2026 Pig Forum Theatre Programme

1. 10:00
   

   Unlocking Value: The Global Appetite for Every Part of the Pig (with pluck demo) – AHDB

   Understand the breath of markets pork is exported to and how demand for various parts of the carcase globally, underpin British pig prices.

   Speakers:

   Martin Eccles, Trade Butchery Manager - AHDB

   Fergus Howie, Managing Director, Wicks Manor (Wed)

   Susanna Morris, Senior Trade Development Manager – AHDB

   John Bates, Senior Media Relations Manager, AHDB (host)
2. 10:50
   

   Pig Outlook – predictions for the year ahead

   Hear industry experts sharing their outlook for pigs and the challenges and opportunities they are planning for.

   Speakers:

   Ellie Wotherspoon, Agriculture and Sustainable Sourcing Manager, McDonald’s

   Fabio Brancher, Operational Director, Pilgrims Europe

   Charlotte Evans, Pig Account Manager, ABN (Chair)
3. 11:50
   

   Protecting pigs and livelihoods: industry approaches to ASF prevention and preparedness – AHDB

   Learn about the work to prevent an ASF outbreak and how to be prepared should it happen. Hear first-hand from experiences in Spain and understand what you need to do.

   Speakers:

   Jordi Mora, Global Technical Services Director, Eco Animal Health, Spain

   Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Health & Welfare, AHDB

   Mark Haighton, Pork Sector Director, AHDB (Chair)
4. 12:40
   

   The communications battle – how should the pig sector respond?

   We often find ourselves under fire in the media. How can the industry tip the balance in our favour to ensure consumers receive a fair and balanced picture?

   Speakers:

   Fred Allen, Allen Farms (Thurs)

   Anna Jones, Just Farmers (Thurs)

   Shane McAuliffe, McAuliffe Farms (Wed)

   Amy Jackson, Oxtale Communications (Wed)

   Alistair Driver, Editor, Pig World (Chair)
5. 13:40
   

   Beyond the Sunday Roast: The recipes transforming perceptions of Pork – AHDB

   Find out how recipe inspiration is transforming the way Britain cooks pork and how consumer behaviours present opportunities for producers and processors.

   Speakers:

   Carrie McDermid, Head of Marketing, AHDB (Wed)

   Nicola Dodd, Senior Marketing Manager, AHDB (Thurs)
6. 14:20
   

   Three Practical Steps for Protecting your Farm from African Swine Fever (ASF) – AHDB

   Discover how contingency planning and practical steps you can take on farm can protect your herd from ASF.

   Speakers:

   Lauren Turner, Lead Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, AHDB

   Dr Paul Talling, Biosecurity Advisor, Livetec Systems

   Francesca Green, Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, AHDB

   Katie Jarvis, Chief Policy Advisor, National Pig Association (Chair)
7. 15:10
   

   What’s new with the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway?

   Learn about the consultation on new mandatory proposals for pig keepers and funded vet visits currently available to improve your animal health and welfare.

   Speakers:

   Becca Veale, Pathway Liaison Group Lead (Wed)

   Stewart Houston, Pathway Liaison Group Chair (Thurs)

   Martin Jenkins, Defra Lead on Animal Health and Welfare Pathway