The European Pig Producers Club (EPP) celebrated its 20th anniversary
Over 400 EPP members and guests from 15 countries discussed the Dutch pig pro-duction in Eindhoven
This year's EPP congress was met with an exceptionally strong interest. From 26 to 29 May over 400 participants from 14 countries discussed the characteristics of Dutch pig farming in Eindhoven (Netherlands). In addition, the event was marked by the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the club. At the end of the congress excursions to Dutch pig farms took place. Here the participants had time for intensive discussions with the managers and to exchange experiences.
The focus of the congress was the symposium on 28 May which was under the guiding theme "Some pigs are more equal than others". Gerald Behrens (Boehringer Ingelheim), Bert-Jan Ruumpol (ForFarmers) and Antoon van den Berg (Hendrix Genetics) talked about specific aspects of Dutch meat and pig farming as well as its marketing in their pres-entations. Ruumpol reported that there are 3,000 farms in the Netherlands with an average of 350 sows per farm. The export share of the Netherlands is at 60 percent. In a European comparison, the Netherlands have a good cost structure, however, disadvantages compared to the U.S. and Brazil, among others due to the GMO issue in feeding stuff, animal welfare and environmental requirements. Gerald Behrens confirmed the cost leadership of Brazil in his remarks. For him the future of the Western European pig industry particularly lies in the development of brands. Potentially suitable properties are, in his opinion, quality inspections and the reference to the regional origin. Antoon van den Berg in contrast pointed to the high cost burden in the Netherlands because of government requirements. Regarding pricing, he noted that the value of meat should be made clear for consumers. Acting instead of reacting is the order of the day. In addition, two Dutch pig producer showed how they realign their farms due to the changing international general conditions through selective investment decisions. The group housing of pregnant sows is currently the dominant issue for pig producers next to the castration of piglets or boar fattening.
Impulses for group housing of sows expected at EuroTier 2010
Impulses for a successful direction of their businesses are being expected by the European pig producers at this year’s EuroTier, which takes place from 16 to 19 November in Hannover. A special called “Sau gut – in Gruppen” organized by BFL and the DLG in Hall 12 will take up issues and highlight the opportunities available for successful im-plementation in farms.
Opening night characterized by anniversary
The opening night was characterized by the 20th anniversary of the European Pig Produc-ers Club. Many guests congratulated on the anniversary, including DLG- Vice-President Helmut Ehlen, deputy DLG-CEO Dr. Jochen Köckler and the manager of the DLG Compe-tence Center Agriculture Dr. Lothar Hövelmann.
The next congress takes place from 19 -22 May 2011 in Münster (Westphalia) under the theme "Germany - turntable for European pork".