The four all come under the umbrella of Knowledge Transfer - making sure the best information available actually reaches working pig farmers. As a team the new staff will be able to offer a broad range of experience, knowledge and ideas required to enhance the physical and financial performance of businesses by working closely with producers, veterinary practices, advisors, marketing groups and the allied industries.

They will be leading initiatives to address the challenges of health, practical production skills, management, nutrition and training. The agenda will be set by local producers through pig discussion groups, veterinary practices and marketing groups.

The KT staff will be providing practical commercial knowledge, supporting demonstration and development trials in response to regional needs. The four are Richard Bull who will be focused on Pig Business Management, Kayt Johnson, Lisbeth Ravn and Helen Thoday will concentrate on improving herd health and enhancing performance within the breeding, growing and finishing herds.

BPEX Chef Executive Mick Sloyan said: "This is a very exciting new direction for BPEX and will be a big challenge for these new staff. "Producers now have a direct source of ideas and information that needs to be used to full advantage if performance and competitiveness is to improve as it must."

ThePigSite News Desk