producers and less than a third of the layer sector believed it would be a positive move.

Pig farmers are concerned about higher welfare standards being set by the UK Government leading to the public opting for cheaper imported pork.

The main worry for egg producers is that the entire industry will be encouraged to go free range.

NFU poultry board chairman Duncan Priestner, who will be chairing the Egg Outlook forum at the fair, believes there is room for a barn-reared alternative.

Pig farmers see legislation, Brexit and disease as the biggest challenges for their sector, and these were shared by egg and broiler producers. However, in the broiler sector availability of labour was also a concern.

The fair is on May 15-16 at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire.