Themed ‘Back to the Future’, it is a practical event open to all producers – to be held at the East of England Showground, Peterborough, on Tuesday 16 March 2010.

BPEX Head of Knowledge Transfer Mike Varley said, “The pig industry has a lot to be proud and positive about, with PCV2 now under control, a better pig price and more options than ever before for training. The event is focused on topics important to the success of every pig business, from gilt management to the future of the final pork product.“

Top speakers from both the northern and southern hemispheres include John Howard, of the Danish Bacon and Meat Council and Paul Hughes, from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

The programme, which starts at 1.30pm, also features recruiting and retaining good staff, new technologies on farm and how to protect pig herds from future health outbreaks.

Pig producers who feel proud of what they do and are committed to an exciting and successful future in the industry must not miss this free event.

Information is being posted to producers this week with a reply form to register for the event. Any producers who don’t receive this can contact Sue Wickham at BPEX to register by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 02476 478793. Forms need to be returned to BPEX before Friday 5 March and a ticket will be sent to producers on registration.

The programme:

Session 1 – Chaired by Mike Varley, BPEX Head of KT R&D

The future of the final product:
John Howard, Marketing Director, Danish Bacon and Meat Council

The future of staffing:
Richard Hooper, Farm Manager, Harper Adams University College and Nuffield Scholar

Using future technologies on farm today:
Mark Hawe, AFBI, Northern Ireland and Andrew Macrea, Northern Irish pig farmer

Session 2 – Chaired by producer Mike Sheldon

Avoiding future health outbreaks:
Nigel Woolfenden BVSc MRCVS, Bishopton Vet Group

Future gilt management policies:
Paul Hughes, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)

Conclusion: Getting back to the future

6pm Hot buffet

You can download the flyer by clicking here.