A Brief History
In December 1883, the first pig society in England was founded. It was incorporated in 1884 as The British Berkshire Society. The first volume of the Herd Book was issued in 1885. The society amalgamated with the National Pig Breeders Association in 1927. This organisation is now known as The British Pig Association which is based in Cambridge.
The Berkshire Pig Breeders Club in its current form was founded in 1983 for three reasons;
- to promote the Berkshire breed,
- to further communication between breeders
- encourage the keeping of pedigree Berkshire pigs
The club AGM is held in March and all members are invited to attend, this meeting brings club members together to discuss all aspects of the Berkshire breed and is a good opportunity to engage with other breeders, exchange ideas and support all Berkshire breeders.
Club members receive two Newsletters a year with useful, informative and entertaining articles. The clubs Facebook page is a way of members keeping in contact, to ask questions and to buy, sell and hire Berkshire pigs.
The club is represented at most agricultural shows around the country, giving the public and prospective Berkshire breeders an opportunity to talk to established breeders.
The club holds two competitions each year;
- The champion of champions, with qualifying heats being held at shows around country, culminating the final at The Royal County of Berkshire show, held at Newbury in September
- Gilhouse & Barlings points trophies, which are presented at the AGM in March
The Berkshire pig breeders club is a great place to make friends and to talk all things Berkshire pigs.