Hello Emma,
I had 2 weaners last year - got a tamworth x and a saddleback x from a local farmer, I have dreams of breeding pedigree's but was told by hubby & Dad that no way would they let me fork out for ped's without proving that I could handle them from start to finish. So Sausage & Rasher arrived in the boot of my company car (sssh don't tell !) and quickly moved into what we laughingly called a garden (corner of field that had never seen a lawnmover !) I didn't manage to attend a pig keeping course but did read 'Starting with Pigs' by Andy Case from cover to cover quite a few times and found it really useful. My girls were semi pets (my toddler refused to get out of their house on the day they arrived and the older one tried and failed misserably to ride on their backs - VERY AMUSING, especially as it was wet & very muddy) They didn't cause me many problems, except when they got through the electric fence and spent the afternnon in the kitchen with my dog !
I would definately recommend them for clearing ground our 2 made short work of 1/4 acre of very overgrown ground in 6 months (but they were only little when they moved in)
I would also recommend approaching your local fruit & veg shop, they have lots of waste that they can't/won't sell (especially in summer) and in exchange for the promise of some good pork they're usually more than happy to fill a bucket for you. This is also a good way of getting your pigs to like you and do what you want them to in reward for treats !
Anyways, sorry for the very long winded reply hope it's of some help - also check out/post on the pig and chicken forums for real expert advice !
Good luck !
Karen x
