And to help producers attain that Holy Grail, BPEX is organising a series of six autumn seminars around the country.

To achieve that end producers need Interpretation, Improvement, Integration and Implementation:

• Interpretation of British Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) data to get more out of it with a presentation from Vetscore.
• Improvement by using de-stock/re-stock with details from a producer who has benefited from it.
• Integration of new gilts with expert advice from Danish breeding company SPF.
• Implementation and maintenance of biosecurity with advice on veterinary health plans.

Director of Pig Industry Development for BPEX, Mark Wilson, said: "These seminars are a must for producers. Herd health is one of the main areas BPEX is targeting because improvements there will rapidly result in better productivity which in turn helps create a more profitable and sustainable industry.

Improving herd health need not be a costly option for producers. The expertise and knowledge to achieve this already exists, we just need to get it out to more producers. That is the aim of this programme of seminars."

Seminars are all in October, N Yorks on Oct 10; Humberside, Oct 11th; East Anglia, Oct 17th; Staffs/Salop, 18th; Newbury, 24th and Exeter, 25th.

ThePigSite News Desk