21 May
Sixty pork production industry members from New Zealand and around the world visited Christchurch Prison’s piggery to see a best practice model for outdoor pork production.
The open day, organised by Massey University, focused on production aspects, including stock movements, housing, breeding tips and improving immunity within the herd.
Massey University technical consultant Ian Barugh says the piggery at Christchurch Prison was chosen for the open day because of its efficient and sustainable operational practices, and because the industry is always looking for future employees with good training.
Christchurch Prison’s piggery is operated by Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) and is different to the way many other piggeries are run.
“Not only is it operated inside the prison boundary, with prisoners conducting the day-to-day tasks, it is RNZSPCA accredited for its pig farming practice and is a supplier to the ‘Freedom farms’ brand, thereby earning a higher premium because it is naturally farmed. It is one of only eight RNZSPCA accredited piggeries in New Zealand,” CIE Principal Instructor Warren Chilton says.
The piggery provides work and training opportunities for 19 prisoners who are tasked with feeding, stock movements, animal health and daily maintenance.
“The piggery breeds its own pigs and the sows have in excess of 20 piglets a year. We sell around 15,500 pigs a year,” says Warren.
Warren credits the expertise and experience of his team of instructors and the hard work being carried out by the prisoners for making Christchurch Prison’s piggery a place that industry associates are keen to see.
“It is really encouraging to have visitors from the industry come and see what we’re doing. It’s a real testament to the good work being done here.”
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