SCHOOL children who are studying agriculture at Reaseheath College have selected pigs that went on to take top prizes at a premier livestock show.

The Year 10 pupils, who are aged between 14 and 15, chose six Large White x Landrace pigs for entry into the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society’s Winter Fair, one of the country’s largest and most prestigious livestock events.

Using their newly learned skills in livestock handling and care, the pupils weighed the pigs and studied the show criteria before making their selection.

The pigs, which were reared in the Nantwich college’s commercial pig unit, were awarded one second and two third prizes in the native breed, gilt and boar classes against strong competition.

The pupils, who all hope to work in the farming industry, study at Reaseheath for one day a week on a Key Stage 4 vocational opportunities programme along with their GCSE studies at school.

As well as working with the pigs they enjoy practical tasks with dairy cows and in the sheep unit. They also experience tractor driving, look at the college’s cropping systems and study the environmental impact of farming.

After two years they earn a Level 1 Diploma in land-based studies, which gives them a head start in their chosen career.

Julie Baskerville, course manager, said: “These pupils did an excellent job and chose pigs which really stood out in the crowd.

“As future farmers they need to be able to understand the market and judge which livestock will give them the best commercial return.

“Hopefully they will go on to follow rewarding careers in the industry.”