UK pig industry in a "pig" of a mess

The expression "a pig of a mess" is a reasonable description for the UK pig industry at the moment.

Most industry commentators are warning that it is on the brink of collapse.

Just last week two leading pig producers went out of business - DRS Pigs and MCB Sow Company.

Together, the companies have over 6000 sows with 50,000 progeny, and 90 contract producers/finishers. Industry analysts estimate the companies' production, around 120,000 piglets a year, represents 2% of the industry.

As one industry commentator said: "it's not that long ago that there were 800,000 sows, then the number dropped to 400,000 and it seems likely that it will halve again.

"I think it will and I think we'll end up getting our pork supplies from Holland."