Following the success of the YNPA regional meetings in 2024, my co-chairman Lee Thompson and I brought them back for another year.
As a sector, we are always increasing our focus and attention on improving welfare and production, so it felt like a natural fit to base our meetings around the advances being made in technology and how this can have a positive effect on farm.
To reflect the level of focus in this area, we decided to invite different speakers for the three events. This involved a number of different companies spanning genetics, veterinary and buildings.
The aim was to highlight the excellent work being done across the sector to drive innovative initiatives, using new and exciting technology.
We wanted the three regionals to be accessible meetings, with evening events in the east, north and south/central regions.
Technology drive
The trio of events was kicked off on March 6 in Suffolk, kindly hosted by Quality Equipment (QE). We were joined by Charlotte Forbes, technical sales and marketing manager at Rattlerow, who spoke alongside Charlie Baker, business development and marketing manager at QE.
It was great to have both speakers for the evening as active YNPA members. The event included a tour of QE and provided some real insight into how technology is driving both businesses forward.
The north event quickly followed on March 13 in Driffield, where we were kindly supported by PIC and Farmvet. Steve Furniss, PIC director for the UK and Ireland, spoke first, highlighting just how much innovation is happening on a global scale at PIC. They brought along their digital phenotyping kit, to allow us all to have a go.
Nicola Bowers, veterinary technician at Farmvet, followed, giving us a great overview of some of the technology she has worked with during her farm trials.
She highlighted just how important it is not to overlook the more accessible, less-expensive technology we have at our fingertips on farm, which can easily get neglected, but can still help improve production and welfare.
As I write this piece, we have our final event coming up – the south/central regional at Newbury on March 27. We had three speakers at this event – PIC and Rattlerow, with the addition of Tom Hill, clinical director at the George Veterinary Group. Tom has a real interest in environmental data and how monitoring real-time data can improve the overall picture on farm.
These meetings are also a great opportunity for people to get together outside of work to socialise and meet new members of the industry over a bacon sandwich – or one of Molly Gimson’s amazing pork burgers (if you are lucky enough to attend the east event).
Exciting events
We are busy working on a programme of exciting events for later this year, including at least one, if not two, summer events.
The YNPA national event is also booked for Thursday, October 30, and will be taking place in London. Look out for more information on how to reserve your place.
The YNPA community is growing, with 129 members to date. If you are aged between 18 and 40 and you would like to get involved, head to the YNPA section of the NPA website (nationalpigassociation.co.uk/ynpa) to sign up.
Lee and I are dedicated to making a difference and want to help support the pig industry, so it can be a sustainable, profitable and exciting place for the future.
YNPA regional testimonial
“The second annual YNPA regionals were again a fascinating listen; topics that are often not covered in industry discussion groups. The evenings are a chance to upskill on industry knowledge, painting a picture of areas outside our own roles.
“The events, guided by the friendliness of Emma and Lee, are a great chance to start your journey in the industry, meet new people and see industry friends. It’s a great networking opportunity and it is useful in our roles. It’s good seeing people at other industry events eager to catch up with those they have met through YNPA.”
Zanita Markham, projects and engagement relationship manager, AHDB