'˜Family reasons' force UFU chief to give up pig farming

In a statement yesterday, Ivor Ferguson said that “following much consideration” he has decided to step away from pig production on the farm and will focus on his other existing sheep and arable enterprises.

But Mr Ferguson insisted his decision was not based on the “tough times” currently facing the pig industry.

Instead, he revealed that family considerations had been the main reasons behind the move.

“My wife, Barbara, and I decided on this change back in April 2015, and now the changes are being implemented,” he said.

Mr Ferguson pointed out that his role as deputy president of the UFU demands a time commitment that makes daily pig farming difficult.

“The main issue, however, is that our children have forged careers outside agriculture, and with the years marching on, like many other farmers, we have to make plans for a business with no obvious succession in place,” he said.

The UFU deputy president added that despite the many problems and difficult economics with pig production currently faced by farmers, he still saw it as a great way into farming for young people – and as an enterprise that had brought him a lot of pleasure and profitability over the years.