18 April 2025
WelFarmers: Collecting Good Practices to Improve Pig Welfare
Neil Tirchett brings tells us about WelFarmers, a Europe-wide effort to boost pig welfare through real farm practices, shared insights, and smart solutions.
The WelFarmers project is now in its second year. Its main goal is to collect and share good practices from pig farms across the EU that can improve animal welfare. The first round of results will be shared later this year with farmers, technical services, and policymakers.
The project focuses on four key themes:
- Loose housing facilities for lactating sows
- Methods to reduce pain during castration
- Strategies for raising undocked pigs
- Optimising space allowance and flooring for fattening pigs
A Collaborative European Effort
Over the past few months, project partners from eight European countries, including Ireland, have been actively collecting good practices from pig farms. At Teagasc, efforts have been focused on contacting farmers and gathering information to contribute to the database of practices.
From May onwards, experts from various backgrounds, including farmers, veterinarians, advisors, researchers, and representatives from the food industry, will begin analysing and scoring the submitted practices for each theme.
Lleida Meeting: Sharing Progress and Good Practices
On 3rd–4th April 2025, the second in-person consortium meeting took place in Lleida, Spain. This was an opportunity for project members to collaborate, share progress, and discuss any ongoing challenges.
From Ireland, Teagasc colleagues Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Ciaran Carroll, Laura Boyle, and Neil Joseph Tirchett attended, along with a delegation from the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). More than 40 participants took part in discussions on project deliverables, the sharing of collected good practices, and the communication and analysis strategy for the year ahead.
The meeting concluded with a visit to the Grupo Vall Companys 5.0 pig farm, where a presentation was delivered on the production methods, performance, and the integration of advanced technologies on the farm.
Connecting with Irish Farmers
Teagasc was also present at the Irish Pig Health Society Symposium, held on 8th April at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare. This event served as a great opportunity to promote the WelFarmers project and connect with stakeholders in the Irish pig sector.
International Visitors and Knowledge Exchange
On 15th April, a delegation from Malta’s swine sector, including farmers from the Maltese pig cooperative (K.I.M.) and government officials, visited Teagasc offices in Ashtown, Dublin. During their visit, Teagasc advisors gave presentations on the current state of Irish pig production, key welfare considerations, and the work being carried out under the WelFarmers project.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
The WelFarmers project is driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for higher animal welfare standards in pig farming. As we move into the next phase, we look forward to continued engagement with farmers, advisors, and all stakeholders.
To stay updated on our progress, insights, and shared practices, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and the 333 website.
If you’re a pig farmer and would like to be considered for next year’s Good Practice submission, feel free to get in touch with us – we’d be happy to hear from you!