A DESIRE to explore the latest technology to benefit the British pig industry has resulted in a North Yorkshire farmer receiving a prestigious Nuffield travel scholarship.

Hugh Shedden, of Shedden Farms at Shipton-by-Beningbrough near York, has been awarded the scholarship by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society for 2017 and will be using his studies to look at improving practical efficiencies and cost effectiveness to inform and improve British pig production.

“British pig farmers are amongst the best in the world but I believe we need to take advantage of the technological revolution, which is just starting to happen in the sector,” he said.

Problem prevention lies at the heart of his studies, such as looking at the benefits of cameras installed in housing units to provide real time monitoring for an optimum environment and to spot any animal stress early, sound centres to check for potential health problems such as coughing, and sensors to monitor animal weights and growth.

“I believe precision is going to be key for UK pig farmers.”