Our organic pigs

Our outdoor pig herd is made up of about 50 sows in total. As well as producing tasty pork and bacon, the pigs form an essential part of our farming system.  They rotate around the farm  on the grass clover pastures before they are ploughed up for a crop of wheat. Their rooting helps clear the ground of weeds and their muck provides natural fertiliser for the next crop.

We have introduced new crosses to bring back the classic rare breeds of Berkshire, Saddleback and Gloucester Old Spot. These are the perfect pigs for rich flavour, often the first choice of chefs and gourmets. Camborough sows have a great mothering instinct, bred with a Duroc Boar to produce great tasting meat which is lean but with enough fat, because that's crucial for flavour.

We organise the herd carefully around their behavioural needs.  Sows of the same gestation stage are grouped together and kept in the same plot, which can help to even up the milking demand from piglets when born. When piglets are weaned at 8 weeks we take the sows to a field of their own, which reduces stress, and allows them to return to their reproductive cycle.

Another advantage in allowing the baby piglets to mingle is that they become accustomed to each other and sort out their own 'pecking order' whilst they are tiny. This means that by the time they are old enough to have tusks they do not have to be aggressive to sort out who is boss. This fits with the high welfare principles of organic farming. We  avoid the conventional measure of removing teeth and tails, and do not castrate boars - a common practice on intensive non-organic pig farms.

We always have a wet corner in each paddock so the pigs can wallow in mud, but sometimes they choose the water trough instead! We also provide unique wooden pig shelters which give welcome shade during summer.

Buy our delicious organic pork, bacon, gammon and sausages at our online shop or call our sales team now. Tel: 01488 674747