National Pig Awards 2022

BQP farming parterres clinched two prizes at last night’s National Pig Awards which included the prestigious best Outdoor Producer of the Year honour for GSK Pigs – Risby Unit and Trainee of the Year which was taken home by Max Campbell. We were also pleased that Emma Claxton bagged the Highly Commended accolade in the Trainee of the Year category.

The awards have become established as the premier event in the pig industry calendar. They recognise and reward excellence, foster innovation and inspire creativity and information sharing.

Rebecca Spink, Breeding and Free Range Manager, was delighted with the news and said: “The Outdoor Producer of the Year award perfectly reflects what our business is about and what we want to achieve. GSK is in the process of converting all units to five-week weaning – resulting in improved piglet quality at weaning. They have invested heavily to reduce their carbon footprint, including a greening programme across its farms and in lowering vehicle emissions, as well as delivering excellent performance figures.

“Our second award highlights our focus on the next generation. Max beat some stiff competition. He is Assistant Manager of Bunkers Hill Pigs, in Norfolk, having joined as a trainee stockman back in June 2019. He has overseen a herd move, repopulation and conversion from four- to five-weak weaning – and production figures have dramatically improved since. I want to congratulate him, GSK and Emma.”

Barney Kay, MD – Agriculture, added: “Our vision to be the best in our industry is a core principle and something we are continuously aiming for. To have our farming partners hard worked recognised once again is amazing. I want to personally say well done to all the winners and finalists and for our farming partners for once again flying the BQP flag high.”

The NPA’s are exclusive to the British pig industry. The event has gone from strength to strength over the years and previous winners have set incredibly high standards for the rest of the industry to follow.

BQP breed and rear over 1 million pigs a year using industry-leading production systems, including outdoor born, straw-finished, RSPCA Freedom Food Assured, free range and organic. With around 30% of the UK market share, this makes us the UK’s largest pig farming business. BQP has supplied high welfare British pork to the major retailers in the UK for 40 years, since 1979.

To learn more about the winners and the awards, visit their official website.