Pedigree breeders took control of their Association again after several years of dominance by commercial interests. During this period four new imported breeds had joined the native breeds already recorded. These were the Chester White, Duroc and Hampshire from North America and the Pietrain from Europe. Of the three American breeds only two were able to find a place in the UK production system; the Duroc and to a lesser extent the Hampshire. The Chester White is no longer bred in this country. The Pietrain has also established itself in a small niche for crossbreeding.

So today the BPA represents a dozen breeds classified into two committees. The Modern breeds committee and the Traditional breeds committee. The Modern breeds are: Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, Large White, Pietrain and Welsh and the aim of the Modern Breeds committee is to promote and develop the role of pedigree pigs in mainstream commercial pork production both within the UK and overseas. The Traditional breeds are: Berkshire, British Saddleback, Gloucestershire Old Spots, Large Black, Middle White and Tamworth and the aim of the Traditional Breeds committee is to ensure the survival of Britain’s traditional breeds through the development of niche markets and the implementation of conservation programmes.

Pedigree breeders have always been committed to passing on their knowledge to the next generation. This tradition, which once meant learning the points systems for judging different breeds, continues in a thoroughly modern way today. The latest generation of pedigree breeders make use of the latest computerised selection methods whilst still striving to produce practical pigs that will work well on farm.

TOP:A high index Duroc boar. MIDDLE: This champion gilt at the Toronto show was imported to Britain. BOTTOM: One of the early Pietrain imports for distribution.