Pig Extension Officer

Role Overview

The Pig Extension Officer works with contracted pig farmers to improve herd performance and deliver a dependable supply that meets quality requirements and cost targets. Through farm visits, performance analysis and practical coaching, the role helps suppliers address production challenges while strengthening the long-term viability of their farms.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor key production indicators, including piglets born alive, mortality, daily weight gain, age at slaughter, slaughter weight, disease events and drug-residue compliance.
• Compare farm results, group suppliers by performance and tailor improvement plans to each farm’s needs.
• Visit farms to assess operations, review progress with farmers and document findings and recommended actions.
• Analyse supply and production data to maintain performance dashboards, identify constraints and forecast pig availability at least six months ahead.
• Prepare weekly and monthly updates on planned versus expected supply, emerging shortfalls and production cost trends.
• Train and advise farmers on feed and nutrition, biosecurity, breeding, genetics, housing and animal welfare.
• Manage contract-farmer relationships, respond to concerns and support productive, sustained engagement with suppliers.
• Check that farms follow Farmer’s Choice requirements for animal treatments, disease management, feeding, housing, waste handling and welfare.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Veterinary Science or a related discipline.
• Three to five years of experience in pig production, livestock extension or livestock value-chain development.
• Sound knowledge of pig production systems, nutrition, biosecurity and animal welfare.
• Experience engaging farmers and delivering practical training or capacity-building activities.
• Strong data analysis, reporting and project coordination skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and data-management tools.
• Clear communication and relationship-building skills, sound judgement, careful attention to detail and an organised, results-focused approach.
• Willingness to travel to regional locations and carry out regular farm visits.