The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is offering training through its Stockperson Development Scheme for those wanting to progress in the pig industry.
The training takes the form of three-hour workshops, that are now delivered online, which include information for those new to working with pigs as well as those who need a refersher in certain areas.
AHDB’s engagement and training manager, Tony Bayles, said there is a wide range of topics covered, with things kicking off on October 1 with gilt and sow management.
Other topics include:
- AI, service and breeding;
- Farrowing management;
- Weaner management;
- Safe use of veterinary medicines;
- Finisher management.
Remote training
Bayles offered an explanation to farmers on the ending of the face-to-face sessions.
“After taking on board feedback from previous participants, it was clear there was an issue for some businesses finding enough resource to free up members of staff to go on training courses,” he said.
“Three hours may not seem much to backfill, but when travel time is factored in, attendance can take up the best part of a day.
“For businesses with multiple employees taking part in the training, the impact clearly becomes much greater. We had already shifted many sessions online but have now gone that step further to trial solely online workshops.”
Stockperson Plus
AHDB is also running its Stockperson Plus course this year, which starts in November.
This is a programme of problem-solving workshops designed to build on existing pig husbandry knowledge.
The training covers some of the same topics as the Stockperson Development Scheme and more.
Areas such as farrowing and weaning also have split sessions where attendees will specifically look at indoor and outdoor management.
