Teagasc develops specialised pig farming course to aid industry

A NEW specialised educational course for pig farmers has been developed by Teagasc to meet a training gap identified in a strategic plan for the industry which has a farm gate value of around €360 million annually.

The new course, which is tailored to the requirements of those already working on pig units and the owners and managers of these farms, was launched by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith at Teagasc, Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co Cavan.

Mr Smith said the pig sector is important to the rural economy.

It provides employment for some 7,500 people, of which 1,300 are at farm level with the remaining jobs in feed production, meat processing and the services associated with feed, meat and pig production.

Seamus Clarke, Teagasc Pig Development Unit, said a highly skilled, trained workforce is essential to achieving high standards on farms and to having levels of efficiency equal to Ireland’s competitors and to ensure the industry is internationally competitive.

The accreditation of the course as FETAC Level 6 is important, providing a formal award and giving attractive benefits to those inheriting or taking over units in the future, Ballyhaise Agricultural College principal Felix McCabe said.

Pigmeat consumption worldwide is expected to increase over the next decade.

To benefit from this increased consumption the Irish pig industry must be internationally competitive, he said.

* The following blight warning has been issued by Met Éireann: Weather conditions favouring the spread of potato blight will occur at times this week. There will be some opportunities for spraying.