Daisy was born in July 2011 out of a litter of 14, 6 of which were birth notified 3 boars and 3 gilts they were run on until they were about 12to 14 weeks of age and at this stage we decided that only 2 were good enough to be kept for registration and the others went for pork. The 2 gilts were kept out all winter to grow on naturally, they had a nice warm ark and were fed twice a day as time went on Daisy began to stand out more and more from her sister, she had a lovely straight top line was tall walked well and had a fabulous well placed underline (16 teats). Both pigs were brought in early April and the decision was made to sell the 1 pig and concentrate on Daisy.

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We started doing some work with her getting her used to walking with the stick and board and being on her own. Cornwall show was her first outing by this time she was already 3 weeks in pig, Daisy was a bit nervous and overwrought by the whole experience and didn't show herself off to her full advantage and stood second to another 1 of our gilts in a very strong July class. The Three counties was the next challenge, the following week when we arrived she came off the trailer quite relaxed and realized that this showing is not so bad after all! This was Daisy's show from start to finish not only did she win her class she went on to take the breed champion and then the ultimate prize of overall interbreed champion on the Saturday, we didn't think it could get any better but she went on to win the pig of the year heat out right Daisy was going to Yorkshire!

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Now the aim was to keep her in peak condition, not overfed her and keep her sound on her feet, this was a stressful time as the show was another month away! The day arrived for the off at 11.30am we packed up the trailer settled Daisy in and left for the long journey ahead which turned out to be really long and quite stressful due to road works, long queues due to road accidents and heavy rain showers, we arrived at 6.30pm only to be told by a steward that the show had been cancelled! A quick phone call and we were told the classes were being held the next day PHEW!! Daisy was put in her pen fed and watered and left to sleep until the next day. Then we went to be fed and watered in the pig exhibitors tent!!

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Next morning Daisy was bathed and oiled ready for her class, the ground conditions were the worst we had ever seen which made it very difficult for all the exhibitors to show their pigs. As we walked around the ring in front of the judge I looked at the other female pigs and thought what a very strong class of quality pigs, The judge was looking at Daisy all the time and I could sense we had a good chance, my heart was pounding by now but I kept her going a few more minutes and his decision was made, the large white gilt was put in reserve the judge took one final look and without any hesitation he was walking towards us I could hardly contain my excitement when being presented the rosette for the champion female and the judge saying what an outstanding gilt, the next stage was for the overall champion my nerves started to kick in by now waiting for the 2 boar pigs to come back into the ring!

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This was it the 4 top pigs were in the ring showing themselves off , the judge looked at each 1 of us again and took great care and attention looking and studying each pig, and all the time I kept Daisy going watching the judge and shutting out everything that was going on around me, he had made his decision the rosette was in his hand he took one last look then walked over towards Daisy and myself and presented me with the rosette saying she was the most outstanding pig he had ever had the pleasure to judge, I was absolutely overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions being very proud that we had produced yet another pig that has reached this top accolade in the pig world! and all the hard work and effort had paid off, not only did we think she was an exceptional pig but the judges along the way thoughts so too, now we have had more time to reflect on our success we are both very proud and humbled at our achievements through the relatively short time we have been breeding and showing saddleback pigs.

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Official BPA PHOTO  

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