Our Little Farm

Nine Acres of Heaven

About 16 years ago one of our number had always wanted to keep pigs and the rest of us were a bit doubtful about the whole thing.

Pigs are smelly dirty creatures with big teeth....right?.......well yes and mostly no.

Our would be pig keeper set up a couple of enclosures and built a good solid ark.

His first pigs were a pair of Gloucester Old Spots

which came from a farm in Hereford.

We did not have a stock trailer in those days, so the breeder told us to bring a stout cardboard box. We duly turned up to collect the gilts in our trusty Renault 4 and popped the baby pigs into the box, closed the back door and set off the 90 miles home.

We had gone but a few miles, when a head popped up between the seats and the pigs toppled into the front seat. They then found the warm air of the front passenger seat, well rather enticing, but not before investigating the drivers side and receiving a scolding for their efforts. So not to be put off they folded themselves into the passenger well and did what all infants do, they took a nap. Which thankfully lasted all the way home.

These pigs were great fun from the start and taught us all a lot about keeping pigs.

Eventually these darling pink pigs the size of a spaniel grow into hulking big pigs the size of a Harley Davidson, with the weight and bulk to match.

We had intended to make these two our foundation sows and breed from them. So we gave them names and one was called Esmerelda and the other Augustine.

Esmerelda was clearly the lead pig and being that bit bigger and heavier she usually got her way, pushing her sister out of the trough until she had had her fill. She also had an annoying habit of nipping the pig keeper on the leg....ah tasty. Whereas her sister was placid and far easier to handle.

A visitor came to the farm looking for a pig and left with Esmerelda, who lived out the remainder of her days as resident pig at a school for dysfunctional teenagers. They were well suited.

Augustine went on to become a grand old lady.

She was followed by a lovely Saddleback sow which gave several large healthy litters and then the pig keeper injured her back needing a break to heal and recover.

The empty pig houses were well..... just that empty. They were gradually used for firewood and chickens and were rather a sorry sight.

Then a few years ago, with the back healed, pigs returned to the farm and we have kept them since. Now we have Landrace cross Large White, which suits our land and weather very well, whilst producing some excellent pork and bacon.

Keeping Pigs

Hello Mum

Feeding over time for a nap

Pigs love digging for roots and worms

Our pigs grow on for six months

One pig will feed us for 9 months !