A sow and her piglets proved one of the major attractions when Alexander & Angell (Farms), in Gloucestershire, welcomed members of the public as part of Open Farm Sunday on June 8.
About 550 people visited the firm where the other attractions included a brand new broiler breeder farm, tractor-trailer rides to a woodland trail and seed planting for kids. Â
The event was held away from the firm’s pig farm site, but the sow and piglets brought in for the event made herself at home by digging a wallow as soon as she stepped off the trailer.
The piglets put on quite a show and their mum didn’t even bat an eyelid as children fired questions at pig farm manager Andrius Mulevicius.Â
Sue Rabbich from BPEX kindly volunteered her time on the day and did a sterling job explaining to children how old the piglets were, which are the best teats and what they are fed, as well as making the link from farm to fork.Â
The firm explained to people, using pictures, how its pigs were normally housed (indoor straw-based system) and had several good well-balanced discussions about different production systems, welfare and the environment.
Farms manager Sophie Hope reported that overall the day was a resounding success, helped along by wonderful weather, a delicious home-grown hog roast and locally made cider.