Georgina Sheppard - Placement Year - Quality Equipment

Georgina Sheppard - Placement Year

Written by: Georgina Sheppard – Trials Assistant

My Placement Year with Quality Equipment: My placement year with Quality Equipment so far has been an enriching experience, offering me the opportunity to grow professionally, gain hands-on experience in conducting trials and research, and contribute meaningfully to the industry. From assisting with trial design to farm visits, industry events, and office-based innovation, each aspect of my placement at QE has helped shape my understanding of the pig industry.

Gaining Farm Experience

Coming into this role, I had no previous background in pig farming. My prior experience with pigs was at the Harper Adams University pig farm, which offered regular practical sessions that gave me a basic understanding of the different practices within the industry. However, throughout my placement, assisting on the farm has allowed me to significantly build on the foundation of knowledge I had gained at Harper Adams University. I am now confident in the day-to-day workings of both breeding and finishing farms.

I spent my first couple of weeks at QE working on the breeding site. My time was spent on the farm observing and taking part in the day-to-day tasks. Farrowing, tailing and ironing, vaccinations, serving and weaning. This hands-on experience enabled me to apply the knowledge from my lectures into a practical environment whilst simultaneously expanding my knowledge.

Designing and Running Trials

My primary role at QE is a trial assistant. Before placement, I had no previous experience designing and carrying out trials. However, within my first few months, I quickly grasped the importance of clear objectives, robust methodology, and accurate data collection.

Industry Outings and Networking

One of the things I am most looking forward to with my placement is the opportunity to attend industry events and network with industry professionals across the livestock sector. Through Quality Equipment, I have already begun to meet industry professionals such as nutritionists and sales representatives, and I am looking forward to connecting with other industry representatives.

I also have the opportunity to visit a large research facility in the Netherlands. This trip will be a great insight into how different companies structure the layouts of their buildings in order to facilitate greater environmental control and ease of data collection.

These multiple opportunities for networking will broaden my perspective on international approaches to pig farming and innovation. As I am now a member of ladies in pigs, BSAS, EPP and the YPNA there are a whole host of opportunities for me to meet other industry professionals, such as the YNPA national in late October. The national meet includes speakers on current challenges within the industry, and how producers, allied members and others can work together to combat them.

Being a member of these groups is where I will connect with more peers and industry leaders, gaining valuable insights and inspiration for my future career.

Office-Based Contributions

In the office, I am actively involved in meetings and product development discussions. One of the first projects I was involved in was the development of a new weigher that we use for trials. I have also developed presentation templates and Excel sheets containing floor plans for the sheds on the farm.

So far, this work has taught me the importance of attention to detail and adaptability, and I am looking forward to further excel training and handling of data.

Reflecting on My Placement Year So Far

Looking back at the last couple of months, the start of my placement year with Quality Equipment has been a transformative experience. I’ve grown in confidence, developed new skills, and gained a clearer sense of direction for my future in animal research. The combination of farm work, office-based projects, and industry engagement has given me a well-rounded understanding of the sector and its opportunities.

I’m grateful to the team at Quality Equipment for their support and willingness to involve me in all aspects of work so far and I am looking forward to the year ahead and the research that will come with it.

Read more

QE Staff Compete in Mud Run for Charity

14 October 2022

Quality Equipment has always prided itself on being a down-to-earth company. This was certainly the case for seven members of staff who got their hands – and everything else – dirty while taking part in the Only The Brave mud obstacle run. The event took place at Elveden Estates, near Thetford on Sunday 2nd April.

The aim was to raise £500 for the company’s favoured charity, the East Anglian Air Ambulance service. Pledges at over £1,000 have more than doubled this sum. A team of seven took part, plus two non-QE staff, with some tackling the five-mile and others braving the ten-mile course with over 40 obstacles!

Store expansion meets growth in plastic panel sales

14 October 2022

Due to increased demand for Paneltim by pig farmers, Quality Equipment has extended its storage area by 220m² (2368 sq ft) at its Woolpit, Suffolk, base.

This will enable the company to stock an extra 5,000m² (53,819 sq ft) of the plastic panel, widely used in piggeries, particularly for pen division and gates. It offers substantial benefits in terms of strength and hygiene over many traditional materials.

Birds eye view helps piggery planning

14 October 2022

Suffolk-based company Quality Equipment is using aerial technology to help it carry out site surveys. A drone takes still images and videos of plots for pig new housing and other farm building projects.

The bird’s eye views will help the company identify the best layout, access points, and any potential problems on sites for new houses or extensions, before submitting plans to the authorities in the normal way.