[Mel]

Hi everyone

Whilst suffering from Pneumonia and Pleurisy-and still not over it,I am still contemplating haveing more pigs this year-well that is if I am not on my way out-shall know next week

The ground is an obvious quagmire and I was going to re seed it all,should I really leave it 3-5 months or so so it all looks nice and green again,I know some people down the road and once they have their pigs done,it is back in with the new immediately-straight on to boggy ground.

I am not so sure about this,everyone whom has tasted my Pork has said it is the best of the best-that is nice of them and they were raised on greenery all of their life,with lots of lovelies,apples,veg and so forth. Please can anyone confirm if I am doing the right thing in allowing the ground to settle and re grow prior to having more pigs-and obviously-If I am well enough!

Mel x

[colliewoman]

Oh sweetie, get well soon!

I don't know much about pigs, but I am a firm believer in allowing land to rest as long as is possible when the chance is there.
I would think it easier for the husbandry side of things too, especially for one supposed to be taking things easy

[princesspiggy]

in theory u are supposed to use the land for one year then rest it for two years. i know that doesnt help you much tho. 
what about throwing down some green manure (ie mustard, phacelia etc) cos that grows really quick and might hold the ground together abit longer.
good luck anyway x 

[Miss Piggy]

Hope your feeling better soon. Take it easy, if yiu can! 

[Sylvia]

Don't you even think of doing ANY outside work until you are really fit and well again!! (should be a wagging finger emoticon here )
Seriously, at this time of year a relapse could find you in real trouble.
Put your pigs on a back-burner( ) until you and your land are well and truly fit. Keep warm and get well

[Rosemary]

in theory u are supposed to use the land for one year then rest it for two years.

Is that Soil Association standards?

Leghorn, hope you're fully fit soon but I agree with Sylvia, take your time or you may have a relapse 

[YorkshireLass]

 

Get well soon! That is the priority There will always be pigs out there to buy when you're ready

[HappyHippy]

I'd leave the ground as long as you can, it's amazing how quick everything starts growing once the pigs are off it (and as everyone else has said - at least until you're well !) check out Costwold Seeds for grass seeds https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/seedmix/lucerne this link takes you directly to lucerne/alfafa which is good for pigs (but does need reasonably dry ground to grow  ) the other thing I'm trying this year on top of the usual clover/grass mix is forrage rape (it's on the CS website somewhere) it's a higher protien (30%) and as many of my big pigs are copying the Kunes and grazing, this might help with feed costs (or at least keep them busy longer  )

But don't step a foot into the paddock until you're feeling up to it !

HTH
Karen x 

[princesspiggy]

Is that Soil Association standards?

[/quote]

i think it would have been in the Welfare Standards or maybe Outdoor Sows booklet from Defra/Animal health. mainly cos of worms i think.

[Mel]

 

Am I being told of here!

Thank you all for caring so much! I have not been physically well enough to keep on top of everything,the allotments look horrid though Chris cleared one up and planted some broad beans and winter onions--before Christmas but the rest is looking folorn!

Trouble is,I wish to do so much and this is the only time I just do not have the wish to try,I feel fit enough,just no breath!

[Sylvia]

Spend the time planning, I do a lot of that

[Mel]

I'd leave the ground as long as you can, it's amazing how quick everything starts growing once the pigs are off it (and as everyone else has said - at least until you're well !) check out Costwold Seeds for grass seeds https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/seedmix/lucerne this link takes you directly to lucerne/alfafa which is good for pigs (but does need reasonably dry ground to grow  ) the other thing I'm trying this year on top of the usual clover/grass mix is forrage rape (it's on the CS website somewhere) it's a higher protien (30%) and as many of my big pigs are copying the Kunes and grazing, this might help with feed costs (or at least keep them busy longer  )

But don't step a foot into the paddock until you're feeling up to it !

HTH
Karen x 

Hi Karen,
Thanks for that link,this is cheaper than my local store
Mel x