Vet Technician Awarded Scholarship to Enhance Pig Production

A veterinary technician from East Yorkshire, Nicola Bowers, has been awarded a prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship to study and improve practices in pig production. Sponsored by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), Bowers aims to investigate optimal management of piglet litters within flexible farrowing systems, focusing on animal welfare and industry sustainability.

Since its inception in 1980, the YAS has supported Nuffield Farming Scholarships, offering recipients the opportunity to travel internationally, connect with peers, and explore innovative agricultural developments. Allister Nixon, CEO of YAS, expressed pride in Bowers’ focus on the pig sector, which plays a vital role in Yorkshire’s diverse agricultural landscape. He stated, “It is fantastic that Nicola has chosen the pig sector for the topic of her Nuffield study.”

Bowers, who specializes in pig veterinary care and farrowing consultancy, has extensive experience in the field. She began her career at Garth Vets in Driffield and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Her early research on free farrowing was conducted at Newcastle University.

In discussing her scholarship, Bowers remarked, “The pig industry has weathered countless challenges, yet it continues to adapt and evolve. Through my Nuffield Scholarship, I hope to contribute to that evolution, helping ease the transition into the future and ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the sector I’ve come to love.”

Bowers pointed out the industry’s shift towards flexible farrowing, noting the absence of a formal transition period or established guidelines. Her goal is to analyze successful practices from various countries, equipping UK farmers for a successful adaptation to these systems.

As part of her research, Bowers plans to visit commercial farms and research facilities in countries such as Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, France, and Spain. She has also set her sights on New Zealand, which aims to complete a full transition to flexible farrowing by 2025.

Bowers’ scholarship is further supported by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. The findings from her research are expected to be published in 2027.

Nuffield Farming Scholars, including Bowers, will feature at the inaugural Yorkshire Farming Conference on January 28, 2024. This event will be held at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate and will gather over 30 industry speakers, including representatives from TwoCan, Molescroft Farm, and Just Farmers. It offers a platform for networking among agricultural professionals and showcases more than 60 businesses and organizations. Additional information can be found at yorkshirefarmingconference.co.uk.

The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, a charitable organization, aims to foster positive change in agriculture by developing future leaders. The program encourages scholars to learn from international practices and share innovative ideas upon their return home.

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