Pigs Competition History

The RAS pig competition is among the oldest, dating back to the Society’s second annual Show, held in 1824. That year prizes were offered for the ‘best Colonial bred Boar pig, not exceeding 2 years old’ and ‘best Colonial bred Sow Pig, not exceeding 2 years old’.  Both were won by a Mr John Pye.

 

By 1858 classes had only slightly expanded:

 

Best & second-best boar

Best & second-best sow

Best & second-best fat pig

 

Pigs were classified as Colonial bred in their section until 1869 when they were then divided into classes organised by size – large breed, small breed, and any other kind.  Long-bodied breeds were later included. These classifications reflect the wider state of pig breeding at the time, as distinctive, named breeds were only just being to emerge in Britain.

 

In 1870 Fat Pigs appeared as a separate class, and in 1872 specific breeds of pigs were judged for the first time in classes further delineated by size. By 1881 classes were organised by size and colour (black or white), and in 1888 Fat Pigs were divided into Bacon Pigs and Porkers for the first time.

 

A prize for the heaviest pig was given in 1892, 1896 and 1899-1902.

 

Outbreaks of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) caused the cancellation of the competition in 1904-1905, 1927-1929, and 1962-1963.

 

 

Timeline for the introduction of breeds and competitions

1892      Berkshire

1900      Tamworth

1906      Large Black

1907      Poland-China

1910      Yorkshire - Large and Middle

1922      Most successful exhibitor award

1924      Duroc-Jersey

1936      Large White

1937      Carcass competition (live and dressed weight judged)

1939      Wessex Saddleback

1959      Landrace

1972      Ultrasonic (scanogram) on hoof competition

1973      Stockmen’s competition

1983      Commercial classes, Performance classes

1987      Tocal tested classes

 

Note: some breeds may have been exhibited earlier before breed-specific classes were introduced.