Pig farmers learn to manage the risks

BPEX has already run a series of risk management workshops along with Offre et Demand Agricole UK, based in Bartlow, Cambs, to provide pig producers with an overview of basic tools which can help reduce exposure to the extremes in feed prices.

 

For those producers who wish to consider using the tools, ODA is now organising three-day training courses around the country to provide detailed knowledge of how and when to use these tools which is essential for anybody seriously considering risk management within their business.

The cost of the three-day course is £1,000 but ODA has secured grant funding of up to 50% of this fee depending on the region where the course is held.

 

The courses are designed specifically for farmers and allied industry companies. They will cover, in detail, how the tools work, training on how to assess when and what tools to use depending on the market conditions, provide a forum for producers to share knowledge and the opportunity to form group to discuss and agree feed buying strategies on an ongoing basis with ongoing market analysis by ODA.

 

BPEX Head of Supply Chain Development Andrew Knowles said: “We are in a period of unprecedented volatility in feed prices, the biggest determinant of a pig businesses profitability.

 

“In this environment all pig farmers need to be aware on what they can do to protect themselves from the extremes of feed price movements.

 

“The ODA course provides both pig producers and allied companies with a chance to gain these skills and help ensure there is a profitable English pig industry in years to come providing consumers with the high welfare pig meat they demand from their supermarkets.”

 

ODA has already trained more than 8,000 farmers in France and around Europe and anybody who would like to inquire about the courses should contact ODA, details below.

 

· 10, 15 & 16 Feb. Grantham, Lincolnshire

· 14, 21 & 22 Feb. Bartlow, Cambridgeshire

· 17, 18 & 24 Feb. Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire

·  3, 4 & 9 Mar. Stockbridge, Hampshire

·  12, 18 & 19 May Suffolk/Norfolk (Depending on interest)