Linda McDonald-Brown looks back at two days of piggy fun at the RWAS festival.

Turning Japanese, the title of a song by the 80’s pop group The Vapours, could well have given the Wales and Border Pig Breeders Association the idea behind this year’s pig feature, The Japanese Garden. Year on year their ideas and features depicting the heritage of a traditional breed have become more and more impressive and this year was no exception, delighting visitors and exhibitors alike.

This year it was the Berkshire pig and its importance to Japan that was celebrated. Revered by the Emperor of Japan, it is the only pig that is allowed into the country without being taxed and is so popular with the Japanese for its meat, that many are exported annually from the UK. Happily the two Berkshire weaners, supplied by Green Meadow Community Farm in Cwmbron didn’t seem to mind temporarily living in a minimalist Japanese garden complete with Japanese plants, temple and water fountain Pig classes were well attended and the standard high, despite Devon County Show being held over the same weekend. Overall a final number of 134 pigs entered the ring with the eventual Supreme championship going to last year’s Championship winner, Cornish pig keeper Edward Bailey with his Saddleback sow Plane Dinah 7. A Duroc, Deva Nancy belonging to Jan Walton form Chester took Reserve Championship. This year breed societies were out in force with representatives from the Pietrain, Welsh, Oxford Sandy and Black, Large Black, British Lop and Gloucester Old Spot clubs all bringing exhibition pigs, many with a sow and litter as well as coming armed with literature about their breed.

Hospitality for visitors and exhibitors alike was amply provided by the WBPBA, who were on hand to answer questions by the visiting public and pour teas and coffee. Interest in the association and pigs in general was high, reflecting the growing number of people wishing to take up pig keeping.

Both the pet and agility classes were well supported by exhibitors.

The presence of Adam Henson, TV presenter and owner of The Cotswold Farm Park who had been called on to judge the pet classes helped draw in a large crowd, amusing them with his commentary as he judged.

However despite many well known faces in the showing world being present, Builth Wells still prides itself on being a show that encourages new talent and young handlers.

The youngest person showing, along with help from her mother Rachel Nicholas was five year old Catherine Nicolas. Catherine who walked alongside Welsh pigs taller than herself did an admirable job and is a name to watch for the future.

As is 14 year old, Carwyn Dickenson from Llanpumsaint, who was showing for the first time under his own name with his saddleback, Iris. Carwyn first started showing other people’s pigs when he was 12 and since then has gone on to win young handler classes.

He is the third generation to keep saddlebacks, but despite his background he admitted he was nervous about competing with his own pig. “I am a small fish next to big whales” he told me.

He is aware that to get placed in the ring, not only do you have to have a good pig but you have to put in the hard work and to that end he is out every day after school training his pigs.

Eventually Carwyn hopes to breed and sell the pork, but until that time comes, he plans to carry on showing and has found Builth Wells show a good show to start with.

The Junior Pig Handler classes were well supported. Victoria Taylor won the 7-12 age class with Richard Powell’s Welsh pig. The 13-17 class was won by Lucy Scudamore, a familiar face on the agility and young handler circuit. Finally the 18-21 class was won by Stevie J Wake with a Welsh pig. All three winners will go forward to compete at the BPA Hatfield show in the summer.

One of the draws of the pig classes for visitors are the agility classes and this year was no exception. The crowd were at times in stitches as competitors took their pigs round a course built by Steward Graham Pearce. Unfortunately taking pigs through an agility course is not as simple as it looks and many pigs tended to do their own thing resulting in much hilarity.

The weather may not have been brilliant, but this year’s selection of classes ensured exhibitors and visitors alike enjoyed two days of glorious piggy fun.