Black Orchard runs two different smallholding courses:
This course not only takes you through the legalities of owning pigs and everything you need to think about and do before they arrive and once you collect them, but also explains the process of choosing an abattoir, what to expect on the day you take your pigs off, and selling and marketing your delicious pork afterwards.
If you want to raise weaners for meat and don't know where to start, this course is for you.
This course will take you through what to consider when choosing your smallholding, things to look out for when viewing, the legalities of owning land and livestock, everything you need to consider when choosing your animals, plus ways of making a small income from your holding.
If you want to move to a smallholding in Wales and get livestock, then this is the course for you.
On both courses theory is taught in one of our barns, and there is a variety of practical activities around the farm; you can do as much or as little as you fancy. The courses include elevenses, a delicious lunch made with our own pork*, cake for tea, tea or coffee throughout the day, and a professionally printed, comprehensive, illustrated course handbook.
*vegetarians and some food allergies can be catered for.
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The courses, excluding the two day Pig, Poo & Porkers Experience, are £99 per person or £170 per couple*, with places limited to four individuals or three couples.
The courses run from 1000 to around 1600
Custom courses are also available on a date to suit you, at £200 per couple - we will tailor the course to cover exactly what you want to know.
Dates and further details of each course can be found on the relevant course pages
Please see our Terms and Conditions here
* For the purposes of the course a couple is defined as two people either from the same household or who will be keeping pigs or animals together under one CPH.
Feedback for Black Orchard Courses
"A wonderful day's learning on the Pig to Pork course, highly recommended. Very thorough and interesting, covering all aspects of pig care including the important and easily overlooked legal stuff.
Massive thank you. Can't wait to sample your meat box too, great to see such ethically raised pigs living healthy, happy lives."
"A friend and I spent a day at Black Orchard doing the 'Mud, Poo & Porkers' course.
It is one of the best courses I have done. There was a great balance between theory and practical hands on work. Sue and Stephen are very passionate about the land and animals they care for and it was noticeable throughout the day!"
"Thank you so much for a fantastic day and a hands on experience!! Loved every second of a very informative day and the pigs are soooooo cute!"
"What a brilliant day !!! Great course, great company, great people, great pigs, great food and great instruction."
"I was lucky enough to come along to the course yesterday. An excellent course delivered in such a relaxed, yet informative way, it is clear you love and care for your pigs, this shines through as does your enthusiasm for the breed.
As for the sausages and pork bap you served us as part of the course - divine!
I heartily recommend the course to anyone considering getting pigs."
"Loved the course, learnt a lot and feel more prepared for the pig keeping journey. Thank you."
"Outstanding course from start to finish. Very informative without being boring. Sue and Stephen’s passion is infectious and along with the simple itinerary made the day absolutely marvellous."