Cornwall’s top pork producer shines at national awards

Sally Lugg and her family are celebrating this month after Primrose Herd won national recognition once again, reinforcing the family’s credentials as one of the country’s top pork producers.

Sally, who gave up her job as a bank manager in order to rear an initially small herd of traditional breeds, has been named as Runner Up ‘Pedigree Breeder of the Year’ at The National Pig Awards. The ceremony took place at The Royal Garden Hotel in London on Tuesday 4^th November, where Sally’s category was sponsored by The British Pig Association.

The awards are a new initiative designed to recognise the dedication of pig farmers and highlight best practice, celebrating hands-on work and the achievements of people from right across the industry.

“It’s always fantastic to be shortlisted for awards of this calibre because it shows your hard work is paying off,” said Sally. “However this is something extra special as it is judged by a board of experts from within our own industry, who took account of many factors to do with the animal husbandry of our outdoor bred pigs when singling us out. It really tops off a great year for Primrose Herd and we would like to thank all of our wonderful customers for their support.”

It has been a year of exciting growth and development as Sally and Bill Lugg and their three children Rachael, Abbi and Josh, have worked towards the opening of their on-farm butchery and the launch of a new website with online ordering facilities. They are anticipating a busy Christmas as they keep the traditional face-to-face connection with local customers at farmers markets, while sending online orders of meat boxes and Christmas hampers across the UK.

The burgeoning business, which started off with just two pigs reared as a hobby, is based on non-intensive farming methods and the special qualities of traditional breeds including Gloucester Old Spots, Large Blacks, Tamworths, Welshand British Lops. The pigs are bred outdoors, and enjoy a better diet and slower growth than commercial production allows. This produces excellent marbling in the meat, a good meat and fat ratio, and a more developed flavour.

Primrose Herd are at Truro Farmers Market every Saturday. To find out more visit www.primroseherd.co.uk