Tutor: Kevin Blundell
Time: 10:00 - 4.30, 18 September 2011
Location: ASSINGTON MILL, Suffolk, CO10 5LZ
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. Kevin's bacon and hams will be available
for sale (if he hasn't sold them all at the farmers' market the day
before)
Comments from previous participants:
I enjoyed my day at Assington mill. The course was great
well structured, informative,and just what I was looking for, coupled
with the fantastic location. Your hospitality was more than I expected
and being invited into your fantastic home was awe inspiring, for a old
property 'saddo' like myself all my birthdays came at once,
and lunch was superb, so very many thanks for sharing
your home with me, look forward to seeing you again in the near
future. Kelvin
Very good and clear - practical good as well.
Good value for money. Maybe good to combine with a
butchery course and make this a two-day event.
Amazing venue, excellent catering.
Really enjoyed the course and came away with what I wanted out
of the course. What really makes it is the hospitality and as
ever the food was excellent.
Great to see the pigs in action and get a little hands on
experience.
Very happy with course - level was exactly what I imagined and
wanted. Would have liked the opportunity to buy some of Kevin's
bacon! [We might have some for sale next time - Anne]
Far exceeeded any expectations. Kelvin M
Excellent day, interesting and informative. What a lovely
location, fantastic hospitality. Thank you. Julia B.
