1. Attending were Anne, Diana, Claire, Nicola, Kim, Peter,
Steve. We had apologies from Ian Doswell, Sarah Green, Tim Harris.
We appreciated the use of the side bar at The Lamb in Sandford.
2. Kim Brook provided an illustrated talk on rearing pigs, with
particular reference to quality issues, accompanied by a useful
handout (contact Anne if you would like a copy). As a member of the
British Pig Association, Kim breeds Oxford Sandy and Black pedigree
pigs and is familiar with Animal Health Department (ADHB)
regulations. She was able to advise on registration of movement,
importance of hygiene, worming, housing, bedding, fencing, feeding
and other matters such as the need for water availability. We
talked about the availability of weaners likely born in April for
June purchase to rear until October (6 months). A visit to Kim's
holding with field and woodland may be possible in July or
August.
3. Diana Mason outlined the cuts that would be feasible with
half a pig, and their possible uses. We discussed some of the less
commonly seen cuts which are now more popular, and the best cuts
for sausages (mostly lower half of the pig). The question of
whether joints will be frozen or could be fresh was also
considered, and we will have to make a decision about this. A half
pig will fill the best part of 3 drawers in a domestic freezer, and
all parts would be labelled. Either way we realised the importance
of good timing to ensure that fresh or frozen pork is quickly
collected. Recipes for pork are welcome, if you have any then do
send to Anne.
4. Anne Stobart outlined the thinking behind the Crediton Pig
Club share offer and the cost estimated at 6 x £32 monthly payments
- a total of £192 for finished pork ready for the freezer from half
a pig.** This cost is based on experience and allows for some
contingencies like vet bills, as well as ensuring that the
smallholder receives some recompense for their time and use of
their facilities. If final costs are lower than expected, then the
Pig Club membership may be able to return some funding to those
involved in the share offer. At the meeting it was evident that we
have two smallholders ready with faciltities for raising up to
three pigs. Other smallholders have expressed interest but for
various reasons may not be able to rear pigs this year, or are
looking to rear pigs in a different way such as in woodland -
something which might be possible to include in future years. Anne
passed round copies of the share offer and bank mandate forms, and
these will be circulated shortly to all contacts for return by end
of January 2016 (only paid-up members are leigible for the share
offer).
4. Next meeting will be 7-9 pm on
Monday 14th March 2016.
**We have now identified enough interest to get 6 pigs and
redone the costing based on 2 smallholders and 3 pigs each and
revised the total cost at £180 so the forms sent out to members
will be amended to show six payments of £30.