We currently keep Rare Breed Berkshire Pigs in the names of, Heather, Fern and Bracken along with Oliver the boar. At one time we also bred and kept Gloucestershire Old Spots and Middle Whites, but have now decided to concentrate on the Berkshires who are a rare breed, in order to help maintain those that are in danger of extinction.
The breed originated in the Thames Valley areas circa 1790. Although primarily black in colour, the Berkshire carcass dresses out completely white, and has a high proportion of lean meat to fat. The flesh is fine in texture and has a distinct flavour.
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Our current flocks are based on mainly Rare Breeds with an emphasis on Longwools,which includes the british Gotland.
Here's a little about each breed:-
Descended from the local breeds, which grazed the low ground in and around Dartmoor, they are a slow maturing breed taking some 3 years to reach maturity. They are not classed as a Hill breed. Improvements were carried out during the 19 century using the local Longwools and the Leicester Longwool.
A hardy breed able to cope with most conditions. They are known for their massive fleeces and it is often said that they produce more wool per sheep than any other breed.
A very large longwool sheep, described by the British Meat and Livestock Commission as “probably the heaviest of all our indigenous breeds”. It is a visually striking sheep with considerable presence. It has bold and alert carriage which is accentuated by its broad, level back on wide quarters and strong thighs. It has a distinctive deep blue head and ears, which should be clean except for a well developed forelock of wool, usually referred to as the “topping”. Both sexes are polled.
Fine-boned and of medium size. Hornless black head sometimes with white markings and free from wool. Bold eyes, alert medium sized ears. Small neat muzzle with even jaw and teeth set squarely on the pad. Slender neck and shoulders set smoothly into a level back with generous length, good depth and reasonable breadth of body. Slender black legs well spaced and upright. Short hair tipped tail. Dense, long, lustrous grey fleece, in shades of dark to light silver grey as shown in the picture on the home page. Clearly defined even curl and staple, soft to the touch. Calm, friendly disposition.
Dorset Down Sheep are justly known as "king of the prime lamb breed". One of the oldest breeds of native sheep, Dorset Down Sheep have a prestigious history as well as a successful future in the British farming landscape. The Dorset Down is renown for producing early maturing lambs from grass, making them ideal for organic, and other extensive farming systems. The Dorset Down Ram is also proven as the ideal Terminal Sire to virtually any other breed of sheep making it the ideal solution for modern, commercial flocks.
Corriedales originated in New Zealand but stock was introduced into the UK in the late 20th Century. They have a particularly fine crimped fleece which together with the variety of colours, makes them very popular with handspinners, felters and knitters.
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We specialise in Anglo-Nubian goats which, although less prolific in their milk production than some of the other breeds, produce a higher butterfat milk and which is therefore EXTRA delicious - Well that's our opinion, anyway. The goats are milked twice a day and produce more than enough milk to not only supply the house, but also gets turned into soft and hard cheese as well as yoghurt. Any excess milk goes to the weaner pigs and the whey (having been separated from the curds when cheese making) also goes to the pigs as a special treat.
Our herd of pedigree goats are CAE negative
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We run a fairly wide variety of hens for egg laying. From this lot we get "all the colours, in all the sizes"!
There is also a guinea fowl, who does a fabulous job of watching over the flock and anouncing any suspect 'visitors'.
We also have a few egg laying ducks.
Our Poultry and Waterfowl are DEFRA registered.
Contact Us | |
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Mandy Colbourne |
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Glynelwyn |
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Blaenwaun |
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Whitland |
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Dyfed |
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SA34 0JL | |
Telephone: | 01994 448760 |
Mobile: | 07884 170627 |
eMail: | faithmead@websdc.com |