Pigs & Poultry

When you have done the last show of the year and winter approaches it seems an age to the first show of the following year. However, suddenly show schedules start arriving on the doormat and the new season looms.

Our first show is the Newark and Nottingham in early May. Of course, preparation starts months ahead picking through litters for the potential show winners. Closer to the show we start washing and walking to prepare the pigs for their big day.

There are no January classes at Newark so you are looking for July and September entries with perhaps a sow. Classes are mixed so British Lops will be up against other traditional breeds and the Hampshires against other moderns.

The British Lops are quite easy to accustom to the stick and board but the Hampshire has run us a merry dance. There is a lot to be said for having ears that obscure your vision! The February British Lop gilt was shown last year so a quick refresher course was all that was needed. The July British Lop was soon under control and the August boar. The Hampshire gilt was still pretty unruly by the time the show arrived.

You can never tell how a pig might react once at the show. Some suddenly click with what you want and behave well. Others spook and are unnerved by the different smells and sounds.  However, time spent handling and walking your pigs at home will always be worth it. Boars, who may be angels at home, can suddenly have a rush of hormones when they get a whiff of in season pigs and other boars, so are always shown by two competent handlers.

Our August Boar, British Lop, Ashghyll Duke, won his class and went on to be Champion Lop boar. He has now been sold to a chap in Welshpool. The February British Lop was placed, as was the Hampshire. The Hampshire picked up Reserve Breed Champion also.

The July Mary line of British Lop was visited by the people we bought her from last September. They live only a few miles from the showground. They were very pleased to see how well she looked.

We have quite a gap now until the Cheshire Show in June. Plenty of time to start work on the January pigs and put some more work in with the Hampshire!