Ahdb Cereals & Oilseeds

In this month’s Pork-focused episode, we’ll be focusing on welfare and looking at what Defra’s updated Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock means in practice for pig keepers. We’ll also be hearing about some of the key highlights from last month’s meetings for small-scale pig keepers and finish with a quick look at the Chinese pig market. The updated Welfare Code sets out a number of new requirements for pig producers, but for the vast majority, it should not be too onerous. It will come into force on 1 March 2020. The Code can be used by enforcement bodies, including Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors and local authorities, when investigating allegations of poor welfare, to look at whether animal welfare standards are being met. It applies to England only, although devolved administrations will aim to align their new codes as closely as possible to Defra’s. There are new elements, notably related to tail docking, enrichment and record keeping, as well as a clear signal from Govern