Did you have a fry for your breakfast this morning? Perhaps, because it is Friday, you had a few rashers of bacon in a buttie or enjoyed the full works with sausages, eggs, tomatoes and potato bread.
It is thanks to our hard working pig farmers that we can enjoy delicious pork. Whether its bacon and sausages for our breakfast, ham sandwiches for our lunch, pulled pork burgers for our dinner, or a roast on Sundays, there are so many cuts to enjoy!
Rathmourne Pig Farm in County Down, a host farm in 2014, will be taking part in Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend 2016. This is a ‘birth to bacon’ unit with 150 sows and approximately 1,500 pigs. Run by William Bingham, the farm has developed over the years by adding new pig accommodation, a bore well for water and recently a wind turbine. In association with the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum, there will be a cookery demonstration on the farm so visitors can sample some pork and get inspiration for meals at home.
Kenny Gracey of Forthill Farm in County Armagh is also taking part in Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend once again, after hosting back in 2012 and 2013. Kenny is passionate about Rare Breeds and you will find many on the farm such as Tamworth and Old Gloucester Spot pigs as well as Longhorn Cattle. There you will be able to purchase items from the farm shop on site including dry cured bacon and gammon using the old traditional methods and succulent pork roasts and belly of pork. All their pork is free range.
Both these farms will be open on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June. You can find out more information about all the farms mentioned over on our farm section.
Want to enjoy some local pork produce but are need some inspiration? Check out these tasty recipes:
Did you know?
The Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum is comprised of processors, producers, the grain trade, government and scientists all supporting Northern Ireland interests, actively participates in market research, promotion and technical investment for the industry.
The pigmeat supply chain within Northern Ireland is an important sub-sector of the agri-food supply chain and by buying the label you are supporting over 400 farming families and 2,000 local jobs.
