Allow me to introduce (L to R) Ophelia, Octavia & Jezebel. These girls are Berkshires, a breed described as vulnerable due to the small number of breeding sows in the UK. Berkshires originated in England c.1790 and faced near extinction in the mid 20th century. At this weekend's Rare Breeds show at the Weald & Downland Museum in West Sussex, Ophelia & Jezebel were on show and having been bathed and oiled, were at their shiny best.
Less inclined to pose for the camera (than when caked in mud!), Ophelia showed plenty of star quality and picked up a first in the Gilts born after 1st Jan 2007 class. If you want to know more about Berkshires, check out the Berkshire Breeders Club web site. Other rare breeds on show were ...
...the Oxford Sandy & Black...
...the Large Black...
...the Saddleback...
...and the Gloucester Old Spot.Pigs may not be your thing but going to a show like this was certainly fun and an education. It's thanks to the hard working breeders that these breeds, part of our national heritage, continue to literally exist.
Well done Suzy & Stuart for having the best Berkshire's around. Anyone interested to know more, drop me a line via the comments page.
2 comments:
That Sandy & Black is gorgeous! Good on these people to maintain the rare breeds!
I could not agree more! If I had the power I would take the farming industry in this country under my wing and give it the glory and funding it needs and deserves. One can only dream!
Cherry xx
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