[denmanisfab]

I live in Scotland would be really grateful if anyone could tell me all i need to know in order to start farming free range pigs. I need to know legal issues and practical issues. I intend to open small farm shop but don't intend to farm on a huge scale. if someone could either answer my question or point me in the right direction i'd be over the moon.  Many many thanks and great website !

[robert waddell]

where about in Scotland are you   and how much land have you for your intended free range pigs
what legal issues are you referring to   as basically anybody can set up shop so to speak with pigs   

[debbietownhead]

Hi there,
We have done what you are trying do but there are plenty of pitfalls.  The main one being the ridiculous cost of feed and quite frankly the pigs would bankrupt us if we let them.
If you want to e mail me privately I am happy to discuss.  Am West of Scotland and living in what feels like Paddy fields ( especally where the pigs are)......perhaps rice growing would be an alternative?
Debbie
 

[Rosemary]

If you're free on Sunday 30th September, come along to the Scottish Smallholder and Grower Festival at Forfar Market www.scottishsmallholdershow.co.uk

As well as a pig show, with the experienced pig keepers there, we've got Quality Meat Scotland and Scottish Agricultural College advisers there, who will be able to help.

But there are loads of folk on TAS who can help too - and some will be at the Festival too.

[Malc]

Other than the tagging and movement regs, there's not too much to worry about unless you're planning to do your own butchery, in which case it can get pretty expensive. The cost of feed (up 25 per cent in the last two months here in Orkney) is going to be your main worry and I would urge you to have several other strings to your bow (I earn more selling turnips and tatties to the local shop in six weeks than I have from pigs in five years). However, pigs will reward you with hours of fun and happiness.

[JMB]

Depending on where you are in Scotland you could join the Central Scotland Smallholders Association and get loads of good advice from members there.
Rosemary mentioned the Smallholders Show - useful to pick up tips and meet people
Jxxx

[Beewyched]

Denman 
I would honestly recommend that your first point of call is your Animal Health Officer - they are usually really helpful & have good links with all the other departments you will need to deal with too.  He/she is a person you need to build a good relationship with too 

[domsmith]

dont want to dampen your spirits, keeping a few pigs for yourself, friends and family iis great and to be encouraged.
but making a living is virtually impossible. you need scale and you need to be able to sell it. i have  lived the dream(perhapps still do) and it aint all it seems!

feed and public apethy are the main problems. but your own produce, there is nothing like it.

go and see some otheer operation, go in with your eyes open and dont exxpect too make any money.


d

[rispainfarm]

I think you have to go in with your eyes wide open on this, as someone said you will very unlikely make much money. Research, research, research especially the demand for pork in your area and don't expect an instant hit with people in your area, as one post says public apathy can be a problem.