Starting with pigs – 1 day course

With 35 outdoor sows from 11 different breeds and at least 3 litters a month there is always lots to see on our courses. We are also a pig specialist and only run pig courses, so this is a truly comprehensive, fun, informative and hands-on day with the pigs.

Dates for 2013

Sat 15th June	8 places available
Sun 16th June	2 places available
Sat 17th Aug	8 places available
Sun 8th Sept	8 places available

Additional dates may be added for 2013

PERSONALISED COLOUR GIFT VOUCHERS

also available for Christmas/Birthday presents

Whether you are thinking of having a couple of weaners to fatten for your freezer, or are starting to keep pigs for breeding, or just for the joy of keeping pigs, we will explain both the upsides and things to avoid to help you understand and enjoy your pigs.

This course is for you if you are considering keeping pigs or are new to pigs. The course will show you how to set up or expand, what is needed and the costs involved. If you are not sure whether pig keeping is possible for you, this course will help you decide.

This will be an informative and fun day with plenty of hands on experience with the pigs, and with 35 outdoor sows from 11 traditional breeds and at least 3 litters a month there is always lots to see. It also means that whatever course date you choose, we will always have a selection of pigs at the size they will be when you buy your first weaners and examples of how big they will get to when they are ready to leave. We will also have sows in all stages of the pregnancy cycle and piglets of various ages. So it will always be a truly comprehensive course. Numbers on each course are limited to a maximum of 8, so you will have plenty of time to ask questions and see all that is involved.

The course covers :-

How much space do I need, what about housing, what sort of fencing?
What equipment do I need?
What can I feed, how much, what will it cost ?
Where do I buy stock from, what to buy, how much should I pay ?
What are the regulations I need to follow?
How easy is it to breed and what’s involved ?
How do I keep them fit and healthy ?
How do I find an abattoir and a butcher ?
What meat do I get, how much, what can I do with it?

The day will be a mixture of outdoor and indoor sessions. You will meet the main herd of friendly sows in their outdoor enclosures in woods and fields, where you will see a wide variety of types of ark. You will also spend time in the farrowing yard where there will be piglets of various ages, and sows due to give birth. Indoors, in our warm and comfortable fully equipped meeting room, we will get a chance to discuss what you have seen and cover this in more detail.

Course fee £100 (£190 for 2 places sharing a manual), includes refreshments, buffet lunch and 135 page manual to take away.

To book a course simply select the date below and pay by credit or debit card. Alternatively you can download a Booking Form and return this completed with a cheque. We will then send you confirmation of your place and joining information/directions.

If you would like a gift certificate, either choose “undated gift” (this will be valid for a year) or if you wish to book a specific date put “gift” as well as the name in attendee(s). Alternatively, complete a booking form. In either case we will contact you to create the appropriate certificate, and post to the right address.

To book more than 2 places, email us and we can send you an on-line payment link, or complete the booking form. Additional places are £90 without a manual, and £100 with a manual.

If your need more information, please contact us oaklandspigs@btinternet.com or phone 01892 852663

Please note : Whilst this site is updated daily, we cannot guarantee place availability on a course until after payment has been made. We will confirm your place as soon as possible. In the event that a course place is not available, an alternate date or a full refund at your option will be offered.

Cancellation Policy – A refund or alternate date can only be offered if we are able to re-book your place.

Starting with Pigs - One Day courses

Sep