Chairman's Christmas Message
Uploaded December 2004

As this will be the last newsletter of 2004, it would be appropriate to look back on the events of the past year. The breed survey results show that the BK breeding herd has remained, apart from a few minor fluctuations, more or less static over the last 10 years. One would not have been too surprised, that with all the problems of ever more regulation, much of which seems to have been thought up by people with very little concept of livestock husbandry, that the graph does not show a greater decline. It is a tribute to the tenacity and enthusiasm of breeders, that BKs are still very much their and their keepers have not all been drowned under a sea of paper! It is difficult for me, but a simple peasant, to grasp why a government that exhorts farmers and livestock producers to develop their own market, then shuts the local abattoir and sticks in a load of extra regulations, as if they enjoyed watching breeders tearing their hair out, and that's not because the best sow has gone and flattened that cracking January boar picked out for the Royal. Perhaps we could have a TV show, say "I am a pig farmer trying to decipher a DEFRA form, get me out of here"

In my book, the most important highlight of 2004 as far as the BK breed is concerned, has to be the double whammy at the Royal, Chris and Kevs' Interbreed Supreme champion and Jo and Hectors' pair winning the Flack Trophy. Sharon certainly put the right pig forward on her Royal judging debut.

Another important milestone has been the establishment of our own web site. Very many thanks and congratulations to Jo for setting this up, she has done a marvellous job. I have had a number of very favourable comments about the site, it is clear and concise and provides a wealth of information.

The page for member's forum is an excellent vehicle for the exchange of information and ideas. The page for pictures is an opportunity to show examples of the breed, not only from this country, but overseas as well; we already have some NZ BKs courtesy of Peter Le Bas on the site. Should we manage to establish a consortium of worldwide BK breeders, what better way to communicate?

Now that much of the world market has re-opened to British pigs, we have had a few initial enquires. A young man representing a number of Japanese buyers has shown an interest in BKs from the U.K; also there have been intimations of an export order from France. Having said that it is important to remember these are preliminary enquiries only, the deal is only home and dry when the pigs are on the plane and the cheque drops through your letterbox. If you are approached, do not under value your stock; remember to make sure who is paying for veterinary testing and transportation etc when you are discussing money.

Once again we had a good turnout for the Champion-of Champions Final, Sharon rounding off a pretty good year with her show pigs. The club is indebted to Ann Uglow for Judging the Class and also the Newbury Show for their excellent facilities and venue for the final. The full results of the C of C and the Gillhouse point's trophy appear Elsewhere in the news. Congratulations to not only the winners but All who brought pigs forward, a wonderful show. Finally, Chris Coe & Kevin have been kind enough to provide the venue for the 2005 Club A.G.M. at Jobes Barn. This is scheduled for Feb 27th 2005 Commencing at 11am. Wishing you all the very best for the festive Season and beyond.

JOHN MASON

::: Important Message about the 2004 Survey - please click here