No not all. I did the Pig Paradise course which seems to be fairly well known and is well established. The day was a mix of spending time with a variety of pigs, some gorgeous, some a little daunting - an enormous Tamworth. Then time in the village hall in a classroom sessions.
The different aspects of each breed were outlined both in terms of character and tastiness. The basic essentials, housing etc. Lots of detail and lots of anecdotes which gave a real feel about keeping pigs.
We had a fabulous roast lunch which sold us on the product (as if we needed to be sold to on that score!) We had a lengthy session in the afternoon dealing with health and ailments. We then fed and watered the pigs, wormed piglets (my nine year old shamed me by injecting an ancient and enormous boar) so I mustered up the courage to inject a piglet (so brave!) We were shown how to check their basic health. Lots on feeding and nutrition. The main slot was how to market and manage pigs in a cost effective way. That was very telling and interesting.
The best bit of the course was actually meeting other keepers/potential keepers, sharing experiences and aspirations and contacts. Some moving to France, some about to 'give it all up' and head for a smallholding, others who collected toy pigs and just had an interest. all lovely and interesting.
A very slick production and clearly a money spinner but that doesn't degrade the value in any way. It genuinely will help me avoid mistakes, save money and enjoy the pigs and hopefully will help to ensure that the pigs enjoy living with us too. Definately worth doing.
I just need the pigs now
Sal