The National Pig Awards have seen record entries this year, smashing the previous record by some distance.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 awards night, which taking place in London in November, looks set to be the most fiercely competitive yet.
The judges met for the first time in July to go through the entries, and head judge Stewart Houston praised the ‘phenomenal’ response of the industry.
“This has given us an awful lot of work to do – it is going to be an extremely difficult task to go through all these entries to choose our finalists and winners. But I am absolutely delighted with the quantity and quality of the entries,” he said.
“It is really special, yet again, to see the number young folk who have taken an interest in the awards, with great and enthusiastic entries for Young Farm Vet, Trainee of the Year and Young Pig Farmer. We have also had some excellent entries for the new Sustainable Farming Award, which highlight the varied and important work being done in this area, even during these recent difficult times.
“To achieve a record entry this year is great testament to the industry and the desire to continually improve, achieve excellence and demonstrate that to the wider industry. It also highlights the growing importance attached to these awards.”
As always, the awards ceremony promises to be one of the biggest and best nights of the year, as the industry looks to get back on track after a torrid couple of years.
Pig World publisher, Simon Lewis, said: “The response this year has been absolutely tremendous. It shows yet again how these awards, which have now been championing the best of the British pig industry for nearly a decade, go from strength to strength.
“We are all looking forward to another great night in London in November. Tickets are on sale now – make sure you don’t miss out!”
Nominations still open for David Black and Chris Brant awards
You can still nominate for the prestigious David Black Award, which is awarded to an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding impact on the British pig sector during the course of their work.
You can submit your nomination until August 31 at: https://ahdb.org.uk/david-black-award
Nominations are also open for the NPA Chris Brant Award, which will recognise those who have ‘gone the extra mile’ over the past 12 months.
To nominate a candidate for this award, email: NPA@npanet.org.uk
The winners of both awards will be announced at the National Pig Awards.
Voting open for NPA Allied Industry Member of the Year
Voting is open to select the winner of the NPA’s coveted Allied Industry Member of the Year award.
Following consultation with members, the NPA has announced a shortlist of five companies deemed to have made a significant and positive contribution to the pig industry over the past year.
They are:
- A-One
- Ceva Animal Health
- Eco Animal Health
- Quality Equipment
- Thames Valley Cambac
Pig World readers and NPA members will now select the winner, via an online poll. Go to www.pig-world.co.uk or www.nationalpigawards.co.uk to cast your vote.
Recent winners:
2022 HIPRA
2021 Thompsons of York
2020 Yorkshire Farmers Livestock Marketing
National Pig Awards 2023
Tickets: Individual – £210 +VAT; Table – £1,890 +VAT
For general enquires or to book your place at the event in London in November, contact Meghan Taylor at meghan@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk
or for sponsorship details, Martin Goult: martin@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk