Lets rootle

Here we are in September and what a thrill it is to bring you our second magazine. The compliments have been off the scale with how you enjoy the new format and easy to read content. Thank you!

We can not let this edition go by without mentioning the sad loss of our Sovereign and Monarch, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, she was a great supporter of the countryside and farming and will be a great loss to our Country. God Save the King.

What can we do to prepare ourselves?

Not long now to our Exhibition and Sale, we are so looking forward to meeting you all even if you have nothing to sell or buy it is a wonderful opportunity to come and mingle. Our venue has changed due to requests, and so we listened. The East of England

Showground seemed to be the best solution with easy and accessible routes from all corners of the UK. There will be a hog roast for us to enjoy and for those taking part in the exhibition; rosettes, prize money and the Andrew Sheppy trophy with glass bowl for the champion. Its all good fun. The auction will take place after lunch allowing us all to get away for around 16:30 hrs. We will have a judge, to be announced nearer the time, and Louise Blenkhorn, our Charity vet will also be in attendance. The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation is the only pig breed-specific registered charity in the UK, it is something to be proud of and be apart of. As you know, the Charity is constantly finding ways to help you, as we know it's not easy at the moment and it looks like we are all going to have to dig deep. Whether you are an Independent Producer, Breeder or Keeper, we strive to develop programmes and initiatives that help you and support you in keeping our breed safe, ensuring that we are creating a better future for our breed, its breeding potential and bloodlines. Please keep an eye on our website and facebook to see what is our next project and what we are doing to help you. This year has been tough, and we face even tougher times ahead as we move in to Winter. Feed prices will continue to fluctuate but will stablise as we see a positive downward trend. This is due to a signed deal between Russia and Ukraine which took place on 22 July 2022 for the grain export to resume from the ports of the Black Sea. Straw and hay will be fluctuating, compounded with household bills rising, which does not make the future of pig keeping any easier. Therefore, it will not surprise you to learn that we are noticing an increase in breeders giving up, the impact being that the number of pig breeds in the UK is in decline. Thankfully, the Oxford Sandy and Black has not been as badly impacted as other breeds. The implementation of the Fostering Programme has given some light relief within our community and has proven to be a huge success.

● Order bedding and hay now, ● Speak with your feed merchant and agree a bulk cost for feed at today's prices going forward, ● Look at your direct debits. You will find that by cancelling one or two DD will help pay for extra bags of feed or perhaps put that money in a saving pot to go towards those household bills. If the direct debits can not be justified then this is where you can save. ● Order your disinfects for the farm/holding. ● Fill those Jerrycans. One for unleaded, one for red diesel, one for regular diesel. African Swine Fever is being covered in this edition of The Sandy Pig magazine. Nicola Gumery who heads up the Bureau, which is responsible for the pig movements, eAML2, will be enlightening us about all the other departments that her dedicated and efficient team are responsible for. The Trustees are reading your views and noticing the great work you are doing on the Charity facebook platform, it is overwhelming to see the enthusiasm and inspiration shared, we want you to know that we are here for you, to help you and guide you. We take many calls and messages of help and support so please do not suffer in silence. If there is something you wish us to cover in the next edition of the Sandy Pig magazine we will be very happy to hear from you.