Generate extra pigmeat income

UK - Looking for an extra income stream that can demand low capital investment? Have you redundant or under-used buildings? Could staff be better used during seasonal lulls in land or livestock work?
calendar icon 28 April 2006
clock icon 2 minute read
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes" then pig industry officials believe there's an opportunity to generate extra farm income and help the UK rebalance domestic pigmeat production that's slipped to just 73% self-sufficiency since the 1990s.

According to Howard Revell of pig supplier BQP, finishing contracts can integrate easily with many farming systems.

"In particular, those farm businesses with arable land providing access to straw and the ability to use FYM are natural partners.

"For example, BQP is looking for farms which can run straw-based finishing systems to meet welfare requirements set by our customers.

"And, on the plus side for the arable business, opportunities to use muck as a valuable form of soil conditioner and fertiliser."

Contract finishers need have little or no livestock experience, he says.

"Ideally, we're looking for commitment, enthusiasm and the ability to run a system 52 weeks a year with help from a team of dedicated fieldsmen."

In return for providing buildings, labour and water - stock, feed, advice, vet and medicines, stock disposal and haulage is all covered by the pig supplier - producers receive a regular income and access to rolling contracts.

Income of about £25/pig place is typical, offering a 1000 place finisher an income of £25,000 a year, suggested Mr Revell.

Source: Fwi
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