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Pig Finisher Challenge 2012 opens
BPEX hopes to spur production improvements.

Pig finishing units have been challenged to see how far they can improve production by October this year. The 2TS Finisher Challenge starts now – producers just need to contact BPEX to say they are ready to go for it.

The BPEX Knowledge Transfer (KT) team have announced that they will help producers identify areas of ‘lost potential’ and find ways to fine tune their system. The type of finishing system or what the starting point is does not matter – the challenge is open to all finishing and contract finishing pig units in England.

BPEX KT manager Lisbeth Ravn says: “The goal is to improve performance in the growing pig herd to help the industry reach the two-tonne sow target and increase profitability. We know that, with an improved focus and often small management changes, a big difference in production can be made. We’ll be providing support throughout the challenge, particularly with performance data records and how to make best use of them. We’d like pig finishers to get in touch as quickly as possible – we’re excited to see what can be achieved by October 2012!”

There will also be prizes for ‘most improved production’.

For more information, click here for details.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.