Showing
Spring is a time of green leaves, budding flowers, and April showers to most country people; but to pig breeders it is also a time to look forward to drier conditions and the showing season. Now it is, “see you at the Bath and West” which is the first of the shows we attend.
The pigs seem to look forward to showing too as we nervously take out the young newcomers, wondering whether they will scamper off over the nearest horizon. The old sows look knowingly on and wait at the gate until it is their turn to go for their daily practice walk.
If you are someone who hasn’t yet tried the inside of the showing ring do go to an agricultural show where pigs are being exhibited (and these are increasing every year which is excellent). From the outside of the ring you can learn a lot; not only about the skills of showing, but also about what is good about the pigs in the ring. So often now the judge will tell you why he particularly liked the pig that he put at the top of the class and perhaps have a quiet word with those who have not won the first prize rosette.
Caroline Wheatley-Hubbard
Taken from the 1st Tamworth Times newsletter