North-east pig producers have teamed up with lecturers at SRUC’s Craibstone campus to try and fill a skills gap in the sector.
Together with four local producers, Craibstone livestock lecturer Anna Sinclair arranged for students studying for a National Certificate in Agriculture to complete practical on-farm sessions and gain experience of working with pigs in all stages of production. There are also plans afoot to take students to visit the new pig processing facility in Brechin.
She said: “For students, gaining practical experience is an invaluable part of their learning at SRUC.
“The time given by farmers and their staff has made it possible for these students to get an introduction into the pig industry. We had very positive feedback from all those involved and several would now consider entering into the sector.”
North-east pig farmer Philip Sleigh, who hosted students on his farm, said: “Recruiting staff onto pig farms is an on-going challenge for our sector and this new initiative will hopefully allow these students to see the possibility of a career in pig farming.
“Also with the industry investment at Brechin there is room for some expansion in the Scottish herd, and it may be that a young person could set up their own unit on the family farm. Whatever the students decide to do in the future we welcome this opportunity to show these students what modern pig farming is about.”
One student to learn more about pig farming was 23-year-old Sarah MacGregor, of Shetland.
She said: “Coming to college I never expected to learn about pigs and wasn’t sure at first about going to the farm because I didn’t know what to expect. But after three weeks of being there I’m glad we got a chance to experience what Philip (Sleigh) and Andrew Munro, his manager, do. I have learned so much in the three weeks and Andrew was full of knowledge.”
“Coming away from it has got me very interested in the pig industry. I hope I can continue to get more information and hopefully start a pig unit in the future.”
The other farmers to host students were Kevin Gilbert, Roderick Bruce and Patrick Stephens.