[Porterlauren]

In the past we kept Gloucester Old Spots, and currently we keep Saddle Backs and a variety of x breeds.

However later in the year we are thinking of getting another breeding sow in, and have been thinking about what breed to go for.

On the current short list are OSB, Berkshire and Large Black.

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts. . . . basically . . . sell me your breed 

[Berkshire Boy]

BERKSHIRES, excellent mothers, temperament and handsome looking pigs. The pork is great and even though some will disagree they do excellent bacon .

[kja]

The British Lop, they are a good long deep pig that makes great pork and bacon. good mothers having large litters. very easy to handle. and best of all you would be helping one of the rarest of our traditional breeds. 

[mowhaugh]

We have Large Blacks (just 2) and they are completely delightful.  We are just expecting our first piglets now, so don't have much factual information to give, but our two girls couldn't be more lovely and gentle to handle.  We love them.

[HappyHippy]

I second the vote for Large Blacks 
Great mum's, docile pigs and easy to manage despite their size.
We've had Berkshires and OSB's too, but the LB would be the one I'd choose every time  (unless Kunekune were in the equation  )

You'll get loads of different answers on this question I think, because everyone likes 'their' breed best - if it's a sow you're after the best advice I could offer would be to go and see them and get a feeling for the one you prefer and which seems best handled and most sociable. Unlike young weaners a sow will already have developed her personality and you're not likely to be able to change it easily 
Good luck and keep us posted,
Karen

[Porterlauren]

Hmmmmm some more food for thought there . . . .

To be honest I'm open to ANY suggestions.

The criteria are - ease of handling, hardiness, mothering ability (and litter size), popular. As well as meat qualities.

The sow would be producing pure bred weaners to sell at certain times of year (via AI) and be used to produce x breeds for meat at other times of year (probably with a large white / pie train / landrace again via A.I).

They will be farrowed in a barn but outdoor reared.

[Berkshire Boy]

It will also depend on where you are as to availability of certain breeds. What part of the country are you?

[Porterlauren]

South Wales