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Pig farming
Pig farming
Pig farms can be found all over England, although most are in the east of the country, with particular hotspots in Yorkshire and Humberside.
Although there are around four million pigs in the UK, the sector is under pressure from an increasing amount of cheaper imported pork. There are concerns that the welfare standards in the countries it's produced in are not as high as it is in the UK.
Pig welfare
Manual, hands-on work remains a key part of pig farming, from feeding and watering, to changing bedding, mucking out and looking after pigs when they’re farrowing, which means giving birth.
Pig farmers also need to administer vaccines and keep detailed records on each pig’s medical history. Many farmers are looking to reduce the use of antibiotics, and improve animal health through a better understanding of pig behaviour and by providing an environment in which they can thrive.
Energy-efficient barns
Some pigs live in outdoor enclosures with plenty of mud to forage in as well as a shelter. Others are reared indoors in large, energy-efficient barns, many of which include CCTV and remote cameras, which are used to monitor pigs and help with disease control. Some pig farmers also focus on rare breeds and organic farming.
As with cattle farming, animal welfare and involvement in national schemes, such as Red Tractor, are of the greatest importance, as is the management of manure and finding ways to turn it into a resource, often for used for generating energy.
Click through the graphic below to get a better idea of the typical tasks and responsibilities involved in working with pigs throughout the year.
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Whether it's through the adoption of new technology, the extensive work farmers and growers do to improve the natural environment or the extensive effort they put into ensuring high standards of animal welfare, the truth is agriculture and horticulture is an increasingly modern, sophisticated industry. And it's also one where everyone can play their part.
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