Pig producers are invited to attend one of four roadshows looking at practical solutions to manage antibiotic use and maintain good animal health and welfare.

Run by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and ForFarmers, the ‘Health and antibiotics, keeping the balance’ meetings will bring together pig producers from across England to discuss how the industry has responded to the antibiotic challenge and the next steps we can take.

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The meetings will explore challenges and solutions of in-water medication, with Nigel Penlington from AHDB Pork and Mark Jagger from BQP, looking at the realities of moving to this kind of system.

They will also look at current water systems and the need to provide good, clean water.

The meetings will also include a session led by Dr. Georgina Crayford and Ed Barker, from the National Pig Association, to run through the industry’s response to antibiotics and next steps to meeting reduction targets.

Dr. Charlotte Evans from ForFarmers and Dr. Mandy Nevel from AHDB will lead sessions looking at how nutrition can play a significant role in reducing the need to medicate with antibiotics.

They will detail examples of what works as well as the findings from other farms about maintaining good animal health and welfare.

Nigel Penlington said: “We’re hoping these meetings will stimulate discussion around current practice and what steps can be taken to meet future challenges.

“The sessions will use real-life examples, include lots of practical information for pork and the opportunity for questions and discussion.”

The meetings run from November 5-26 in Berkshire, Norfolk, West Yorkshire and Devon, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. To book your free place call the AHDB events team on: 01904-771-218.