Controversial pig farm in Oxhill set to close
Pig farming at Hogwood Farm in Oxhill to cease in September 2026
A controversial farm in Oxhill, once described as a 'horror', is set to cease its pig farming operations by September 2026.
The decision follows persistent activism and investigations targeting Hogwood Farm located on Kineton Road over the years, significantly impacting its profitability and ability to continue operations.
Plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of the farm site, proposing 10 dwellings to replace the pig rearing facilities.
The farm, originally focused solely on pig production since 1920, has faced campaigns led by the animal rights group Viva!.
These campaigns reportedly caused disruptions and a loss of certifications which impacted Hogwood Farm's standing with industry suppliers.
Efforts to sell the business were unsuccessful, prompting the farm owner, Mr Brian Hobill, to pursue a residential redevelopment option.
While the pig farming business closes, Hogwood Farm's arable operations will continue.
Red Tractor certification and sellable stock numbers for the farm dramatically dwindled in recent times, coinciding with wider difficulties seen within the British pig industry.
Viva! has expressed that their pressure campaign was a key factor in Hogwood's pig business becoming unviable.
The planning proposals indicate that all existing agricultural buildings at Hogwood Farm are to be removed, with the redevelopment aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural features of the site.
Community support for the redevelopment has been strong, with no objections received for previous related planning applications.
Mr Hobill's retirement, coupled with the activism issues, led to a refocus towards residential redevelopment of the site, which is seen as the only viable option going forward.
The planning documents submitted to Stratford District Council state: “Over the following months and years, there have been numerous break-ins to the pig buildings, many protests on the site, a significant slur campaign both locally and nationally, and physical, verbal and mental abuse of Mr Hobill, his family and his staff.”
They also claim that the film “used footage from a farm in Romania, alleging it to be Hogwood Farm".
However, Viva! have previously said its investigators filmed undercover at the farm “following a tip-off from a concerned worker”.