New arrivals at Tom’s Farm

Spring is the time for new arrivals at the farm and we have been excited to welcome back two young Middle White pigs who are very friendly. The Middle White has a very gentle nature. The breed roots less than other breeds of pig and is thus more suitable for certain outdoor systems.

The breed was known as “The London Porker” because of high demand for Middle White pork in the capital. However, the increasing demand for lean pigs for bacon production led to a decline in the Middle White’s numbers in the UK leading to these being a rare breed.

We are also delighted to welcome 12 White-faced Woodland ewes who are in lamb on loan from Mudchute Park and Farm, to provide a fantastic opportunity for our learners to be a part of lambing and see the miracle of life. We have had lambs born already which will give our learners an opportunity to be apart of lambing and see the miracle of life.

The Whitefaced Woodland is one of the largest hill breeds and is a powerful, well balanced sheep. They originated in the Pennines on the borders of Derbyshire and Yorkshire and developed from Blackfaced Linton type of mountain sheep. The Cheviot and the Merino were also used in the breed’s development. The breed is now widespread and popular with both commercial farmers and smallholders.

The Whitefaced Woodlands are designated a Rare Breed. With lambing these here at NCA we are not only giving our learners an insight of reproduction and farming, but also conserving our rare and native breeds.