Packington Pork

Farm Visit

 

In March 2010 I visited Packingtons Farms, where I met Alec Mercer who with his brother Rob produce Free Range pork. The farm is situated in Blakenhall Park, Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent in Staffordshire.

Rob and Alec are fourth generation farmers; they have decided not to pursue a career in commercial pig growing, choosing instead to rear truly terrific Free Range pork.

Rob has the responsibility for the rearing of the pigs; Rob's pigs are naturally hardy, deliver consistent quality and thrive in the outdoors.

After a period of weaning (4 weeks) the young pigs are moved to begin an independent life. Each week about one hundred female pigs are selected by Rob to be transferred to open courts in grass covered fields. After a week or two in these courts, they are turned out in paddocks (with shelter). Here the pigs reside in the open air, on grass, and here they stay ranging free until they reach maturity.

 

A few facts about Packington Free Range Pigs;

 

They take longer to grow than pigs reared inside

They cost more to produce than intensively reared pigs

They have a great quality of life

They are fed on a home grown diet of wheat, protein and soya

As each batch of pigs vacates a paddock, the fencing is removed and the paddock rotated around the field. This ensures that the next batch of pigs has fresh grass and eliminates any build up of bacteria.

The meat tastes so much better

 

Rob and Alec produce some of the best pork we have ever offered.

 

Customers can be certain that...

The pigs are properly cared for

They are honestly produced in a natural environment

It is a quality product from field to fork

Broughs Butchers believe that the only way to genuinely endorse a free range product - is to visit the farm and see for ourselves.