Pig farmers get the message on stalls

Pig industry leaders say they have voted to cut the use of controversial dry sow stalls by 2015, after a call from the Ministry of Agriculture and animal welfare protesters.

About 30 people protested outside the Pork Industry Board's annual meeting in Wellington last week, armed with photographs and video film taken on a secret visit to a Carterton farm.

Board chief executive Brian Milne said delegates had voted to adopt recommendations in the code of welfare for pigs, which would limit the use of dry sow stalls to six weeks, down from 120 days.

"But I think a lot of producers will be saying maybe we should be looking to change our management system over that period to free-range."

Protest groups would question the time the phase-out would take, but Mr Milne said it would give farmers time to adjust. About half the industry used the stalls.

"When you look at the capital costs involved, and the fact that the industry has had a very, very tough time over the past couple of years with cheap imports, I think it's reasonable.

"What it does show is a shift and a recognition that consumers have great expectations from producers in the way they handle their animals."

Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton told the meeting that market forces should be enough to change pig farming practices.

"The top end of the market, which is the most lucrative, is extremely sensitive to animal welfare concerns, and if you want them to buy your meat, you need to make sure you're using the most modern, enlightened animal management techniques," he said.

- NZPA