For the past 12 years, The Smallholder’s sister publication, Practical Pigs, has been providing down-to-earth content to small-scale pig-keepers and breeders. With authoritative breed information, owner’s stories, expert health columns and clear and helpful guides to everything from fencing and feed to farrowing and…
Stay safe Michaela Giles explains the health implications around rodent populations and the importance of Farm Control Plans for you, your pigs and other animals As a part of responsible food production and animal welfare, it’s important to have an…
The following lists of native farm animal breeds considered to be at particular risk (in the event of an outbreak of exotic disease) have been determined from the expert advice of the UK Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee (FAnGR). Lists of breeds…
What effect do different diets have on pork quality? Kyle and Lauren Holford of Forest Coalpit Farm.(Photo: Richard Stanton) Since the Covid 19 pandemic began there has been an increase in farmers selling produce direct to the consumer. It’is important…
The Duroc is the latest addition to the Tedfold herd, and Rachel Graham went along to find out more about what attracted Oliver Giles to the breed Oliver Giles with Lena, his first Duroc. Regular readers of Practical Pigs, and…
Chris Graham spent an enjoyable afternoon with master butcher Mike Alexander, brushing-up on his butchery skills Great care is needed when jointing pork. Mike makes everything look deceptively easy, thanks to his years of experience, but beginners must always err…
Your pigs must be fed correctly throughout the year, based on their breed, age and condition Joanna Palmer, a nutritionist for Smallholder Range, offers some essential advice on winter feeding and how to ensure your pigs remain in optimum condition…
Pig protection pointers Michaela Giles offers some practical hints and tips on how best to help your pigs through the coming winter, and advises keepers to act now! It’s sometimes hard to distinguish between the seasons in the UK, but…
Agricultural shows provide a great insight into rural life, it is a window into the world of agriculture, a meeting place for many and a platform to show case both tried and tested and new ways of working. No matter…