PIG: Tales from an Organic Farm

by Helen Browning, Tim Finney

What is it about the humble pig that holds such a special place in our hearts?

In a frosty field on the longest night of the year, eight little piglets snuffle their first breaths, and jostle close to their mother to feed...

So begins the life of the farm animal that you think you already know. But think again...

This is the magical account of the life and times of a gang of Saddleback pigs, from one of the most forward-thinking organic farmers in the United Kingdom.

Helen Browning shines a light on the secret lives of these mischievous, intelligent, and inventive animals - and shares her vision for the future of ethical farming.

If you liked The Secret Life of Cows and A Shepherd's Life , you'll love this evocative and illuminating tale...


What people are saying about

'A woman who won't be cowed in the war against titan farms' - Independent

'Pioneering' - Guardian

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2022

Reviews

[Liz Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book - the passion and care with which Helen, Tim and their family approach farming, food and the future (and they way they have dealt with massive challenges and adversities along the way), is incredible. I’m possibly a little biased because I’m lucky enough to have worked for Helen and Tim as their head chef several years ago and I honestly feel very lucky and honoured to have spent even just a couple of years as part of Eastbrook and The Royal Oak. Special people - lovely book.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. Food for thought, quite literally! And, the pig racing chapter had me roaring with laughter. A must read for anyone with morals and values.

[Belinda Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read. The lovely visual language helped me imagine being tucked up with the pigs. The importance of provenance, animal welfare and quite possibly the reality of reducing our meat intake was very thought provoking. What a lovely book.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much more than I ever expected. When I read the summary in the library catalogue it looked like a nice light feel good tale of organic farm life. And yes that was all part of it, but goes way past nice tale into the serious deep business planning and administering and even more importantly I gained a much deeper understanding of the complex issues involved with dealing with legislation changes and the on flow impact on food supplies resulting from government policy.
Yes it is focused on the UK situation and the Brexit challenges and yes I am reading it in the midst of the world wide Covid pandemic and the wider awareness of the fragility of everyone's food supply chains.
I have a lot more depth to add to my personal musings on decisions as to how much; if any ; meat will continue to be a part of my diet.
And all this thinking and depth tucked cleverly and in a very delightful and easy read of "tales of life on an organic farm"
I hope that as many people who eat will read this or similar books and as a result give some serious thought to their own food chain and food miles.

[Michael Rumney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helen Browning takes the reader through what it means to run an organic farm in England. The farm is diverse but the author focuses on pig farming.
She spotlights a group of pigs which she confesses she doesn't normally do as she knows most will be slaughtered and giving them a personality she does feel conflicted.
Her other passion apart from pigs is being chief executive of the Soil Association which promotes a more humane, healthy and organic future for farming and food.
These sections of the book felt more like a lecture and my interest started to wane about this topic.
However Browning pulls it around when she gets back to the pigs. You realise they are no easy paths in pig farming or any farming for that matter.
This was written before the impact of the pandemic and Brexit are known and you can't help thinking how the farms has coped through these events.

[Helen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

As somebody that struggles with meat and the facts about it at the moment , this book was truly amazing and informative! It really made me judge my self !! presently I don’t eat any red meat and haven’t Mooney for several months , this is for a variety of reasons,environment, cruelty and last but certainly not least health!
However I must applaud Helen Browning of her knowledge and wonderful writing style ..
It certainly made me re-evaluate my decisions but this didn’t change .. An extremely good read and seriously recommend.. This book will be staying on my shelf .,
From maiden name Helen Brown !!!!

[Lucinda Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Despite not eating meat, the love of the land, its animals and its future shone through. And I have always loved pigs and have learnt a great deal more about their care. So few are tuned into the turning of the seasons, the dangers to our future but this family are not. They are trying to lead the way. Heartwarming.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, informative book.
I am really pleased to know how much the quality of the pigs' lives matter to Helen and everyone on Eastbrook farm and horrified to learn of the '60 harvests' deadline.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must-read, no matter who you are. grows a deeper appreciation for stewardship, thoughtfulness around our relationships to animals, land, wildlife, and the food systems in which we participate, all against the backdrop of climate crisis. written vividly and honestly, and left me inspired & in awe.

[David Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book I didn't finish but that was only because it was due back at the library and I hadn't invested enough time in it to get too far.

[Phoebe Jephson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So utterly thought provoking. A truly captivating way to alter ones opinion or develop ones opinion on organic farming and the future of our agricultural system.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone with an interest in sustainable farming should read this

[Sophie Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but found the diary style meant some sentences/points were a bit repetitive.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the organic side of pig farming. Insightful, educational and inspiring. Hope to visit her farm!