PIG RODEOS AND SHEEP ATTACKS

As one of our pubs in Wolvercote, The Red Lion, plans to introduce pigs to the locals – a run has appered in the garden – it brought back memories of my own pig-keeping days.

Together with a group of other community farmers, I looked after two wonderful Tamworth pigs called Ginger and Spice – and yes, that is a clue to the year these beautiful beasts came into our lives. They were real characters, but a handful.

One enduring memory is of an unrehearsed pig rodeo show. A fellow pig-keeper found herself carried off around the field riding (facing backwards) on the back of one of the pigs after trying to feed them from a bucket. Sadly no-one had a camera.

We also looked after a friendly black and white English saddleback called Pearl. While with us she had a bunch of piglets who decided to escape and dig up a neighbour’s rose garden.

They might have got away with the crime had they not decided to stick around, sunbathing among the ruined plants. Much cursing from the proud gardener ensued – along with whispered threats involving sausages. Mind you, sheep can have their own quirks too, especially the rams (called tups by those in the know).

Our first ram, Steve, is sadly now grazing in the great pasture in the sky. He enjoyed waiting until you were otherwise occupied before butting you in the back of the legs. He even bowled over our vet once.

Fortunately we had bought Steve from the vet’s chiropractor so the treatment for his back came free. Concerned by his belligerent behaviour I set out to show Steve who was boss. As it turned out, he was.

I'M NOT WEB WOOLLY 

You might not think agriculture and social media have much in common, but these days knowledge of social networking is essential for small specialist producers.

I use sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to help promote yarns and throws made with wool from my small flock of rare breed Ryeland sheep.

I was doing this before BBC radio soap The Archers introduced the subject of marketing sheep on Facebook.

Through social media I have tracked down interior designers and craftspeople and directly reach customers who are genuinely interested in quality British-made products. Shame there’s no EweTube!

Visit my Facebook site – search for Fair Close Ryelands.