Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Does your product contain soy?

Answer

We are looking to become utterly soy-free in the coming months. We recently changed our pig feed to a home-grown mix without any soy. However, in the meantime, our sausage does contain soy in the mix.

Question 2

Where can I buy your produce?

Answer

You can purchase our entire range of products from our online shop, and we offer free local delivery with your order! We also regularly attend our local produce markets to take a small range of products. We also offer Click & Collect for the local markets to avoid disappointment. See our website for more details

Question 3

How do I make good crackling?

Answer

It’s a secret! But why not check out our recipes page for some top tips!

Question 4

How do you cure your bacon?

Answer

We use a dry cure for our back and streaky bacon. The curing process takes two weeks, but the end product is worth the wait!

Question 5

Can I return my items?

Answer

Sadly we cannot accept returns due to the nature of the products. However, if there is genuinely a problem with your pork, please get in touch with us, and we’ll happily replace or provide you store credit.

Question 6

My bacon is fatty, is this normal?

Answer

Entirely, our pigs are free-range and carry a layer of fat that is full of flavour; this is real fat, unlike anything you will experience from a supermarket product. We recommend cooking first before removing the rind if it's really not for you.

Question 7

Do you sell whole pigs?

Answer

Yes, we often sell pigs for hog roasts or catering events; it’s best to contact us so we can personally discuss your needs.

Question 8

Where can I find sausage ingredients?

Answer

All our products come labelled if yours is missing you can also find more information in the product descriptions with our online shop.

Question 9

Are your sausages gluten free?

Answer

We have a variety of sausages available to buy; please check each item for guidance on ingredients. If you would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Question 10

Where is the farm?

Answer

We rotate the land in which the pigs graze regularly. We farm on land between Hook & Old Basing. Pigs can be quite destructive on the land, and we do not overgraze any one site.

Question 11

How often do you move the pigs?

Answer

We follow the crop rotation on the farm! Pigs have many benefits to arable farming. Therefore, we move the pigs onto the fields planted for crops after harvest and move onto grass pasture for summer/spring whilst the crop grows.

Question 12

What do your pigs eat?

Answer

Our pigs have a rich diet of home-grown barley, wheat and micronised peas which we mill on the farm. On top of this, our pigs are free-range and are free to forage the ground. British Saddlebacks are great foragers and require the additional food source and benefit from the enrichment.

Question 13

Are your pigs’ free-range?

Answer

Yes, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our pigs are totally outdoor reared & bred and free to roam the land.

Question 14

Can we visit the farm?

Answer

We are a working farm, so generally we’re not open to the public. However, please get in touch with us as we love sharing what we do where we can!

Question 15

Do you have open days?

Answer

We’re hoping to offer some open days in Summer 2022, so keep an eye out on our social posts for more.

Question 16

Do you have a farm shop?

Answer

Sadly we don’t operate a farm shop, but we are regularly at local markets and have an online shop with free local delivery.

Question 17

Do you use antibiotics on your farm?

Answer

We do not believe in the regular use of antibiotics on our farm; it’s not natural. However, there are some cases where medical attention is/will be required.

Question 18

Are you inspected by local environmental health?

Answer

Yes, many of our activities are regulated and monitored by environmental health, and we’re pleased to share that we have been awarded 5/5 stars from Hart Council.

Question 19

Do you butcher your pork?

Answer

We use local butchers to butcher, package & label our produce.

Question 20

What is bloodline conservation?

Answer

Saddleback pigs are native breed pigs and are a mix of the Wessex and Sussex saddleback breeds. On the rare breed of survival trust register, they are an ‘at risk’ breed. We support the British pig association in preserving these gentle giants, and we need to eat more native breed pork.

Question 21

Why do we only produce saddleback pork?

Answer

Saddlebacks are registered as ‘at risk’, which means that there are fewer than 1000 left; these are made up of several tracked bloodlines. We try to focus as much of our efforts on targeting the bloodlines with the fewest numbers and then breed these lines. We then share the litters with other breeders across Britain, helping to continue the patronage of the bloodline.

Question 22

How many pigs do we keep?

Answer

We keep between 250 and 500 pigs throughout the year. This ensures we can genuinely care for our pigs and give them the space they need to live happy, healthy lives!

Question 23

Do you breed your own pigs?

Answer

Yes, we have an outdoor breeding program. Our breeding program supplies our free-range produce, but we also conserve rare bloodlines of the Saddleback breed. We currently have two boars and 16 sows.

Question 24

What age do you separate your piglets from sows?

Answer

We ‘wean’ our piglets at eight weeks. Our sows farrow in groups but have access to individual arks. This allows the sows to share the care of their litters, ensures the mums are not over milked and allows piglets to benefit from the nutrition of the mother’s milk for as long as possible without causing stress to the sow.

Question 25

How far do your pigs travel?

Answer

We have access to a vast array of land between Hook & Old Basing. Our pigs travel between sites in small groups. When it’s time for a pig to leave our farm, we only have to travel 8 miles to a small abattoir in Farnborough. It is vital that the pigs don't get stressed, and if the conditions aren’t right, we won't travel our pigs!

Question 26

Do you sell your piglets?

Answer

We do sell our piglets once they have been weaned to responsible homes. Get in contact to find out more.

Question 27

Do you sell to the trade?

Answer

Yes! We love seeing our pork in local shops, cafes and restaurants. For trade enquiries, get in touch! info@thewoodlandpigco.co.uk

Question 28

Do you offer catering?

Answer

Yes, please check out our catering and events page for more.

Question 29

Do you offer hog roasts?

Answer

Yes, please check out our catering and events page for more.

Question 30

Can I buy all of your products at the markets?

Answer

We will bring a wide selection of products to the market. Due to availability, we can't guarantee that the complete range will be available on any given day. To ensure you receive the products you want, use our Click and Collect service.

Question 31

What is 'click and collect'?

Answer

Click and Collect allows you to purchase our pork products through the website and then collect them at the market. This guarantees you will get the items you desire. And, you will not need to pay any delivery fees.

Question 32

How do I 'click and collect'?

Answer

Order the products you desire through our website. When you go to checkout, select to Collect from either Fleet Market or Odiham market when you choose the shipping options.

Question 33

What is the latest I can order for click and collect?

Answer

To prepare your products, we require all orders to be placed by 5 PM the day before the market. If you miss the deadline, we'll always have a good selection of produce at the market, so we will hopefully be able to supply your desired products if you come and pop by on the day.

Question 34

Are you always at The Fleet Market?

Answer

We try to be at the Fleet market as much as we can be. There will be some times through the year we cannot attend. Check our social media posts to see the dates we are next in attendance.

Question 35

Are you always at the Odiham market?

Answer

We try to be at Odiham market as much as we can be. There will be some times through the year we cannot attend. Check our social media posts to see the dates we are next in attendance.

Question 36

Supporting Small Pig Farms

Answer

During periods of high demand, when our own farm may face limitations in meeting the increased requirements, we actively seek to support other small pig farms. This practice allows us to avoid over-processing our pigs and ensures the humane treatment of animals.

Question 37

Use of 'Off Our Farm Pork'

Answer

Rest assured, we prioritise 'off our farm pork' only when our own supply cannot meet the demand. This means that whenever possible, we utilise the pork from our own farm, where we maintain the highest standards of animal care and welfare.

Question 38

Trust in Local Farmers

Answer

When we do purchase pork from external sources, we do so exclusively from local farmers whom we know and trust. These farmers adhere to the same stringent welfare standards that we maintain on our farm. We take pride in supporting local agriculture and promoting ethical animal husbandry practices.

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Frequently Asked Questions