Pig World editor, National Pig Association webmaster, Farm Business editor.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Alistair Driver
BMPA warns Conservatives of damage to meat sector if UK-EU trade agreement is ‘torn up’
The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has warned against ‘tearing up’ any UK-EU food and agriculture agreement negotiated by the current Government. Discussions over a UK-EU SPS deal that would many of the trade barriers in place as a result of Brexit are ongoing, and prime minister Andy Burnham has repeatedly made his intentions clear when it comes to forging closer relations with the EU.
Environment Agency updates permit guidance for intensive farms
The Environment Agency has updated its guidance on complying with permitting rules for intensive farmers. The guidance, which can be viewed here, has changed from a PDF document and 11 PDF appendices to pages on the government website. It is divided into four sections on management, operations, emissions and monitoring and information. The style has been updated in order to be clearer on what is required. The agency said the new format enables it to update guidance easily, as and when required.
Environment Agency publishes updated permit guidance for intensive farms
The Environment Agency has published a new version of its guidance for intensive farms on complying with permit rules. The guidance, which can be viewed here, has changed from a PDF document and 11 PDF appendices to pages on the government website. It is divided into four sections on management, operations, emissions and monitoring and information, with efforts made to update the style in order to be clearer on what is required.
RSPCA Assured launches in-store campaign to support pig members
RSPCA Assured, in partnership with ourCoop, has launched its largest ever in-store campaign focused on higher welfare pork products. Running until 17 November 2026, the campaign will appear in almost 500 Coop stores, reminding shoppers to look for the RSPCA Assured label when choosing products. Shelf-edge signs, floor displays, digital screens, checkout messaging and in-store radio will highlight RSPCA Assured messaging to shoppers, encouraging them to choose higher welfare pork products.
Webinar to explore ADOPT funding opportunities for pig projects
Farmers and businesses across the pig sector are being invited to join a webinar exploring how ADOPT can support farmer-led trials of practical ideas and technologies. The Pig World webinar, in association with the ADOPT Support Hub and agricultural facilitator Sam Hoste, will be held online on October 28 at 3pm. ADOPT supports farmer-led innovation projects that test whether new approaches work in commercial farming conditions.
ASF impact assessment commissioned to strengthen preparedness for outbreak
One of Europe’s leading specialist economics consultancies has been commissioned by AHDB to undertake an updated economic impact assessment of a potential African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Great Britain. London Economics’ assessment is intended to strengthen the pig industry’s preparedness for an outbreak and provide an evidence base for future engagement with the government, industry stakeholders and trading partners.
AHDB commissions updated impact assessment on potential ASF outbreak
AHDB has appointed London Economics to undertake an updated economic impact assessment of a potential African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Great Britain. The assessment is intended to strengthen the pig industry’s preparedness and provide an evidence base for future engagement with the government, industry stakeholders and trading partners.
Significant changes to Red Tractor standards to be consulted on in November
Some significant proposed changes to Red Tractor’s pig standards are due to be published for consultation in early November. Proposed changes will cover flexible farrowing, lessons learned on heat stress this summer and the pig sector’s growing biosecurity needs, in light of the increasing risk of African swine fever and other pig diseases. The Pigs Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and sector board are proposing a comprehensive standard for flexi-farrowing systems.
Radical reform plans leave Danish pig sector facing uncertain future
It’s not just the UK. There is uncertainty about the future of pig businesses across the EU at the moment as low prices, regulatory pressures and African swine fever (ASF) take their toll. But nowhere are producers more under pressure than in Denmark. Pig prices have tanked dramatically in recent months.
Government highlights £54m investment to tackle national biosecurity threats
The government and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have unveiled details on £54m of investment on various projects to tackle some of the national biosecurity and disease threats facing UK livestock. The funding is intended to help prepare for future epidemics, tackle antimicrobial resistance and accelerate the development of next-generation animal vaccines.
Red Tractor to consult on flexible farrowing standards
Red Tractor will be issuing a consultation in November on proposed changes to its pig scheme standards that will reflect lessons learned on heat stress this summer, the pig sector’s growing biosecurity needs and the industry’s focus on flexible farrowing. “Last year, Red Tractor committed to reviewing standards across all farming sectors as part of our wider commitment to deliver tangible change for farmers,” Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board chair Stewart Houston explained.
A proactive approach to tackling the environmental risks of outdoor pig production
The NPA has highlighted being taken to address the environmental challenges facing outdoor pig production in the East of England by a newly-formed new industry group. The first meeting of the Outdoor Pig Environmental Risk Reduction Programme, chaired by AHDB sustainability and technical programmes manager Zanita Markham and including representatives from the NPA, AHDB and major pork businesses, took place in September.
New industry group formed to tackle outdoor pig production’s environmental risks
A new industry group has come together to address the environmental challenges facing outdoor pig production in the East of England. The group marked the evolution of the ‘Swaffham group’ into a more formal industry forum – the Outdoor Pig Environmental Risk Reduction Programme – with a broader remit and stronger structure.
National Pig Awards host announced
We are delighted to announce that comedian Hal Cruttenden will host the 2026 National Pig Awards. Hal is one of the top stand-up comedians working in the UK today, as well as being a highly accomplished writer and actor. Hal Cruttenden A TV and radio regular, he has appeared on, among many other shows, Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Royal Variety Performance, Mock the Week, The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice and The Apprentice: You’re Fired.
Defra June census points to breeding herd growth
England’s pig breeding herd grew in size in the 12 months to June 2026, according to Defra’s latest census figures. However, the department’s monthly slaughter figures point to a decline over the second half of this year and, possibly, beyond.
Swine dystentery latest – new outbreak confirmed
We have been notified of a number of new swine dysentery outbreaks via the Significant Diseases Charter.
Project using machine learning to help predict disease on pig farm wins 2026 Nick Bird Award
A project investigating how data from multiple sensors on pig farms could be interpreted through machine learning models to better predict disease has earned the student behind it the prestigious 2026 Nick Bird Award. Harper Adams University student Declan Parker, a farmer’s son from Lancashire, has won award for his Masters Engineering project – ‘Evaluation of machine-learning fused sensor data for disease prediction in a commercial nursery pig unit’.
Market turmoil puts spotlight on contracts and price transparency
The introduction of the Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) (FDOP) regulations was meant to restore fairness and balance to the supply chain – and, over time, they will hopefully do just that, setting out a framework for pig contracts and clear rules that must govern them. But the timing of the full introduction of the regulations in mid-August, and the need to renegotiate written contracts to be compliant, could hardly have come at a worse time for pig producers.
Pig World Webinar: Explore ADOPT funding opportunities
Pig farmers and businesses across the sector are being invited to join a webinar exploring how ADOPT can support farmer-led trials of practical ideas and technologies. The Pig World webinar, in association with the ADOPT Support Hub and agricultural facilitator Sam Hoste, will be held online on October 28 at 3pm. ADOPT supports farmer-led innovation projects that test whether new approaches work in commercial farming conditions.
‘This is unprecedented’ – NPA chief exec sets out case for industry support package
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson set out the case for a pig industry support package in an interview with Radio 4’s Farming Today programme, as she highlighted the ‘unprecedented’ nature of the crisis facing pig producers. The pig market is facing a significant supply-demand imbalance and many producers had been served notice on some or all of their pigs over the past 12 months, she explained.
‘There’s only so much producers can take’ – Lizzie outlines case for support package
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson highlighted the ‘unprecedented’ nature of the crisis facing pig producers as she set out the case for a pig industry support package in an interview with Radio 4’s Farming Today programme. Lizzie explained that the pig market was facing a significant supply-demand imbalance and that many producers had been served notice on some or all of their pigs over the past 12 months.
NFL wins 2026 Farmers Weekly Pig Farmer of the Year award
North Farm Livestock (NFL) has followed its success at last year’s National Pig Awards by winning the 2026 Farmers Weekly 2026 Pig Farmer of the Year awards, in London last week. NFL is the UK’s biggest free range pig farming operation, supplying Waitrose via Pilgrim’s Europe.
October 2026 issue of Pig World now available
The October 2026 issue is now available online. Packed full of news, features and comments.
Cranswick highlights wider contribution of pork production, as Pilgrim’s delicers financial update
Cranswick has published a report outling the wider contribution it makes the UK economy, employment, food security and the environment, while Pilgrim’s Europe has delivered a positive financial update.
Pilgrim’s Europe grows revenue and profits
Pilgrim’s Europe grew its revenues and profits in the 2025 financial year, its second full year as an integrated business since bringing together Moy Park, Pilgrim’s UK and Pilgrim’s Food Masters. However, the company acknowledges that, moving into 2026, the external environment is ‘challenging’, with low EU prices putting pressure on the pork trade. Revenue increased to £4.12 billion in 2025 from £4.07bn in 2024, while operating profit increased to £267.7 million from £242.4m in 2024.
New report highlights Cranswick’s contribution to ‘driving UK prosperity’
Cranswick has published a new report highlighting the contribution it makes to the national economy, including the farming sector, the provision of jobs and the UK’s food security with a wide range of healthy, sustainably-produced products. The report, ‘Where Great Food Comes From’, sets out how the Hull-based business now supports a total of 49,900 jobs in the UK, while also contributing £3.3bn GDP to the UK economy and generating £850m in UK tax contributions last year.
AHDB seeking new members for Pork Sector Council
AHDB is looking to recruit new members of its Pork Sector Council, with experience in the industry, including, ideally, in indoor production. Sector Council members play a crucial role in deciding what work should be commissioned for their sector and ensuring there is effective engagement between levy payers and AHDB. Appointments are for an initial three-year term from December 2026 and require up to two days per month of commitment per year, including attendance at sector council meetings.
Autumn regionals underway next week – reserve your place!
The NPA’s autumn regional events kick off next week, with Northern event, in Driffield, the first of three autumn events. There will be updates from NPA staff on the current market challenges, animal rights activism, our alignment with the EU, environmental legislation around water quality and more. As always, members will have the opportunity to ask questions and feed in opinions on the big issues of the day.
SFI divide is leaving farms ‘high, dry and desperate’, NFU warns Labour MPs
The divide between Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ is leaving farm businesses ‘high, dry and desperate’, NFU president Tom Bradshaw has told Labour MPs at the party’s conference in Birmingham. Addressing Labour MPs, ministers, party members and farmers at the NFU’s Great British Breakfast during Labour Party Conference, NFU president Tom Bradshaw called for urgent clarity for affected farmers, following the farcical nature of the second SFI 26 application.
Latest burst of AHDB pork markting campaign to launch in October
AHDB is launching a new burst of its ‘This is British Pork. But not as you know it’ campaign in October, covering TV, social media feeds and supermarkets across the country. Building on strong results from previous activity, the campaign is designed to encourage more consumers to choose British pork by highlighting its value, versatility, taste and nutritional benefits, helping drive demand for British pork and supporting the wider supply chain.
UK pork sector’s high standards showcased to Chinese and US importers
Key importers and buyers from China and the US have been shown at first hand the high standards that underpin the British pork supply chain during recent visits, coordinated by AHDB. A delegation of 11 people from China, including representatives from six importing companies, visited the UK recently with a focus on the pig meat sector.
Animal use in veterinary vaccines quality control falls
New figures published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) show far fewer animals are being used to release batches of veterinary vaccines than a decade ago. The average number of animals needed to check the quality, safety and effectiveness of a single batch of animal vaccine fell by 41% – from 29 animals in 2013 to 17 in 2024. Overall animal use fell by 29% over the same period, despite an increase in the number of vaccines being released.
Vets urged to be vigilant after new parvovirus variant found in the Netherlands and Denmark
Pig vets are being urged to be vigilant for a new disease syndrome associated with a parvovirus variant found in the Netherlands and Denmark. The variant has already been detected on a number of farms in the Netherlands and a single breeding farm in Denmark. The key clinical features seen in multiple pigs are bilateral exophthalmos (bulging eyes), strabismus (eyes point in different directions), generalised skin reddening, skin wrinkling and alopecia, and reduced growth.
Pig vets urged to be vigilant for parvovirus variant found in the Netherlands and Denmark
Pig vets are being urged to look out for a new disease syndrome associated with a new parvovirus variant found in pigs on a number of farms in the Netherlands and a single breeding farm in Denmark. The key clinical features seen in multiple pigs are bilateral exophthalmos (bulging eyes), strabismus (eyes point in different directions), generalised skin reddening, skin wrinkling and alopecia, and reduced growth.
Three-quarters of latest SFI 26 budget allocated within hours of window opening
Three-quarters of the funding under the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 offering had already been allocated within a few hours of the window opening. The second SFI window, worth £233 million, opened this morning. It includes a £50 million boost announced by the Prime Minister in August, to help farmers hit by low yields and rising costs access a reliable income stream, in return for action to improve the environment.
ASCA urges pig producers to engage with over any Fair Dealing regulation concerns
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) is urging anyone who has queries about the implementation of the Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) (FDOP) regulations to get in touch with it. ASCA oversees the Fair Dealing Obligations (FDO) regulations that are currently in place for the dairy and pig supply chains and are being developed for other sectors.
NPA sets out case to Defra for comprehensive pig industry support package
The NPA has set out the case to Defra for a comprehensive pig sector support package, as the industry looks to survive its second market crisis in the space of a few years. The NPA’s proposals include short-term financial aid to reflect the extremely low prices some pig producers are receiving and the current supply and demand balance, along with some longer-term measures to deliver future stability for the sector.
NPA submits proposals for comprehensive pig industry support package
The NPA has submitted formal proposals to Defra for a support package for the under-pressure pig sector that seeks short-term financial aid and longer-term measures to deliver future stability. Defra minister Stephen Morgan asked the NPA to develop a detailed support package in July, after he met the association to discuss the serious impact on producers of the ongoing turmoil in the pig market. Independent pig producers are under huge pressure on two fronts.
Pigmeat sales help push UK red meat and dairy exports beyond £2bn-mark
Increased pigmeat sales helped push total UK red meat and dairy exports above the £2 billion-mark in the first half of this year. HMRC data showed the total value of UK red meat exports in the first half of this year reached £1.1 billion, up 15% on the year, with the volumes up 8% at almost 293,000 tonnes. UK shipments of pigmeat increased by 5% in value over the period to £269 million, with volumes up 11% to 174,000 tonnes.
August pigmeat production up nearly 4%, as throughputs and carcase weights remain elevated
UK pig throughputs and pigmeat production continue to trend above year-earlier levels, while the number of sows being sent for slaughter appears to be increasing as the year goes on. August UK clean pig slaughterings were up 2.2% on August 2025 at 844,000 head, while pigmeat production was up 3.8% at 79,000 tonnes, according to Defra’s latest monthly estimates. The average weekly kill in August, at 191,000 head, was up from 186,000 head in August 2025, but down from 205,000 head in July 2026.
Could you be the next co-chair of YNPA?
Following our announcement that Emma Wormington and Lee Thompson will step down as co-chairs of the YNPA this autumn, we are starting the process of recruiting the next YNPA co-chairs. This is a great opportunity for anyone seeking to develop their leadership skills and to build their network and profile in the sector, as well as helping to shape the work of both the Young NPA and NPA.
Ceva appoints new swine veterinary services manager
Vet Tom Hill will be joining the Ceva Swine team as its swine veterinary services manager for UK & Ireland. Tom joins the animal health company from the George Veterinary Group Pig Team, where he was clinical director and a practising Veterinary Surgeon. He brings extensive experience in pig health, lung scoring, disease management, biosecurity, and producer support, as well as passion for supporting the swine industry.
Ceva pig discussion focuses on litter weight and EID
There are many implications of the larger litter sizes typically seen across the pig sector these days, including how much space they take up in pens. Opening a discussion, hosted by Ceva near the NEC in Birmingham the afternoon before the British Pig & Poultry Fair, Alan Stewart, senior pig lecturer at Harper Adams University, shared insights from ongoing analysis of production data from large litters.
‘I just got to the point where I thought: Why am I doing this?’
Pig farmers highlight how the current market turmoil is affecting their businesses, including, in some cases, forcing them to make the incredibly difficult decision to get out of pigs altogether. For Sophie Hope, ultimately the head won over the heart. While she tried everything in her power to delay the inevitable closure of her pig unit, hard financial reality won out in the end.
High-profile Scottish farmer closes breeding herd
Jamie Wyllie, a second-generation pig producer in Scotland, has made the decision to close his last pig unit. All pigs will be gone from the 850-sow unit by February 2027. This is the third unit he will have closed in three years. “Three years ago, we lost a bucket load of money, and I decided to close two units then – one with 650 sows and the other with 900 – with the hope of focusing harder on the one site that I would have left,” Jamie said.
Diligent stockman stays one step ahead to meet pigs’ needs
Eddie Clarke has overseen impressive pig performance improvements on five free-range growing sites since he put himself forward to take on responsibility for them three years ago. A very dedicated stockperson, he has 24 years’ experience working for Norfolk-based North Farm Livestock – the Overall Pig Producer of the Year at last year’s National Pig Awards – and the largest free-range pork producer in the UK, with 7,000 breeding sows.
Live attenuated African swine fever (ASF) vaccine developed in India
A live attenuated African swine fever (ASF) vaccine has been developed in India, as the country continues to battle the virus. Scientists at the ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, have generated a novel attenuated ASF virus with unique gene deletions using an Indian field isolate of ASFV Genotype II in MA-104 cells. Using this novel ASF virus, an indigenous live attenuated ASF vaccine has been developed.
NFU calls for food targets to reverse falling UK farm productivity
The NFU is calling on government to set ambitious targets for homegrown food, after publishing a report highlighting increased reliance on imports to meet UK food consumption needs.
Pig producers highlight dire impact of market turmoil at ASCA roundtable
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) and his team have heard how the current pig market turmoil is damaging pig farms up and down the country at a roundtable event organised by the NPA. Last week’s event, also attended by Defra officials, featured eight independent pig producers who had all been given notice on a least a proportion of their pigs by their processor.
ASCA roundtable event hears from pig producers hit by market turmoil
Under-pressure pig farmers have highlighted the dire situation they face at a roundtable with the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) and Defra representatives. Richard Thompson met former NPA chair Rob Mutimer on farm last year Last week’s roundtable, organised by NPA, featured eight independent pig producers who had all been given notice on a least a proportion of their pigs by their processor.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Alistair
Contact Alistair, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack