one-day course keeping pigs

location, nr Ripon, North Yorkshire

During this one-day course, you will gain the confidence to decide whether keeping a few pigs is right for you. You will learn how to keep pigs in an outdoor system, which breed to choose, how to look after them and what to do with the ‘end product’. It is a highly interactive course and you will have the chance to participate in some practical work with the pigs on the farm.

Anyone who is thinking of getting a few pigs for their smallholding will benefit from this course. It is very useful for those who don’t know if keeping pigs is right for them as it’s the opportunity to experience first hand the ins and outs of raising pigs outdoors. It is also of benefit for those who have taken the plunge already but may need a bit of help with situations they have come across whilst looking after their pigs.

Content will include:

• considerations before your pigs arrive
• breeds of pigs to choose from
• daily jobs, making sure your pigs are happy and healthy
• unexpected occurrences, illness
• increasing your herd
• enjoying the end product

The course will have a flexible content to ensure everyone leaves with the knowledge they wanted. It will be a mixture of first-hand information and experience together with answers to your questions. There will be lots of discussion and we will visit the pigs at the farm. There will be an optional practical session so you have the opportunity to interact with the pigs.

dates: see 'book online' below

the venue is an informal community / voluntary group on a farm near Ripon, 'dedicated to having a good time' and demonstrating low-impact ways of living