May 2012
Everyone knows we love “Belties” at Kilnford so it is a happy coincidence that this week we have managed to breed 3 lovely “Beltie” pigs and they have just been moved to the car park paddock at Kilnford. This photo was taken as they explore their new surroundings.
We get lots of questions about which breed our pigs are. Most commercial pig farmers use a cross bred pig of some description and we follow that pattern based on what we are trying to achieve with our pigs. We are committed to a high welfare standard and are Freedom Food approved by SSPCA. Our pigs are reared outside and have to be able to cope with all weathers. This is why part of the breeding is with an old breed, the Duroc, and that is where the black colour comes from.
We are also very aware that the quality of the product is paramount and fortunately our cross, which also has a final Hampshire cross, gives us that little bit of extra intramuscular fat which is essential for taste. Most people don’t want all the technical details but are interested in the welfare of the animals. Have a look at the pig film on the web farm section and you can enjoy a good look round our pig farm without getting your feet dirty or experiencing all of the associated smells!
The Blackfaced ewe with her two lambs that have been grazing in front of the Kitchen Café are now getting a bit short on grass so she will have to be moved across to the Nature Trail next week to join the others.
I hope you enjoy all the animals at Kilnford.
Jock
)
