Dire warnings of an end to UK pig farming

Soaring animal feed prices could spell the end of the country's pig industry within 12 months as producers are forced to quit, a national survey has warned.

Some 35pc of producers could quit the industry by Christmas as grain prices have almost doubled, said Digby Scott, editor of the Pig World magazine.

A pig industry website census showed more than 90pc of the British pig breeding herd could disappear in the next year unless prices rise sharply.

However, Mr Scott said because 48pc of producers have long-term feed contracts, supplies of home-produced pork and bacon will be immediately at risk.