Pig Breed Info....
In this section, you'll find some basic info on different pig breeds. When setting up a smallholding, we always source rare breed pigs, as, not only do we believe they provide superior pork, we also like to teach the children the importance of breed maintenance.
Tamworth
The Tamworth is a beautiful breed. Covered in a ginger coat, these beautiful animals originate from Sir Robert Peel's Drayton Manor Estate in Tamworth, Staffordshire. They are a hardy type, doing well in colder climates.
Sows grow to an average 200-300kg while boars usually weigh in anywhere between 250-370kg.
Sows grow to an average 200-300kg while boars usually weigh in anywhere between 250-370kg.
Large Black
The Large Black is the only pig that is completely black, from snout to tail. They are strongly associated with East Anglia and have an incredibly docile nature. They are a favourite for us when setting up a school smallholding due to their wonderful temperaments and the fact they rank as vulnerable on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust list. We are working hard to encourage the use of these wonderful animals (their popularity dropped due to the fact they don't fare well when intensively farmed).
Sows grow to an average 270-320kg while boars usually achieve 320-360kg.
Sows grow to an average 270-320kg while boars usually achieve 320-360kg.
Gloucestershire Old Spot
The Gloucestershire Old Spot (or GOS as it's often known) is a distinctive breed due to it's unusual markings. They are the oldest recorded breed, yet they are still one of today's rarer breeds.
Due to the fact these pigs love to graze in orchards, legend has it that their spots are caused by tumbling apples!
Sows reach an average weight of 230kg with boars tipping the scales at around 270kg.
Due to the fact these pigs love to graze in orchards, legend has it that their spots are caused by tumbling apples!
Sows reach an average weight of 230kg with boars tipping the scales at around 270kg.
Berkshire
The clue on this piggies history are in the name. Originating from Berkshire county they are an unusual looking animal with black bodies and white trotters and white on their tails and faces. With gentle personalities they make wonderful smallholding animals.
Some may remember Gordon Ramsey rearing two Berkshires at home for his programme 'The F-Word'.
Some may remember Gordon Ramsey rearing two Berkshires at home for his programme 'The F-Word'.