Pig Group

The UK pig industry has been in the media a lot the week that I write this, with NSch Kate Moore and sister Vicky being interviewed on the national news.

The Prime Minister belittled the huge pressure the industry is under with a throwaway comment about bacon sandwiches, and thankfully some of the news channels, newspapers and media streams have picked up on this and are now highlighting our plight. There are not going to be any easy, overnight, fixes to the staffing shortages that the processors are currently experiencing so we are a long way from being out of the woods. It is very much going to be a struggle for the whole industry for several months to come and I would hope that if in need our members know that the Nuffield community will help where they can. Again, this year we haven’t had an overly full social calendar, I would hope that in 2022 we can rectify this. That said, at the start of the year we did have a virtual tour of the Topigs Norsvin genetic nucleus and CT scanning unit in Manitoba, Canada. Mike Shaw very kindly hosted us, starting with a presentation, and then taking us on a virtual tour of the pig unit itself answering our questions as he went. The meeting was very well attended, and we had some great engagement, however, it certainly is no replacement for getting together in person. As mentioned in my last update I have several ideas for future meetings, but with businesses still limiting visitors due to covid, I have not been able to get anything firmed up. If any of our members have any suggestions for future meetings, or indeed would be willing to host – please do get in touch. Equally, as I am sure you already are doing, please do encourage potential pig scholars to apply, again we have a year of new scholars and an industry that is woefully underrepresented.

Caroline Mitchell