SALLY LUGG- PRIMROSE HERD- GLOUCESTER OLD SPOT PIG

Our first pigs arrived in January 1995 and were 2 in pig Gloucestershire Old Spots  gilts and were a present from my Father. We both had full time careers so pig keeping was very much a hobby to begin with. We sold pedigree breeding stock, surplus weaners were bought by other people to finish and we showed throughout the West Country. As the number of sows increased we found ourselves left with a few weaners so started to finish them and these were sold to friends and family as half pigs. My parents who had a herd of Large Blacks had begun to sell sausages and a small selection of fresh joints at one of the first Farmers markets in the Country and they were soon selling everything they and their butcher could produce. In 2000 following the birth of our 3rd child I left my job as a Bank Manager and began to sell at local Farmers markets. In March 2001 two things happened that probably changed the course of ours and many others lives. Foot and Mouth hit the Countryside and although Cornwall had only a few cases some good friends only a mile away from my parents had their animals slaughtered which was obviously of great concern to my Father. He died very suddenly just a week later leaving my Mum with a herd of pigs she could not sell. Fortunately, a friend who had always helped look after the pigs stepped in but it was months before any of the breeding animals could be moved. What remained of his stock came to us and we continue to keep his herd of Kit Hill Large Black pigs. We also have pedigree British Saddlebacks and a few cross breed sows too. Since 2001 we have gradually expanded responding to demand by expanding our herd and finishing facilities. We also buy finished rare breed pigs from 10 or so other local farmers and smallholders and can supply Middle White, Tamworth and Welsh pigs as well as our own. In 2014 following a large investment in new processing facilities we now have the capacity to process everything on site. We supply pork directly to the public through markets, festivals and from our butchery on site. We sell throughout Cornwall to food box schemes, farm shops, hotels, restaurants, cafes, B&B’s and street food vendors. We feel privileged to work with many leading Cornish chefs who appreciate how our pigs are kept and understand why we are so keen to use every part of the animal- nose to tail selling is something practised here.

Website: www.primroseherd.co.uk