Opinion: Why banning pig farrowing crates is a backwards step
18 Feb, 2021 12:15 AM
6 minutes to read
Sow in a farrowing crate. Photo / NZ Pork
The Country
Opinion: Taranaki pig farmer Karl Stanley explains why he is frustrated with the Government s decision to phase out the traditional use of farrowing crate and mating stall systems in the pork industry.
Last year, the future was looking bright.
Our family-run pig farm in Taranaki was a finalist in the Ballance Farm Environment regional awards for Taranaki.
We were also investing almost $1 million in new indoor farrowing systems – essentially maternity wards for sows - to ensure the welfare of our piglets and future-proof our business for generations to come.