Pilgrim’s UK increases offer to attract players from other sectors

Pilgrim’s UK has improved its offer for farmers from other sectors who want to diversify into fattening pig farming, promising them a fixed monthly income.

Mark Jagger, BQP Deputy Farm Manager, and BQP colleagues attended the major Cereals and Groundswell events in June to show visitors the benefits of producing fattened pigs alongside their main activities.

Speaking to Pig World at the Cereals trade show, he said there had been a lot of interest and that at least two new models would likely be launched at the show.

“The agricultural sector is looking for diversification projects. With the decline in basic payments, they have to look for new businesses, and fattening pigs give families that opportunity,” he said.

“We offer new buildings and conversions and recently, partly as a result of the effects of bird flu, we converted some old poultry buildings and had really good results.”

Range of perspectives

BQP has been offering pig farming contracts for 40 years. It supplies the pigs, feed, transport, field support and other services, and the farmer supplies the buildings, labour, straw and other farm costs. The company is looking for more fattening pigs to help it grow its business, offering a wide range of contracts and emphasising the stable income it brings.

“The core offering has changed and is likely to change again,” Mr Jagger said. “The new owner feels there is a strong need for more pig farms to supply abattoirs through BQP.

“They want the savings that new buildings and conversions can bring – for example, smaller pens as opposed to large yards to improve feed efficiency. And they want to invest in British farming.”

Farmers receive around £3 per month for pig space. On top of that, there are various bonuses, including vaccinations, sexing and feed conversion targets.

The new building package, depending on which matrix you are in in the country for abattoirs and feed mills, pays a minimum of £4.50 per pig site for 13 lots. There is also a building conversion fee.

“It’s a six-year contract. These farmers are looking for longevity and they’re getting a guaranteed return,” Mr. Jagger added.