The lineup of speakers for the 2025 Irish Pig Health Society symposium, due to take place at the Curragh Racecourse exhibition hall in Co. Kildare on Tuesday, April 8, has been released.

This year’s symposium, themed ‘Pigs, People and Pathogens: Mastering Farrowing, Animal Health and Workforce Management’, will focus on the industry’s key challenges and best practices.

The event will begin with an industry trade session from 3:00-5:00p.m, followed by informative talks from a range of guest speakers from 5:00-7:00p.m.

Topics up for discussion include staff motivation, farrowing room management, and health challenges, alongside an update on the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) initiative.

According to the event organisers, two-time all-Ireland senior hurling winning manager, Liam Sheedy, will draw on 25 years of leading teams to success in both corporate and sporting environments, in a reflection on how best to motivate staff on the day.

Independent consultant with Rektify Ltd, Dr. Wallace Henry, who also advises on pig husbandry, research co-ordination and practical pig production, will follow to speak about the benefits of sound farrowing room management.

The health challenges faced by the industry over the past five years will be detailed by Dr. Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Teagasc’s principal research officer and head of pig development during his address.

Agricultural inspector with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Robert Leonard, will subsequently deliver a TAMS presentation, prior to a pig producer discussion panel which will close the event.

Event schedule:

Liam Sheedy: 5:05-5:35p.m;
Wallace Henry: 5:35-5:55p.m;
Dr. Edgar Garcia Manzanilla: 5:55-6:15p.m;
Robert Leonard: 6:15-6:20p.m.

Irish Pig Health Society president, Jessica Wright, commented: “We’re delighted to have once again secured a market-leading group of speakers who will share their insights and expertise with our delegates.

"Our symposium provides a unique annual networking opportunity for our industry to come together, exchange ideas and to discuss the challenges we’re facing and the advances we continue to make.” 

Following the symposium, a traditional hog roast dinner will be served at 7:00p.m, providing attendees and sponsors with a meal and further networking opportunities.