Everyone reading this appreciates the importance of conserving our precious native pig breeds. With the numbers of sows, boars and herds frighteningly low in some cases, there’s still much work to be done to maintain the situation, let alone improve it. But, thanks to the unstinting efforts of pedigree pig enthusiasts like Ron Fieldhouse, there’s hope for a future in which all of our precious, rare pig breeds – and the priceless genetic resource they hold – survive in viable numbers among a growing band of knowledgeable and appreciative keepers.
Ron has worked for many years promoting the many values of pedigree pigs, the fundamental importance of their continued support and the constant need to encourage new and young keepers into the fold. His achievements have been many and varied over the years, and he hit the headlines after being crowned ‘Pedigree Breeder of the Year’ in the prestigious National Pig Awards, 2020. It was a fitting accolade for Ron, and acknowledged his excellent work with his current herd of Large White pigs. However, there’s so much more to his story, as I discovered when we chatted recently about his life with pigs, how things have changed over the years and how he sees the future.
MODEST BUT PROUD
Ron Fieldhouse is a modest but proud Yorkshireman who, rather typically, isn’t one to blow his own trumpet. In some respects, this is a shame as, following our conversation, it was clear to me that if things were different, many an inspirational tune could be played on that metaphorical instrument!
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av The Country Smallholder.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av The Country Smallholder.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
