Teagasc and IFA join forces with pig research and advice programme

Teagasc and the IFA have launched a joint pig research and advisory programme at Teagasc Oak Park, Co Carlow.

The programme will allow Teagasc give Irish pig producers advice, research and education across a range of issues. The funding for the programme is provided through a pig producer levy.

Ciarán Carroll, head of the Teagasc pig development department, said: “The programme will enable Teagasc to provide a broader range of services to the sector. The levy will be used to fund two new advisers, two new researchers and a technician. Teagasc and IFA have been working on this programme for a few years, so it’s great to see it come to fruition”.

The new advisers, Amy Quinn at Moorepark and Shane Brady at Balllyhaise, took up their posts in August. Keelin O’Driscoll commenced a research post in September and a pig nutrition researcher will commence shortly. As part of the advisory service, producers will receive an annual visit to prepare and review an annual business plan for the farm.

Other services to be provided will include the annual pig conference, workshops, group meetings, research dissemination days, discussion groups, newsletters and registration of participants on the Fetac pig course.

IFA pigs and pig meat committee chairperson Pat O’Flaherty said: “It will further enhance the Teagasc service, and spread it to a broader range of producers than heretofore.”

Teagasc is committed to providing a new pig research and food test facility at Moorepark, guided by a joint programme operational committee comprising key Teagasc and IFA personnel. This group will deliver biannual reports to Teagasc’s pig commodity advisory committee. Pig producers can submit their suggestions and comments for the joint programme through their advisers or their IFA representatives.