As a breed society we must try and get as many breeders as possible to attend their local show. Why you may ask?? Our job as custodians of the Berkshire breed is to encourage activities that can improve the breed's future. In being asked to write this I can only introduce myself as a Berkshire Breeder that has shown for 48 years and to pass on my views to you.

I often ask someone who does not show, how do you compare what you are breeding with the breed standard?? Photos! Well all of us that have a computer know how you can alter one of those. Looking at other pigs inside a pig pen? Those of us who judge know you have to be up close to find the faults. When I have asked others they say they have a good eye! It is amazing in those 48 years I have occasionally thought l have breed that elusive perfect pig, but when you get it in the show ring your eyes has deceived you. Believe me.

I know markets determine the way you breed and with showing you can make a statement to other breeders that this is the way I am going. That is great if you show, but if you do not, how do you get that message out?? Photos! (after what I have said about them). Put a bus trip on for all breeders to come and see the way you are breeding?? I don't think so. Well how then?? The answer is simple, a couple of days a year at your local show is money and time well spent in advertising. That's what showing is, advertising your stud. At the shows on your advertising boards you can show the breeding of the animals so anyone attending will be able to see if the bloodlines are what they need for their breeding programme

If you attend a certain show each year, or many, you can tell prospective buyers you can come and see your pigs in all their glory. Many pigs are bought and sold at shows. l have known many times in my life breeders who have taken only under 12 months stock and gone home without any. All sold. This is another way showing can help you, by going not to win the championships but sell your pigs.

If breeders buy on looks and not bloodlines (breeding to bloodlines is another article) what better way to promote your stud is to have an animal that you have taken to three or more shows and it has never been beaten. That is so many opinions that have put your pig there, it must mean you are doing something right. So what better advertising again. lf you are not doing well I would hope you can see the faults and go back home and try and correct them. The more I talk to newer breeders I can understand where the saying in "a pig in a poke'' comes from. Just buy any old boar and sow, breed them, then hope for a Champion. That is luck of the highest order.

One of the old reasons for not showing is contracting pig health problems. As a breed club all we can say is each breeder has to be vigilant in their stockmanship and if in doubt leave the pig home. It is not worth the accusations levelled at you and the affect it has on your Herd health record and name. If something is pointed out at a show get the on duty Vet at once to satisfy your mind.

It is sad that identification for the show ring is not settled to everyone's satisfaction and I guess until it is, a number of breeders will not be able to attend shows because of their beliefs. In my years I have seen many types of identification used and the ear mark and tattoo has stood the test of time. Any type is painful when first used and I am surprised the breeders that prefer tags do not see that. Putting the tag in the ear is also painful. It is certainly is so when ripped out by obstacles that outdoor pigs have so many of Also the weight of the tag on such a small pigs ears must be terrible for them. But it is a free country and it is up to the powers that be to resolve it so all pigs can again attend shows.

I do like to see older stud boars at shows but I know some breeders do not know how to handle them. This is not the forum for me to say the way l handle these wonderful creatures but there are ways if you care to ask. After all, your Stud boar is more than 50% of your herd once you have more than one sow and a lot greater the more sows you have. There is nothing better than a large boar in the show ring saying, hey look at me. (Hear hear! - Editor)

One thing I would like to say, is that the more who attend shows the more likely the forum to display your pigs will be kept. It is so sad in NZ where I come from that they are closing down and the number of shows is less than a quarter of what it used to be. So we would be neglectful as Berkshire members in not pointing this out.

And last but not least I have not mentioned the comradeship you make at-tending shows. Having something in common can mean friendships that last all your life. I have heard it said both in the UK and NZ by cattle breeders that pig people seem to have more fun. The reason, who knows? But it is special, so if you have not shown your pigs before reading this, then do and come and see for yourself. A forewarning, you will enjoy and come back for more. From one who knows.

Pierre Le Bas
pierrespigs@gmail.com