West Kidland Farm
Knowstone, North devon		Contentment is Flavour

Berkshire Pigs

The Berkshire is the oldest recorded pedigree pig in Great Britain and was historically much favoured as a speciality pork producer. The Berkshire is a relatively small pig and is black with white feet, white nose and white tip of the tail; it has pricked ears. Although primarily black/brown in colour the skin is not pigmented, and thus the Berkshire does not suffer the same discrimination as other coloured breeds. The flesh is noted for its’ texture and flavour, and the fact that some extraordinary crackling is produced! . Considered to be a first class lightweight porker it suits the specialist meat trade and is the ideal “freezer” pig for the discerning customer, as the frozen meat retains much of the flavour and texture of fresh meat. Our Berkshire pigs are very friendly, and will follow the hand that feeds them quite easily. Sadly, we do not yet have one called "Empress"; Those who are familiar with P.G. Wodehouse will know doubt recall The Empress of Blandings! The Berkshire is classified as At Risk on the Rare Breeds Watchlist.

Berkshire sows are heavy milkers leading to high weaning weights and good food conversion in their progeny. The naturally strong constitution of the Berkshire makes them an ideal outdoor pig, throughout summer and winter alike. They are remarkably adaptable, and have very placid temperaments.
 Our meat pigs are reared outdoors subsequent to having been weaned from their mothers. We normally bring our sows that are due to farrow into our farrowing shed about a week before the piglets are due to be born. This way, we can be on hand in case their are any difficulties (which is uncommon), plus we can aid the survival rate of the piglets, especially in cold weather, by allowing them to huddle and sleep under a heat lamp. Our sows are very happy for people to watch the farrowing process, and as such, they normally have a significant audience. We do not, under any circumstances, advocate the use of farrowing crates. Our sows go by the names of Gabby and Number Two (sisters), Elsa and JoJo, and our Boar is known as Boris. All are remarkably placid temperaments, and all the sows are wonderful mothers to their piglets.

Please see below for some photos of our sows and weaners.
For more information and prices regarding our pork, sausages and bacon, please go to Our Produce

Gabby and a litter of six piglets enjoying their dinner	Weaners outdoors (having removed all greenery and dug up plenty of stones)	Number Two (Gabby's Sister) providing her piglets with tea.
Curious Berkshire Piglet!	Elsa (our Berkshire/British Lop Cross) feeding her litter of ten Dalmatian Piglets (Berkshire X).	Number Two and her nine piglets having a snooze after lunch.