Many people move from cities to regional areas and part of the lifestyle shift usually includes taking up ownership of small parcels of land and rearing  livestock.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) receives approximately 150 pig tattoo applications each year, from individuals wishing to take up pig ownership. DPI, in conjunction with the Bendigo Agricultural Show, is holding workshops specifically aimed to help new pig owners or those considering owning pigs. 'Pig farming – the basics’ will be held at the Bendigo Show on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October 2012.  DPI Senior Veterinary Officer Trish Holyoake said that owning pigs was a lot different to owning other livestock such as sheep or goats. “Pigs have special housing, feeding and husbandry requirements and can be very destructive to vegetation if housed outdoors without forward planning for regular pasture rotation,” Dr Holyoake said. “Pigs are also ‘special’ in terms of biosecurity and are often considered the animal species with the highest risk for introducing Foot and Mouth Disease. “It is vital that people wishing to take up pig ownership consider their options - whether they want only to produce a few pigs for home consumption, to earn pocket money for the kids, or whether their pigs will be a secondary stream of income.”

 The workshops topics will include acquiring a planning permit, breed selection, housing, nutrition and health.  Dr Holyoake said there would also be  opportunities to participate in hands-on demonstrations and the ability to view various pig breeds. 

 Places are limited to 40 people on each day so please register interest by contacting Trish Holyoake, on (03) 5430 4412 or 0419 231 534 or email  trish.holyoake@dpi.vic.gov.au.