The Farmers Mart Dec/Jan 2015 - Issue 37 | Page 55

the porkery Bob the Boar Nick and Kate Akerman While there he met Kate, who is originally from Berkshire and was a teacher. She quickly bought into Nick’s passion for farming and also his wish to come back up North to start his own business. Two years of careful planning and research followed before the couple’s vision became reality. It helped that Nick is a master at finance, planning and spreadsheets. They rented a house and half a field from his father and ‘The Porkery’ was born. The couple paid tribute to the Business Growth Calderdale team who were, Kate said, “fantastic” and really helped them in a big way. The couple then moved to the cottage in Wellhouse which was the original farmhouse and part of a previous, larger farm. This is a very close knit family operation with all the land and animals housed and grazed on the sloping valley below the house. Neighbours across the valley delight in watching Nick, Kate and often their daughters, Emily and Alice, feeding the animals. LUCKY BOB THE BOAR! From such modest, careful beginnings the business has grown consistently. Pig prices were poor at the start and knowing how Yorkshire folk love pies, they started making traditional pork pies, using only the finest bread flour which is rich in protein and their own quality meat which they have now perfected - so much so they have had to invest in a mixer as demand was outstripping supply! They now have seven sows and a boar called Bob! He came from Church Farm and has been with them since the start. He is a lucky chap, because not only does he have the run of the sows, he also has own bachelor pad pen to which he can retire To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk Church Farm Home of the Rainbow Flock of Charollais Sheep & Deva Herd of Duroc Pigs The Rainbow flock of Pedigree Charollais Sheep consists of 200 ewes with only the best offspring being offered for pedigree sale. The Deva herd of Duroc Pigs consists of 12 pedigree Duroc sows and 3 pedigree Duroc boars with weaners, breeders and show stock for sale. Rainbow Charollais - T: 07710 522387 - E: [email protected] Deva Durocs T: 07949 370684 - E: [email protected] Church Farm, Backford, Chester, CH2 4BE. FarmersMart Dec/Jan 2015 55