This one-day course aims to cover all the things you need to know before starting to keep a few pigs on your land.  It will not be looking at commercial pig-keeping. 

Topics to be discussed in the morning include:  why keep pigs?, means of enclosure, traditional free-range pig-keeping, breeds, feed, pig-care, styles or arcs and where to buy them, pests and diseases, butchery and bacon curing, legal requirements, ratio of pigs to land available, etc. 

In the afternoon we shall inspect Kevin's herd nearby, meet and touch pigs at various stages of their lives (Gloucester Old Spot and Essex Saddleback), see the massive boar in his pen and hold a squealing piglet if you really want to.  You can also have a go at singling out a pig from the herd and driving it into a trailer to be taken to market the next morning.   Kevin's bacon and hams will be available for sale (if he hasn't sold them all at the farmers' market the day before).

The tutor is Kevin Blundell.  Click on his name to see more about him.

Comments from previous participants:

I enjoyed my day at Assington mill.  The course was great well structured, informative,and just what I was looking for, coupled with the fantastic location. Your hospitality was more than I expected and being invited into your fantastic home was awe inspiring, for a old property 'saddo' like myself all my birthdays came at once, and lunch was superb, so very many thanks for sharing your home with me, look forward to seeing you again in the near future.  Kelvin

Very good and clear - practical good as well.

Good value for money.  Maybe good to combine with a butchery course and make this a two-day event.

Amazing venue, excellent catering.

Really enjoyed the course and came away with what I wanted out of the course.  What really makes it is the hospitality and as ever the food was excellent.

Great to see the pigs in action and get a little hands on experience.

Very happy with course - level was exactly what I imagined and wanted.  Would have liked the opportunity to buy some of Kevin's bacon!  [We might have some for sale next time - Anne]

Far exceeeded any expectations.  Kelvin M

Excellent day, interesting and informative.  What a lovely location, fantastic hospitality.  Thank you.  Julia B.