As you look to the year ahead, you’re navigating more than just supply and demand. In 2025, UK pig farming sits at the intersection of global policy, shifting consumer values, disease risk, and technological change. To stay competitive and resilient, you need to adapt and invest wisely.
Here are five key forces reshaping the sector in 2025.
1. Global Trade: New Deals, New Pressures
You’re operating in a trade environment defined by evolving alliances, tariffs, and production standards.
The UK-USA trade agreement has opened the door to hormone-free beef imports, with matching UK access to the US beef market. While pigs aren’t the focus, these concessions highlight growing pressure from low-cost imports produced under different welfare standards.
At the same time, the UK still faces a 10% US export tariff, and post-Brexit complexities persist. A new EU-UK SPS agreement is easing border checks – allowing fresh pork exports like raw sausages and burgers to resume – but only under rules the UK doesn’t control.
What does this mean for you?
You’re competing on more than just price. Success means proving your quality, traceability, and welfare credentials to stand out in a global market.
How can Peregrine help?
We provide tailored finance solutions to help pig farmers navigate these market pressures – whether you’re upgrading facilities, meeting new export standards, or building resilience against future volatility.
2. Disease Preparedness and Biosecurity: Under Threat
With African swine fever, bird flu, and foot-and-mouth cases appearing across Europe, your herd faces growing threats.
A June 2025 NAO report warns that the UK isn’t ready for a serious animal disease outbreak. Only around 5% of live animal imports are physically inspected – far short of the 100% target – and illegal imports slipping through ports like Dover are raising serious red flags.
What does this mean for you?
The weight of prevention is falling on your shoulders. Robust biosecurity – from fencing to sanitation and movement controls – is now essential, not optional.
How can Peregrine help?
We work closely with farmers to support these essential improvements. Whether you need to upgrade infrastructure, improve isolation facilities, or invest in better livestock handling systems, our agricultural and livestock finance solutions are designed to help you act now, before you’re forced to react later.
3. Sustainability and Welfare Expectations: From Niche to Necessary
Consumers increasingly want to know not just what they’re buying – but how it was raised.
The UK’s organic food sector hit £3.7 billion in 2024, and welfare now ranks as the second most important ethical factor for shoppers (just behind freshness). At the same time, the UK-US trade deal has raised concerns that British farmers could be undercut by cheaper imports produced to lower standards.
What does this mean for you?
You need to show leadership in sustainability and welfare – whether that’s through waste management, traceability, or certified housing systems.
This is a pivotal moment to invest in:
- Efficient slurry management
- Low-emission housing
- Certified animal welfare systems
- Carbon reduction and traceability tech
How can Peregrine help?
We offer finance that aligns with your long-term values. Whether you’re looking to expand organic production, modernise buildings, or meet assurance scheme requirements, we’re here to support your sustainability journey – without compromising your bottom line.
4. Technology Adoption: Smarter Farming for a Stronger Future
In 2025, around 60% of UK farmland uses precision techniques – and that number’s only growing. From automated feeding to real-time animal health data, tech is transforming pig farming. But challenges remain:
- High upfront costs
- Limited broadband access
- Learning how to interpret and apply new data
- Growing concerns over data security and privacy
What does this mean for you?
Technology can help you do more with less – improving productivity, reducing labour reliance, and boosting welfare. But the cost and complexity can be barriers.
How can Peregrine help?
We provide the capital needed to invest in smart farming technology, without compromising day-to-day cash flow. From automated livestock systems to secure data infrastructure, we help you take confident steps into the future of farming.
5. Market Demand and Volatility: A Balancing Act
UK pork demand fell by 2.4% in 2024, as cost-of-living pressures and diet trends continue to shape shopping habits. Shoppers still want high-welfare British pork, but price is often the deciding factor.
Convenience cuts like sausages and mince are rising, while premium joints are in decline – affecting margins and carcass balance. Meanwhile, domestic pig meat production rose by 4%, but export competitiveness remains limited due to higher UK prices.
What does this mean for you?
You’re being asked to do more with less – juggling input costs, market shifts, and high welfare expectations, all while maintaining profitability.
The winners in this environment will be those who plan smartly – balancing production to meet market trends, improving operational efficiency, and investing in ways to add value beyond price alone.
How can Peregrine help?
We help pig farmers build financial resilience through tailored lending options. Whether you’re managing cash flow, upgrading facilities to meet demand shifts, or investing in higher-welfare systems that justify premium pricing, we offer solutions that flex with your farm and your market.
Supporting a Resilient Future with Finance That Works
At Peregrine Finance, we understand that pig farming isn’t just a business – it’s a balancing act between legacy, risk, regulation, and innovation.
Whether you’re investing in livestock infrastructure, modernising equipment, or navigating seasonal cash flow, our agricultural finance and livestock finance solutions are tailored to meet the needs of UK pig farmers.
With expert advice, straightforward terms, and repayment plans shaped around your farm, we make financing feel like a helping hand – not a hurdle.
Let’s work together to build a more secure, productive future for your farm.
