[robert waddell]

we are back old wiser and poorer

[chickenfeed]

  you should have cut accross country and called in

[robert waddell]

if i had i would have needed the trailor

[JEP]

what are the benefits of being a member of the bpa

[Tudful Tamworths]

In a nutshell, you get to register your pigs as pedigree. It's the only way, unless you breed British lops or Kunekunes - both those breeds manage their own herdbooks and registrations.
Unless you want to breed pedigree pigs, or show pigs at BPA-accredited shows (only pedigree pigs allowed), there aren't many tangible benefits. You get a very basic level pig magazine (Practical Pigs) every quarter, but that's about it.

[robert waddell]

you can only register your pigs as pedigree if they are from pedigree and registered stock
it is surprising the number of people sold stock as pedigree and no chance of ever being pedigree
and that pisses them right off the bpa 

[Fowgill Farm]

As Liz rightly says basically if you want to keep pedigree pigs you have to be in the BPA. When you buy stock ask the breeder if they are in the BPA if they aren't they cannot sell you pedigree weaners. If you are buying older pigs and they say oh yes its pedigree ask to see the paperwork, any pig without a pedigree is just that any pig. As they say "cavatore Emptor" buyer beware.
The exception to this rule are Lops & KK's.
I have soem BPA leaflets if you want some posting to you.
Best mandy 
PS The BPA does an excellent service in running the pedigree registration side of things but other than that they're pretty much a benign organisation.

[JEP]

did any one go & if so what was the out come

[robert waddell]

yes we went  all points raised will be looked at 

[oaklandspigs]

yes we went  all points raised will be looked at 

Looked at? - as in putting the piece of paper in a filing cabinet?  or did you get the impression that they were actually interested in doing something?

[robert waddell]

there in lies the problem      my perception will differ greatly from others that were in attendance
i was not to enthralled with the responces and the general direction that some are heading with the bpa
the general meeting was informative and at times boring        the breed club meeting     well you had to be a breed club rep to participate      we as the vast majority did went home

[Tudful Tamworths]

Are the minutes published on the BPA website? Surely they should be available to members?

[Mr Pig]

Don't be impatient - it takes time to compose good quality fiction.

[robert waddell]

mr pig       your post brought a smile to me 

[HappyHippy]