The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Pig and poultry sectors upbeat
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 conducted ahead of next month’s Pig and Poultry Fair found that 83% of broiler producers and 68% of pig farmers had a positive outlook, however only 56% of egg producers were positive.
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, while egg producers worry that the whole industry will be encouraged to go free-range.