Teagasc conference highlights advances for pig farmers
The 2026 Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference gathered experts to discuss sector challenges and innovations. Held in Cavan and Tipperary, it featured insights on environmental rules, genetics, nutrition, and animal welfare for Irish pig producers.
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Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 1 min read
The 2026 Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference took place last week in Cavan and Tipperary, uniting pig producers, researchers, students, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and address key issues facing the sector. The event provided a vital platform to explore recent advancements and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
Guest speaker Dr Bob Goodband, a swine nutritionist from Kansas State University, joined Teagasc researchers and WelFarmers Project representatives to discuss challenges and prospects within Irish pig farming. Topics included new environmental regulations for smaller farms, practical lessons from commercial operations, and the influence of genetics and nutrition on pork quality and sow longevity.
Presenters Gerard McCutcheon and Ciarán Carroll outlined upcoming environmental compliance requirements, emphasising enhanced monitoring and reporting duties for smaller pig farms. Dr Louise Clarke and Michael McKeon shared practical strategies to boost profitability, such as optimising weaning age and sale weights while addressing welfare issues like tail biting and loose lactation systems. Neil Joseph Tirchett presented findings from the WelFarmers Project, which seeks to improve animal welfare through collaborative solutions tested under real commercial conditions. Conference materials are available online for those interested in the detailed proceedings.
Guest speaker Dr Bob Goodband, a swine nutritionist from Kansas State University, joined Teagasc researchers and WelFarmers Project representatives to discuss challenges and prospects within Irish pig farming. Topics included new environmental regulations for smaller farms, practical lessons from commercial operations, and the influence of genetics and nutrition on pork quality and sow longevity.
Presenters Gerard McCutcheon and Ciarán Carroll outlined upcoming environmental compliance requirements, emphasising enhanced monitoring and reporting duties for smaller pig farms. Dr Louise Clarke and Michael McKeon shared practical strategies to boost profitability, such as optimising weaning age and sale weights while addressing welfare issues like tail biting and loose lactation systems. Neil Joseph Tirchett presented findings from the WelFarmers Project, which seeks to improve animal welfare through collaborative solutions tested under real commercial conditions. Conference materials are available online for those interested in the detailed proceedings.
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