Q & As

Q. What’s in it for me?

Improving underlying competitiveness is a big win for producers; this project could save around £8 a pig on average. High health equals higher welfare—a crucial plus for consumers. Responsible control of your pig health destiny should help considerably reduce Defra’s proposed cost and responsibility charges. And widespread success will contribute immeasurably to the long-term sustainability and viability of the English pig industry.

Q. Do you expect me to depop-repop?

Of course coordinated depops will play their part but this is not about mass depopulation and restocking. The best approach on each farm will vary. There will be no compulsion. Local Producer Clusters will decide what’s in their best interest.

Q. Will you be trying to tell me how to run my pig unit?

Certainly not ... but we are asking you to be part of this project by joining your local Producer Cluster. The project will offer all the support you need, and this support will be free.

• AN INTERACTIVE MAP via the Internet, of what pigs are where, and what their health status is.

• A STEERING GROUP to ensure best use of resources, regional leadership and rapport with other regions to give a united front.

• GUIDANCE on best diagnostic procedures and recommended health improvement methods, unit by unit, with formal procedures as necessary.

• DECISION TOOLS such as cost benefit calculators, cash flow forecasts for before and after, and so on.

• ACCESS to some of the industry’s leading experts.

• COORDINATION of all the Producer Clusters to maximise effectiveness.

Q. Will this really help me lower my cost of production?

Absolutely. This project is one of the best things to happen to our industry in years, not least because a large part of the cost is being met from modulated CAP payments being returned to the industry. But in the end success will depend on your participation and on excellent collaboration within and between Producer Clusters.

Q. What do others say?

We all recognise there is a lot of work to be done, but Yorkshire and Humberside Health has attracted outstanding support from the region’s producers and vets. So now all we’ve got to do is make it happen—easy!