Pedigree pig export boost for Province

Source: Farming Life Online
Date: 28th August 2006

One of the largest pedigree export deals ever secured by the local pig sector was completed this week with the shipment of 220 boars and gilts from the province to the Ukraine.

"The total value of the stock is in the region of £200,000," confirmed Robert Overend from Deerpark Pedigree Pigs.
"The consignment was made up of Large White and Landrace pigs, which will be used to improve the bloodlines currently available to producers in the Ukraine."
This week's deal was coordinated by the English breeding company UPB with the Deerpark herd supplying 152 of the boars and gilts selected.
"We were inspected by a delegation from the Ukraine some weeks back," added Robert Overend, pictured.

"During their visit to Northern Ireland the group was accompanied by Chris Jackson, the export promoter for the British Pig Association. The party from the Ukraine included veterinarians and pig production specialists.
"Animals were selected on the basis of conformation, an ability to produce significant volumes of milk and their potential to breed large number of high quality F1 gilts.
"The inspectors were particularly impressed with the growth achieved by the stock they viewed in the Province."
"But above all else the local breeders contributing to the export order were able to demonstrate the improvements they had achieved within their herds over many years."
The shipment of pigs to the Ukraine follows on directly from the completion of a similar pedigree export order with Thailand.
"Northern Ireland is recognised as a centre of pig breeding excellence in many countries around the world," stressed Robert Overend.
"We know that the deputation from the Ukraine was exceptionally impressed with the pigs they viewed while in the province. And it's important that we build on this potential for the future."
He concluded: "These are exciting times for pig breeders in the province. It's worth noting that in contrast to many of our traditional manufacturing sectors, which could not compete on modern export markets, the pedigree sector continues to go from strength to strength."