My ABN scholarship placement has offered me some amazing opportunities, enabling me to discover parts of the pig and poultry sector I would not have had access too otherwise.
Starting back in July 2023, I began the on-farm element of my placement, working at an indoor pig breeding unit. Having had no previous experience with pigs, the chance to work on such a high standard unit, allowed me ample opportunities to jump in an get involved with everything that comes along with indoor pig production.
My time on-farm was predominantly based in the nursery unit, where I enjoyed learning and experiencing the many attributes involved from the weaning process through to weighing, vaccinations/health checks and supporting their current trial work. I had the opportunity to experience other key parts of pig production including the farrowing house and service house. Having spent a lot of time in the nursery, seeing multiple batches of pig’s progress through the production cycle, from feeding them in the nursery through to the end of the cycle was extremely rewarding. Adjusting from working with cattle at home to working with pigs was a challenge to begin with, but I absolutely loved the fact that no two days were ever the same and I got to work so closely with the pigs.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on farm, having the opportunity to experience a different side of the industry and see what really goes on day-to-day. A particular highlight for me was attending a meeting with Primary Diets, where we analysed data from the feed trial that I had been involved in. Talking through the differences and improvements was fascinating. Seeing how different variables such as weather, disease etc. made a significant impact on production was extremely interesting. I particularly enjoyed this aspect, I think, due to learning about these effects at university to then see it being implemented on farm really brought it to life.
Following my time on-farm I moved to join the ABN Customer Support Team in Peterborough, where I have been based since. Getting to see this side of the business has completely opened my eyes to how much work goes on behind the scenes.
Since joining the team, I have learned so much about what goes on daily to make sure things run smoothly and how they work with other departments within ABN to ensure the best service is delivered. I have found that my confidence and problem-solving skills have soared during this part of my placement. These skills were really put to the test during the festive period, a particularly tricky time in Customer Support, trying to work around mill challenges to ensure that no one was left without feed, and everything is planned, produced, and delivered in time for Christmas/ New Year.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed every element of my placement and gaining further insight into different areas of the business: commercial, procurement, and marketing, attending events and getting out and about to meet customers.