This one-day course aims to cover all the things you need to know before starting to keep a few pigs on your land.  It will not be looking at commercial pig-keeping. 

Topics to be discussed in the morning include:  why keep pigs?, means of enclosure, traditional free-range pig-keeping, breeds, feed, pig-care, styles or arcs and where to buy them, pests and diseases, butchery and bacon curing, legal requirements, ratio of pigs to land available, etc. 

In the afternoon we shall inspect Kevin's herd nearby, meet and touch pigs at various stages of their lives (Gloucester Old Spot and Essex Saddleback), see the massive boar in his pen and hold a squealing piglet if you really want to.  You can also have a go at singling out a pig from the herd and driving it into a trailer to be taken to market the next morning.

You will definitely need wellies and very warm outdoor clothing.   The tutor is Kevin Blundell.  Click on his name to see more about him.

AVAILABILITY:  3 OCTOBER :  1 space.   13 FEBRUARY 2011:  7 spaces