ROADSHOWS have been organised by the British Pig Executive to bring vets and allied industries up to speed with the abattoir monitoring scheme before it goes nationwide.

The scheme looks for a number of key health conditions in pig carcases in the abattoir and the information is rapidly passed back to the farmer and his vet.

The aim is to achieve an overall improvement in the health of the national herd which could save the industry as much as 5p per kg deadweight.

BPEX will launch the scheme on July 4 in assured abattoirs across the country.

This launch follows a successful pilot programme in three abattoirs and the operation of a similar scheme in Scotland, funded by BPEX, for 18 months, which more than 95% of producers have already joined.

BPEX Strategy Co-ordinator Andrew Knowles said: "The scheme has the potential to improve both the health and performance of the national herd. The pilot has been very positively received by producers, vets and abattoirs.

"It is an extremely cost-effective scheme and sponsorship from both Defra and the industry has made a major impact on the cost to producers."

The meetings are being held all over the country to give as many vets and allied industry members as possible the chance to find out more and learn how the scheme will benefit both them and producers.

Meeting venues:

Thursday, June 16, The Arundell Arms, Lifton, Launceston, Devon.

Monday, June 20, The Master Thatcher Inn, Severn Drive Taunton, Somerset.

Wednesday, June 22, NFU Agriculture House, Sanderhurst Lane, Glos.

Monday, June 27, Food Animal Initiative, The Field Station, Wytham, Oxford.

Wednesday, June 29, Biddestone Room, Lackham College, Lacock, Wilts.

To book, please contact Selma Todd on 0870 608 6610.

Tuesday, June 7 ,Thurston Grange Hotel, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Monday, June 13 Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston, Herts.

Monday, June 20, Lincoln University, Riseholme Campus, Lincs.

Friday, June 24. Rutland Square Hotel, St James Street, Nottingham.

Monday, June 27, The Feathers Pub, 13 Town Green, Wymondham, Norfolk.

To book a place on one of these, please contact Diane Northrop on 0870 242 1816.

Tuesday, June 21, Myerscough College 7.00 to 9.00pm.

Tuesday, June 21,Inn Keepers Lodge, Newcastle 7.00 to 9.00pm.

Tuesday, June 28, Bishop Burton College 4.30 to 6.00pm.

Wednesday, June 29, NFU Offices, York 4.00pm.

To book a place at one of these events, please contact Julie Drury on 0870 241 8528.