National Pig Conference celebrates major milestone
The 2024 Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference kicked off today (Tuesday, October 22), at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co. Tipperary, and continues tomorrow, October 23 at Farnham Estate, Co. Cavan.
This year marks a special milestone as the Teagasc National Pig Conference celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Reflecting on this achievement, Ciarán Carroll, head of knowledge transfer in the Teagasc Pig Development Department, commented: "Over the past 30 years, this conference has evolved alongside the considerable advances in the industry, becoming an essential event in the pig farming calendar, providing an opportunity to share innovative ideas, research, and practical advice.
"Our focus is not just on dealing with current issues or developments, but also about looking forward and best preparing farms for the future."
Lead specialised advisor at the Pig Development Department, Amy Quinn said: “This year’s conference offers a wealth of knowledge and insights aimed at enhancing practical expertise and tackling future challenges.
"We are thrilled to have three renowned speakers, Hans Bundgaard, Pedro Nonay, and Dr. Elizabeth Ball, who will address crucial topics, from management to sustainability.
"Along with our internal speakers, their expertise will provide a valuable resource for attendees to enhance and futureproof their businesses.”
Hans Bundgaard, a consultant pig veterinarian from Denmark and co-founder of Porcus ApS, will address the critical topic of cross-fostering and nurse sow management, drawing from his extensive work across Europe and Asia.
Pedro Nonay, with over 36 years of experience in agricultural commodities, will discuss geopolitical conflicts and agro-trade, focusing on how global shifts and food security challenges impact the pork industry.
Dr. Elizabeth Ball, a senior scientific officer at AFBI, will share strategies for reducing the environmental impact of the production of pigs by lowering nitrogen excretion and optimising feed ingredients, essential for sustainable farming practices.
The conference will also feature a presentation celebrating 30 years of the Teagasc Pig Farmers' Conference, highlighting the content of past conferences and the significant progress made over the years.
Talks will also cover the importance of reducing non-productive days to enhance profitability and productivity.
The WelFarmers project will be introduced, which aims to address key welfare challenges and promote best practices across Europe in light of future changes to EU pig welfare legislation.
Strategies for improving feed conversion efficiency (FCE) will be discussed to boost overall farm productivity.
