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Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference 2024: Celebrating 30 Years of Technical advice & Innovation in the Irish Pig Industry

The 2024 Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference kicks off today, Tuesday, 22 October, at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, County Tipperary, and continues tomorrow, 23 October at Farnham Estate, County Cavan, starting at 12:30 pm both days.

This year marks a special milestone as the Teagasc National Pig Conference celebrates its 30th anniversary, a testament to its ongoing contribution to the Irish pig industry.

Reflecting on this achievement, Ciarán Carroll, Head of Knowledge Transfer in the Teagasc Pig Development Department, commented, "Over the past 30 years, this conference has evolved alongside the considerable advances in the industry, becoming an essential event in the pig farming calendar, providing an opportunity to share innovative ideas, research, and practical advice”. He added, “Our focus is not just on dealing with current issues or developments but also about looking forward and best preparing farms for the future”.

Amy Quinn, Lead Specialised Advisor at the Pig Development Department, said, “This year’s conference offers a wealth of knowledge and insights aimed at enhancing practical expertise and tackling future challenges. We are thrilled to have three renowned speakers; Hans Bundgaard, Pedro Nonay, and Dr Elizabeth Ball, who will address crucial topics, from management to sustainability. Along with our internal speakers, their expertise will provide a valuable resource for attendees to enhance and futureproof their businesses.”

Hans Bundgaard, a Consultant Pig Veterinarian from Denmark and co-founder of Porcus ApS, will address the critical topic of cross-fostering and nurse sow management, drawing from his extensive work across Europe and Asia.

Pedro Nonay, with over 36 years of experience in agricultural commodities, will discuss Geopolitical Conflicts and Agro-Trade, focusing on how global shifts and food security challenges impact the pig industry.

Dr Elizabeth Ball, a Senior Scientific Officer at AFBI, will share strategies for reducing the environmental impact of pig production by lowering nitrogen excretion and optimising feed ingredients, essential for sustainable farming practices.

The conference will also feature a presentation celebrating 30 years of the Teagasc Pig Farmers' Conference, highlighting the content of past conferences and the significant progress made over the years. Talks will also cover the importance of reducing non-productive days to enhance profitability and productivity.

The WelFarmers project will be introduced, which aims to address key welfare challenges and promote best practices across Europe in light of future changes to EU pig welfare legislation. Additionally, strategies for improving feed conversion efficiency (FCE) will be discussed to boost overall farm productivity.

The 2024 Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference promises to be a valuable opportunity for knowledge-sharing and networking within the sector. We look forward to welcoming all attendees over the two days.

The conference booklet can be found here