Some UK Farmers 'shooting pigs' too expensive to feed

UK - Pig farmers are being forced to shoot livestock because they say low supermarket prices mean it is too expensive to feed them.

They also claim that restrictions on animal movements because of foot and mouth and a rise in the cost of fodder are pushing them towards economic ruin.

Meanwhile, a lamb shortage is predicted for next Easter as a result of the movement ban because breeding rams are unable to mate with ewes.

The problems come as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons face two separate investigations into their practices.

Last week, pig farmers held meetings with store groups to demand that the price they are paid be raised by 40 per cent. The average pig farmer loses £26 for every animal slaughtered, according to the National Pig Association.

Andrew Hemming, of the Farmers For Action pressure group, said: "Because of the increased food costs some weaner pigs are being shot."

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Source: Daily Telegraph

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