July at Emma's Pigs

July sees a new set of Middle White piglets. The weather is still very hot so instead of snuggling under the straw in their ark, the piglets love to come out and snuggle together in a dry hollow. They like to lie in the hollow as it shelters them from the light breeze currently blowing. However we have to be really careful to ensure they don't burn in the sun. Their mother spends a lot of time lying in her wallow covering herself in mud to act as a sun barrier. It will not be long before her piglets join her and become Muddy Whites

July continues to be show season and we were recently thrilled to be invited to Broadfield Court to take part in the first 'Celebration of Real Food'. This was organised jointly by Nutritional experts Robert Elliott and Sally Dean, and the James family, custodians of this historic estate and strong supporters of local food. Robert has written two books on food 'The Food Maze' and 'How To Eat'. The latter features a section about Emma's Pigs and gives an account of Robert and Sally's first meeting with us, when they were accosted by Ben (with a sausage sample) at Monmouth Farmers' Market.

Our Introduction to Pig Butchery Course is fast approaching (on 1st August). It promises to be a great day lead by top chef and lecturer Nick Bryan. If you are interested in this please get in touch straight away as numbers are limited to ensure everyone has plenty of hands-on time. The day will start with how a pig is made up. Amongst other things you will learn how to chop chops, bone and roll joints, tie a butchers knot, and devise your own cutting list. We will also look at sausages; you will be able to experiment with recipes, fill sausages and link them the butcher’s way. At the end of the day you will take home some of your produce to share with your family and friends. This course is invaluable for anyone thinking of keeping pigs whether you intend to do your own butchery or would just like to be able to produce a comprehensive cutting list for your butcher.

If you are interested in attending the Pig Butchery course please call (07876 597668) or email us on curly.tails@emmaspigs.co.uk.

This month Monmouth Farmers' Market will be on Saturday the 24th July, between 10am and 1pm. As far as we know the bridge repair work is still continuing, but we will still be there, on the bridge, near St Thomas' church. If you would like to place an advance order for sausages or pork to be collected at this market, please give us a call (07876 597668) or email us on curly.tails@emmaspigs.co.uk.