‘Planning rules need easing for pig sector’

A planning overhaul is needed to secure a better future for pig production, industry leaders have told the government.

The National Pig Association made the plea in response to Defra’s review of farming profitability. Other recommendations include a clampdown on disease risk, better trade agreements and easier access to labour.

The farm profitability review is being led by former NFU president Baroness Batters. She has promised to provide meaningful recommendations to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.”

Pig industry leaders say constraints within the planning system present a perennial challenge for the sectors. Their response to the review argues that planning is a key blocker to unlocking agricultural business potential.

“There needs to be an inherent understanding of the need for and importance of agricultural infrastructure in a viable and environmentally sensitive agricultural business, and a mechanism to facilitate this.”

NPA recommendations include a revision of ammonia thresholds by which planning applications are screened according to, which are ‘extremely low and make proportionate agricultural expansion virtually impossible’.

The response also criticises the lack of consistency among local authorities when it comes planning approvals for indoor pig units. Applications are often delayed and/or rejected due to various concerns including environmental impact, it says.

International trade

The NPA welcomes government assurances that UK food standards are a red line in trade negotiations. But it says differences in environmental and animal welfare standards during production must also be recognised.

It also echoes NFU calls for a set of core production standards that would apply to both domestically produced and imported food sold in the UK. “Failure to do so would represent a betrayal to British farmers,” it says.

The NPA warns that the UK remains poorly protected from biosecurity and disease threats, especially given the prevalence of African Swine Fever in parts of the EU; and the risk of foot and mouth disease, which has been active in Europe this year.

High volumes of illegally imported meat that continue to enter the country, says the NPA. It calls for better border controls for all meat imports and ensure there is sufficient resource available at major entry points including ports, such as Dover – especially from countries where ASF is rife, such as Romania.

Workforce

Labour shortages across the pig industry have been an ongoing post Brexit challenge at a farm and abattoir level. While the use of overseas labour through the Skilled Visa route has been a feasible, albeit expensive, workaround, this looks set to stop.

Recently announced immigration rule changes suggest this route will be unworkable, says the NFU. Reforms remove a number of jobs from the scheme, including farmers, farm managers, butchers, and veterinary nurses, says the NPA.

Baroness Batters is expected to present her findings to the government in the coming months and the government will then respond.

Ewe condition at weaning has long-term effect

It’s hard to believe for some people, but the decisions you make about weaning in 2025 can directly influence your 2026 lamb crop, writes Nerys Wright.

While much attention is rightly given to preparing ewes for tupping, research shows that their body condition score (BCS) and liveweight at weaning have a lasting impact—not just on scanning results, but also on the weight of lambs at weaning 12 months later.

As we navigate a dry summer, it may be tempting to delay weaning due to limited grass availability. However, timely weaning—ideally around 12 weeks of age—is essential for both ewe recovery and lamb performance.

By this stage, lambs are consuming very little milk and rely more on grazing or hard feed. Ewes and lambs begin to compete directly for the same dry matter intake, which can limit lamb growth and prevent ewes from regaining the condition they need ahead of breeding.

Weaning allows ewes to rebuild condition without the demands of lactation—especially important when forage is scarce. Thin ewes need every opportunity to recover before tupping, as poor condition can negatively affect fertility and scanning percentages.

On good grazing, it typically takes 6–8 weeks to gain one unit of BCS, so giving ewes this time is vital to ensure they’re in optimal shape for breeding.

It also opens the door to more targeted lamb management. Once separated, lambs can be grouped by weight and fed accordingly to maintain growth rates, even under challenging grazing conditions.

While early weaning in a dry year might feel counterintuitive, it’s a strategic move that protects ewe condition, supports lamb growth, and lays the foundation for a productive breeding season and a strong lamb crop next year.

Top Tip: Wean lambs by 12 weeks and monitor ewe BCS closely. Prioritise thinner ewes for better grazing or supplementary feed. If ewes aren’t gaining at least half a BCS unit after 3-4 weeks, consult your vet or advisor to rule out underlying health issues.

Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.