Trentside Saddlebacks

Why Saddleback Pigs

My parents were originally dairy farmers, but started to build a pig herd buying 3 saddleback sows for our Wiltshire farm in 1969. I always remember the first sow named “Dorothy”. A picture taken in 1969 of the sow and myself can be seen opposite. During the 1970s their herd was relocated to Nottinghamshire and homed just across the river from Oak Tree Farm at a new farm just outside the village of Girton. The herd steadily grew in number to approximately 120 sows, having a mix of Saddleback and large Whites and so my interest and knowledge began in the world of pigs.

Linda and I were keen to re-establish a pedigree herd of British pigs as my parents had done in the late 60s.

We chose the Saddleback not only for the early memories I had, but also that the breed would be well suited our traditional farm plan. The saddleback is hardy and adapts well to outdoor free range life. These traditional breeds are very self sufficient and far less susceptible to health problems than the modern commercial hybrids.

The sows are fantastic mothers who are docile and long-lived, producing plenty of milk and able to rear large litters. They are good meat producers and are used for producing pork joints, bacon and hams.

All of our stock are pedigree registered and our breed lines include: Grand Duke, Guardsman, Dominator, Lottie, Dinah, and Silver Wings.

Full detailed information on the breed can be found at the official breeders' web site www.saddlebacks.org.uk