For the first time in 5 years the outdoor paddock was flooded and the ark filled with water. It is essential therefore to try to plan for the unexpected always placing the ark on the highest place in the pen and facing the entrance away from the prevailing wind. This will keep your pigs warm, dry, and happy. A happy pig is a growing pig!

But what a muddy mess they are now! Thursday the tenth of May saw a local deluge which brought both the river Crake and Otley Beck adjoining the pig paddocks, into flood. The poor Hampshire boar and his friendly Oxford Sandy and Black girlfriend were up to their bellies in water! I had to save them by rattling a bag of food as encouragement to leave the pool of a pen for the dry trailer.

Meanwhile the paddocks on higher dryer land have now turned into deep welly pulling mud. This was after the driest two weeks we have had for 6 months. While the rest of the UK was being sodden we here on the Furness peninsular were pleasingly dry.

But the interesting thing about the weather is how different breeds of pigs thrive in different conditions. The rare traditional British breeds are certainly hardier and cope well in the more trying conditions. On the other hand the modern breeds prefer to be tucked up inside.

So if you are coming on a pigkeeping course don’t forget your wellies.
John

Yes, we all have to live in a modern age but moving pigs at weekends can now in some cases prove to be a problem. We have as pig keepers, even if we keep only one pet micro pig, got to have either days of foresight or a decent computer and printer with internet access.

If by now you are totally lost you need to attend one of our pig keeping courses where Carole will succinctly explain every nuance of this new electronic pig licensing system, the eAML2.

But if its weaners or breeding pigs you want both Carole and I are fully conversant with the eAML2 and can provide you with all the documentation for legal pig moves to your holding.

All movements must be set up on line with the new on line reporting system.

Visit www.eaml2.org.uk to register on line. Or phone 0844 335 8400.

It is better to set yourself up on line in advance of potential movements. However, if you don’t keep pigs yet but intend to, you can’t join until you have your herd mark. Animal Health won’t give you one until your pigs arrive! The departure premises will be able to complete a movement record if you provide them with your postcode, CPH number and car registration.

Peter is a traditional pig advocate, recognising the importance of slow growth and taste in the pork he uses for his farm shop and farmers markets.

Ever the showman his demonstrations are always entertaining and definitely inspiring.

Most of the breeders who attend keep traditional breeds and most in small numbers.

The most recent event at Myerscough had a presentation on sow nutrition. It was very much based on commercial pig production but it was good to know that as traditional breeders we probably all exceed the national target of pigs born, weaned and reared!

Equally satisfying was the knowledge that through our less intensive systems our sows go on producing litters for longer, well beyond the expectation of a “commercial” sow.

One of the reasons commercial sows do not tend to go on beyond their 4th or 5th parity is they are unable to maintain enough cover of back fat. Basically, years of refining pork production to produce lean meat at small carcass weights has meant breeding gilts and sows also carry less back fat. As a result they can’t hold enough condition over a period of time so it has an effect on the length of their working usefulness.

It was also interesting to note commercial units are taking their pigs onto larger killing weights. Obviously all about profit not taste.

The basis of any herd is of course good selection of stock and good management and we will be covering this in our Selection and Showing Course on the 24th and 25th of March. We hope you can join us.

You can find out more about breed standards and much more about the selection of pigs on our Selection and Showing course, March 24th and 26th.

Even if you do not aspire to entering your pigs in a show the weekend will be extremely useful to anyone buying stock or wishing to improve their herd.

February Pigkeeping course is now fully booked. We are now encouraging clients to book up well in advance of their chosen pigkeeping course dates so as not to be disappointed. Don’t forget the pigkeeping showing weekend in March for a very detailed opportunity to expand on your existing pigkeeping knowledge, breeding skills and show preparations of yourself and your pigs at home.

John

The January litters are of course, still small but we can already weed out those with poor underlines or the mis marked ones.

The Newark and Nottingham show schedule arrived yesterday and I have had a couple a reminders about dates for later shows.

People show pigs for all sorts of reasons. Some just like winning or enjoy the preparation, some enjoy the socialising and of course, it is a great shop window. Not only for your herd but traditional breeds in general.

It can be a bit daunting going to your first show especially showing an animal in an open space without a halter of any kind. However, some basic training at home will go a long way and don’t worry if it all goes pear shaped on the day. It happens to us all and it is great entertainment for the crowd.

There is a great atmosphere amongst the pig people and you will find them very helpful. In fact, we all need a hand at shows at different times: more than one pig in a class and someone will always help you or you might find your self giving someone else a hand. Pig people also like to share making breakfast, getting together for dinner and just generally enjoying a drink in the bar, so you will soon make friends.

If you want to get showing and make the most of an opportunity to pick the brains of a pig judge and successful exhibitor then take a look at our showing course in March. Whether you are a beginner, novice or more experienced you will have an enjoyable and very informative weekend.

We will look at all aspects of showing, different breeds of pig and how to assess them as well as ring craft, equipment and much more.

We learnt a lot from last year’s course and one of our ladies went on to her first show and took home several rosettes.

So, hopefully we will see you in March.

A calendar of shows can be found on the British Pig Association site.

If you are thinking of showing pigs it is a good idea to contact show secretaries now to request a schedule or take a look at show web sites so you can plan ahead.

Read the schedule carefully as classes can vary between shows. Take note of any special requirements.

Find out the closing dates and make sure you return your entries on time. Fill the forms in carefully and give them all the information they require so someone doesn’t have to come back to you.

Make sure your pigs are correctly identified as show stewards will be checking you have taken the pig you entered.

For a really informative and fun weekend covering all you need to know about showing take a look at our showing course in March.