Meet the pig breed favoured by Jeremy Clarkson
14th October 2024
At-risk pig breed Oxford Sandy and Blacks are making a comeback after becoming virtually extinct – and were Jeremy Clarkson’s breed of choice when he took on pig production.
Fans of Clarkson’s Farm will remember the look of dismay on rural adviser Charlie Ireland’s face when Jeremy Clarkson shared his plans a new farming venture – pigs.
The TV star turned farmer opted for Oxford Sandy and Blacks – bringing the rare and at-risk breed into the limelight.
We spoke to Paul Burton, committee member of the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Society, to learn more about the breed.
- What are the breed’s key characteristics?
The Oxford Sandy and Black pig, otherwise known as the ‘plum pudding pig’, is one of the oldest native breeds of pigs in the UK.
It is a medium to large, hardy pig that is very docile and has excellent mothering abilities, raising good size litters.
They produce top quality pork, fine bacon and excellent hams.
2. Is it suitable for farmers who are new to pig keeping?
Yes, they are easy to keep with a fantastic temperament, easy to handle with a striking appearance which make them very suitable for first time pig keepers.
3. Is it better suited to certain areas/management systems?
The Oxford Sandy and Black pig thrives in every part of the UK from the southern tip of Cornwall to the top of Scotland. Coping well outdoors all year round, in all-weather types and different terrains the UK has to offer.
4. Having been virtually extinct, is it making a comeback?
Yes, slowly but surely the numbers are on the rise. They are ‘at risk’ on the RBST watchlist with between 300-500 pigs nationally. It is important to only breed from registered stock to help with the conservation of the breed.
5. Do you think Clarkson’s Farm has raised the breed’s profile?
Most definitely. It has been very good publicity for the breed, which is always a good thing. The more people that know about this wonderful breed the better and hopefully it will attract new breeders to help with the conservation of the breed.
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A timeline of the breed
1800s: The exact origin of the breed is lost in antiquity, but the original Oxford Sandy and Black is believed to have developed some two centuries ago in Oxfordshire.
Vera Bosley and Ernest Holloway were the last original breeders in Oxfordshire along with the Blackwell family.
1962: Ernest Holloway died and, as his son did not want to breed OSBs, the Jack boar went to the Blackwell family just down the road at Dean (Charlbury) and lived until 1967.
Many of Ernest Holloway’s gilts/sows went indirectly to a farmer at Chasewoods farm, next door to Ernest Holloway’s farm at Leafield and then to Andrew Sheppy.
1971: The Chasewood farmer obtained his first gilt 53 years ago from the Blackwells, eventually building up to 15 sows.
1990: This uninterrupted bloodline was dispersed and the final eight gilts then went to Joe Henson of Guiting Power.
1973: The Rare Breeds Survival Trust was formed giving hope for the breed, but the Trust decided not to recognise the OSB meaning that the dedicated breeders remained alone in conserving the breed and the decline continued to the brink of extinction.
1985: A few enthusiasts continued to keep the breed and numbers revived to such an extent that the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Society was formed after its founder secretary, Steven Kimmins, contacted all known breeders.
With the help and support of chairman Andrew J. Sheppy and president Geoffrey Cloke, the first herd book was put together.
Both Andrew Sheppy and Geoffrey Cloke were dedicated to the breed, the society and its continuation. The breed owes its survival to them.
Nearly 40 years later the committee and the society are still enthusiastic to keep the breed alive with the conservation, promotion and education of the breed.
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