British pig producers finishing animals lighter to keep costs down

British pig producers have been finishing pigs at lighter weights in order to keep costs down following the dramatic rise in feed prices, according to Stephen Howarth, a senior analyst at the British Pig Executive.
“The true challenge for the industry in the long term is increasing productivity to mitigate feed prices,” said Howarth, speaking at the Livestock 2012 show in Birmingham in the UK.
Meanwhile, the industry has won the support of the country’s Home Secretary Theresa May. "While the government cannot set the prices that farmers receive, they welcome the (industry’s) 'Save Our Bacon campaign',” said May. “British pig farms can be rightfully proud of the high quality and high welfare pork and pork products they produce. Ministers welcome the chance to encourage people to support these standards and buy pig products endorsed with the (farm assurance) Red Tractor scheme."