Day 088 - 13 Feb 95 - Page 58


     
     1        latest figures, we have moved our pigs outside in a higher
     2        proportion.
     3
     4   Q.   When did they start coming back outside after the 70s?
     5        A.  I would say the late 70s.
     6
     7   Q.   Late 70s?
     8        A.  Yes, late 70s to early 80s.
     9
    10   Q.   So by 10 years ago what percentage would have been inside
    11        and what percentage outside in the company owned farm?
    12        A.  In the company owned farm?  15 years ago we would have
    13        had 10 per cent of our pigs outside.
    14
    15   Q.   What about 10 years ago?
    16        A.  10 years ago it increased so we got more.  I cannot
    17        remember exactly but it has been a growing procedure ever
    18        since.
    19
    20   Q.   Right.  What about five years ago?
    21        A.  Five years ago?
    22
    23   Q.   Yes.
    24        A.  Outside I would have said we would have in production
    25        from our farms 30 per cent.
    26
    27   Q.   About 30 per cent would have been outside five years ago?
    28        A.  Yes.
    29
    30   Q.   Right.  This pattern, that would have been reflected in the
    31        other farms as well, would it, the other farms that are
    32        supplying you?
    33        A.  Yes, that would be a trend that has taken place
    34        extensively I would say all over the country.  One can see
    35        as you travel now there are outdoor pigs dotted about
    36        everywhere.
    37
    38   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes.  You have been asked whether the way you
    39        have moved is broadly representative of the rest of the
    40        country?
    41        A.  It is very difficult to gauge, sir.  I cannot -----
    42
    43   Q.   It varies from farm to farm.
    44        Yes, it varies from farm from to farm.  When I ride about
    45        the countryside I see more of them.
    46
    47   MS. STEEL:   But you were developing the systems which were you
    48        persuading your suppliers to take up?
    49        A.  It has been an ongoing progression in our company.
    50 
    51   Q.   Yes? 
    52        A.  What we thought was the best methods for pig production 
    53        over the years we have tried to influence our suppliers.
    54
    55   Q.   So it is not likely that they would have been ahead of you?
    56        A.  Some would complain they are always ahead of us.
    57
    58   Q.   Well in terms of what you consider to be the best system,
    59        would they have been ahead of you?
    60        A.  I would like to think that we are a professional caring

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