Pigs

In 2008 we decided to venture into keeping pigs. We started with two Berkshire x Duroc weaners. They were both real characters with no vices - except when we tried to get them into the trailer to go off for slaughter. I think someone tipped them the wink as to where they were going! The resultant meat was beautiful.

In 2009 we thought that rather than have the same breed again we would try a couple of Gloucester Old Spot weaners. The Gloucester is the oldest spotted pedigree breed in the world and originated in the Berkeley Vale in south west England. It was regarded as the Orchard or Cottager's pig in that it was usually kept in farm orchards where it could supplement its diet with windfall apples and pears. Folk legend has it that the spots on the back were caused by bruising when apples fell from the trees. It is also regarded as being the ideal outdoor breed with some of the best tasting bacon and pork. They do also have the reputation for becoming rather fatty which these days is not to everyone's taste. I suspect however that this is because a lot of farmers and smallholders tend to use them as dustbins and feed them large amounts of waste foodstuff. So we thought them worth a try and two Gloucester boars arrived and went straight out into the field. We were careful in feeding them and to supplement their normal pig grower diet we gave them the occassional apple and veg treat but not to excess. The result was a firm and not too fatty meat.

In April 2010 we decided to have three Berkshire x Gloucester Old Spot and three Tamworths. Tamworths are ideal pigs for bacon. They really were lovely animals and immediately became friendly - especially when they heard the rattling of the feed bucket.

Tamworths Getting to know the neighbours