Skilled staff are a priceless asset for the pig sector

Pig farmers need to develop their skills in keeping staff motivated if they are to retain the best workers in their businesses.

Stuart Bosworth, who runs a 270-sow indoor pig unit in Willingale, Essex, said difficult conditions on many units meant pig farms were not always appealing places to work, so farmers had to work hard at making staff feeling valued.

Speaking ahead of the Pig and Poultry LIVE event at Stoneleigh Park on 15 May, where staff will be one of the key topics under discussion, Mr Bosworth said there are ways to keep workers motivated.

“Money and job security helps from a staff perspective, so does a production bonus,” he said.

“Staff like to feel valued by the business, which should always encourage and embrace the ideas of staff to make improvements.

“Promoting staff self esteem, good working relationships and a sense of value often costs very little, but keeping skilled staff working with pigs on a long term basis is a priceless asset on any pig farm.”