A FARMER is attempting to spread the genetics of her unique breed pigs across the region after believing she has the only rare animal of this sort in the whole of County Durham.
For the last five years, Lisa Corcoran has had a small holding in Witton-le-Wear, where, along with her husband, has bred pigs, as well as keeping chickens, goats, and turkeys.
Despite having other pedigree animals within their care before, the farmer now believes that she has the only drove of Oxford and Sandy Black Pigs in the whole of County Durham after breeding them only six weeks ago.
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Named for its colour, which is a base of sandy brown with black patches, the breed is one of the oldest in Britain and has almost become extinct twice before.
However, thanks to farmers like Lisa and the help of the Oxford Sandy & Black Pig Charity, breed numbers of this pig are steadily climbing year-on-year.
This year, at Mrs Corcoran’s farm, ten Oxford Sandy & Black Pigs were born – building joy in the local farming community and hope of a brighter future for the breed within County Durham.
Here's the Oxford Sandy & Black Pigs:
Pictures: LISA COCORAN.
Within the opening few weeks of the pigs being born, one of the boars sadly passed away – leaving five hogs and four boars – but that hasn’t deterred the farmer – it’s just made her more determined to increase the numbers of the rare pigs.
She said: “We believe that we’re one of the only farms in County Durham to have these pigs, and we’re lucky to have them. While they’re only six weeks old, we’ve set a plan in motion to send them to farms in Teesside, Durham and North Yorkshire in order to spread the genetics.
“The pigs have struggled over recent years and we’ve worked with the Oxford Sandy & Black Pig Charity to help where we can.
More images of Oxford Sandy & Black Pigs:
Pictures: LISA COCORAN.
“The pigs require feeding three times a day and we need to watch over them at times, but they’re also a hardy animal and will be fine. Our pigs are free range and they’re able to roam all they want.
The support that Mrs Corcoran has shown to the charity extends from the usual confines of farming, though.
Before the pandemic, the Witton-le-Wear farmer ran the London Marathon in support of the animal charity – furthering the cause and the work of the charity.
Mrs Corcoran added: “Hopefully the Oxford Sandy & Black Pig can continue to thrive and thrive in County Durham for years to come.”
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