CATEGORIES

This award is based on key performance data (growth rates, feed conversion rates etc.). The judges will also consider the proportion of pigs sent which are within the weight range (‘the box’) and grading. In addition, other general welfare and scientific information will be taken into account.

This award is to recognise the importance of improving herd productivity and is a data based award given to an organisation that can demonstrate improvement in pigs per sow per year.

This category requires a written entry to include both documented and photographic evidence of production costs and records, herd health planning and bio-security, new building/equipment/general investments or initiatives implemented, staff training and motivation, contributions to and support of the wider pig industry, marketing activities and a unit's general appearance. Please note, records should show: conception rate, farrowing rate, the number born, weaned and sold per sow, daily live weight gain and FCR.

This is an award for farmers or farm businesses, not suppliers. To win this award you must demonstrate any initiative, idea or business development concept which has come to fruition in the last 12 months and is new in your business. It can encompass site development, investment, a business scheme, or anything which is new and has paid dividends.

This award is to encourage and reward marketing efforts by producers. The judges will be looking at how producers have developed new markets for the product, either domestically or overseas, developed their product to create a brand, or successfully marketed their product to increase sales.

This category requires a written entry to include both documented and photographic evidence of production costs and records, herd health planning and bio-security, new building/equipment/general investments or initiatives implemented, staff training and motivation, contributions to and support of the wider pig industry, marketing activities and a unit's general appearance. Please note, records should show: conception rate, farrowing rate, the number born, weaned and sold per sow, daily live weight gain and FCR.

Entries for this category can be via nomination or by the employee their self. However if the entry is a self nomination, it must also include an employer’s reference. In a winner, the judges will be looking for evidence of job commitment; an innovation or concept that the stockperson has been responsible for; and evidence of the stockperson going the extra mile.

The UK has a legally binding commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the NFU has pledged to make British farming net zero a full ten years earlier, by 2040. With this backdrop, this award will recognise an outstanding pig farming business that has examined its own carbon footprint and made measurable improvements to its environmental sustainability. Evidence must be provided about the steps taken by the business - including measures such as a change in feed, supplements, inputs or buildings - and the resulting impact on environmental sustainability.

This award is open to all British pig unit personnel who can show how training is benefiting both their career and livestock performance on their unit. Where possible this can be supported by unit performance data. Nominations are welcomed from both experienced individuals and newcomers to the industry.

Entries for this category can be nominated by the owner or by the employee their self. If the latter a reference from the owner will be required. Judges will be looking for evidence of how the manager has driven the business forward as well as excellence in motivating staff, hitting targets and commitment to record keeping.

The relationship between vet and pig producer has never been more crucial, and this award will recognise their often-unheralded contribution, while emphasising the importance of attracting graduate vets to the industry. To qualify, the vet must be 35 or under by 31 December 2023, and have been qualified for fewer than 10 years.

This category is open to anyone 35 or under on 31 December 2023. The judges are looking for a young farmer who has a key involvement within the business; that conceptualises new initiatives on-site; and is proven to be committed to the pig industry.