Andrew Knowles, BPEX Head of Communications and Knowledge Transfer said: “The cost of pig production has rocketed as a result of high feed prices and, with the pig price not moving upwards enough to cover this, many pig producers are thinking hard about what direction their businesses should take.

“Some may be thinking of taking the opportunity to conduct a ‘de-pop, re-pop’ to address underlying health challenges, while others may be considering ending pig production altogether.

“The factsheet we’ve put together on strategic de-stocking is to help ensure it is managed in an organised way and optimises financial returns during the process.“

It covers breeding, weaning and finishing enterprises and includes culling policies, timescales and marketing and contract considerations.

The second factsheet provides a table showing the margin over feed cost per 5kg increase in carcase weight at various feed prices, to help producers make a calculated decision on slaughter weights.

The two factsheets are: ‘Action for Productivity 42: Strategic de-stocking’ and ‘Knowledge Transfer Bulletin 21: A review of slaughter weight decisions’

Please contact the local BPEX knowledge transfer manager for more detailed help and support on both these topics or go to www.bpex.org.uk and click on ‘Feed Crisis Centre’ to access the factsheets.

Hard copies of the factsheets are available by calling 0247 647 8792.