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National Pig Conference 2024

The 30th Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference took place on October 22nd at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in County Tipperary, and on October 23rd at Farnham Estate, Cavan.

This annual event brought together stakeholders from across the pig farming sector, encouraging attendees to connect with fellow producers and engage with the latest developments from the Teagasc Pig Development Department. The conference featured an impressive line-up of invited speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussions on the day.

The 30th annual pig farmers' conference: 30 years of technical insights & innovation Ciarán Carroll & Amy Quinn, Teagasc  Geopolitics & agri-commodities: navigating global shifts, food security & industry challenges Pedro Nonay, Global Commodity Expert, Switzerland Empty days & the missed opportunities Louise Clarke, Teagasc Welfarmers: a bottom up approach to future challenges Amy Quinn & Ciarán

Hans Bundgaard, DVM

Hans Bundgaard, a Consultant Pig Veterinarian and co-founder of Porcus ApS in Denmark, is a prominent figure in pig consultancy. With extensive experience working with pig farms across Europe and Asia, Hans will address the critical topic of cross-fostering and nurse sow management. He will emphasise the importance of reducing pre-weaning mortality in piglets through optimal fostering techniques, ensuring adequate colostrum intake, and effectively managing nurse sows. His insights will be invaluable for producers looking to improve piglet care and minimise infection risks on their farms.

Pedro Nonay

Pedro Nonay brings over 36 years of experience in the agricultural commodities sector, with a rich academic background in Sociology, Law, and Political Science. He is involved in consultancy, advisory services, and has co-authored a publication on geopolitical trends. At the conference, Pedro will discuss Geopolitical Conflicts & Agro-Trade, focusing on navigating global shifts, food security, and the challenges facing the industry today.

Dr. Elizabeth Ball

Dr. Elizabeth Ball, a Senior Scientific Officer within the Monogastric Research Group at AFBI, has led several impactful research projects relevant to the pig industry. Her research focuses on optimising nutrient utilisation of both conventional and novel feed ingredients, as well as reducing the environmental impact of pig and poultry production. Elizabeth will present on strategies for lowering nitrogen excretion from pig production, providing insights that are crucial for sustainable farming practices.