Avonstour Shed 20th (Holly) Champion Rare Breed. Photo/ Craig Smith
Avonstour Shed 20th (Holly) Champion Rare Breed. Photo/ Craig Smith
New Zealand Pig Breeders Association and Rare Breeds One Day Show was held on July 4. There were 46 pigs entered for the show. The judge was Peter LeBas from Hāwera and Howard Bracegirdle was the junior judge.
There were eight different breeds of pigs shown, Berkshire, Wessex Saddleback, Kune Kune, Canterbury Blues, Euros, Large Blacks, Durocs and Landrace, says New Zealand Pig Breeders Association councillor Richard Cooley.
"The show that was ran in July was a great event attended by many members of the public to view the selection of breeds shown by many breeders, with smiles on everyone's faces. A real fun day out."
Peire Le Bas judging a Berkshire. Photo / Fiona Turner
President of the New Zealand Pig Breeders Taranaki branch, John Earney, says pigs on farms are often thought of as a low grade farm animal that is kept in the back shed to fatten for pork or bacon.
"But the amount of breeding to keep the breeds pure and of a high standard is huge. All breeds have a standard of excellence and this standard has to be kept in order to show pigs. A pig show is run very much like a dog show and a breed has to be a breed not a cross bred or mongrel."
Peire Le Bas inspecting a Berkshire. Photo/ Fiona Turner
Modern pig farms today mostly use composite genetics, not following the established pedigree breeds which are now becoming rarer and rarer, says John.
"It can be asked why we need these old pedigree breeds? There are many reasons and these apply to all classes of livestock. The major one is without the old pedigrees in livestock you cannot have the composites today. Another one is pure bred animals react to certain conditions in a certain way and this can be counted on."
John says there is an even a better pig show coming in November at the A&P Royal Pig Show in Stratford.
The Stratford A&P Royal Pig Show takes place Sunday, November 29.
A Landrace sow. Photo/ Fiona Turner
"So come to the show and have a look at what pure breeding is all about. You can even learn about showing and judging. Please talk to the stewards or the breeders and they will be happy to help."
Richard says he is grateful to all the sponsors who supported the July show.
"Thanks to Stratford Farmlands, Stratford ITM, Taranaki Veterinary Services Stratford, Coastal Vets Kaponga, Farm Source Kaponga, and Plasma Biotechs or supporting our show.
Results from July 4 : New Zealand Pig Breeders: All breeds junior champion (under 8 months) - Ohau Sweet Rose 20th All breeds champion - Ohau Primetime 2nd Rare Breeds: All breeds junior champion (under 8 months) - Henry Bish All breeds champion - Avonstour Shed 20th Best pig in show - Ohau Primetime 2nd.
