Sky News' coverage over the weekend has put pig farmer's plights into the public eye. They reported that vets and farmers have made the 'soul-destroying' move of carrying out abortion procedures on pigs because they have 'run out of alternatives'.

BBC's Countryfile also ran an excellent feature on the pig industry's worsening crisis, featuring various well-known industry figures. 

You can view it HERE

The harsh reality is that the situation on farm is getting worse. The backlog is not noticeably easing and, with processing days set to be lost over Christmas, it is likely to be into the New Year before we see any real improvement. 

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The benefits of the Government’s support package have not, yet at least, been seen, with butchers yet to arrive in any significant numbers and processors not taking up the private storage aid option. There might be some movement in both cases in January – but that will be too late for many. 

The NPA is aware of 16,000 pigs having been culled on farm, but that is just those reported - the true number is likely to be much higher. 

As the feed price continues to rise and the pig price falls, the already dire financial situation is worsening, too.

It is a question simply of survival for many and the industry desperately needs the full support of the supply chain and Government.