A veterinary technician from East Yorkshire, Nicola Bowers, has been awarded a prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship to enhance practices in pig production. Sponsored by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), this scholarship will allow her to explore innovative pig management techniques internationally.
Nicola’s research will focus on optimizing the management of piglet litters within flexible farrowing systems, a practice aimed at promoting animal welfare. She plans to visit various countries, including New Zealand, where the pig industry has set an ambitious goal of fully transitioning to flexible farrowing by 2025.
A Commitment to Animal Welfare
Since 1980, the YAS has sponsored the Nuffield Farming Scholarships to support individuals who seek to drive advancements in agriculture. Allister Nixon, CEO of YAS, expressed his enthusiasm for Nicola’s focus on pig production, particularly in East Yorkshire, which is known for its diverse farming industry.
“The Society is proud to sponsor the Scholarships of individuals like Nicola who have the passion and knowledge to inform best practice in agriculture,” Nixon stated.
Nicola, who specializes as a veterinary technician and farrowing consultant, 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 work at Newcastle University focused on free farrowing, laying a strong foundation for her current scholarship project.
With the UK pig industry facing various challenges, Nicola aims to contribute positively to its evolution. “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,” she said. She noted the industry’s shift towards flexible farrowing and the absence of formal guidance to assist farmers in this transition.
Global Insights and Future Plans
As part of her scholarship, Nicola plans to visit commercial farms and research facilities across Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, France, and Spain. Her goal is to gather insights into what has been successful globally and to identify potential pitfalls that UK farmers may encounter in adopting flexible farrowing systems.
In addition to her research, Nicola will present her findings at the upcoming Yorkshire Farming Conference on January 28, 2024, at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate. This event will feature over 30 speakers from the agricultural sector, providing a platform for networking and sharing knowledge.
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust aims to foster positive change in agriculture by developing future leaders who can learn from international practices and share innovative ideas upon their return. Nicola’s findings from her scholarship will be published in 2027.
For more information about the Yorkshire Farming Conference, visit yorkshirefarmingconference.co.uk.
