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In an exciting development at Hurst Farm, one of their prized pigs, Apple, a rare Middle White breed, has given birth to a litter of 10 piglets. Apple, who was brought to Hurst Farm from in Billinghurst in July, underwent a smooth labour, lasting three hours. The pregnancy followed the traditional 3-month, 3-week, and 3-day gestation period that pigs are known for.
Tom Hutchin, Hurst鈥檚 Grounds Manager, praised the teamwork involved in bringing the piglets into the world. “Hannah was amazing and helped with the birth of every piglet”. Hannah Harvey, Executive Assistant to the CFO and COO, enjoyed getting her hands dirty to help deliver the piglets.
In line with their dedication to conserving the breed, Hurst Farm plans to sell the piglets as weaners at around 10鈥�12 weeks old while retaining two of the gilts (young female pigs) for future breeding, ensuring the continuation of the Middle White line. The remaining piglets will be sold back into the industry. Plum, a Saddleback who also arrived at Hurst Farm in July, will follow a similar breeding plan to Apple, aimed at increasing the Saddleback population in the UK.
Hurst Farm is registered with the British Pig Association (BPA), meaning the births will be officially logged in the BPA鈥檚 national registry鈥攁 vital step in tracking and boosting the numbers of this rare breed across the UK. After a couple of litters, the plan is to retire Apple and Plum from breeding and let them live the remainder of their lives happily on Hurst Farm.
Hurst Farm remains committed to its mission of supporting rare breeds, and this latest arrival marks a key moment in their ongoing efforts to preserve British farming heritage.
