Proud pig farmer

07-08-2014 Meet Mr Ai Padong: a 47 years old mixed farmer in Bulangshan Man-ma, a small village in the south of Yunnan (China). He owns 12 hectares agricultural soil where he grows banana trees, corn, sweet potatoes and several other vegetables. And he has 30 small ear pigs. He is member of Man'an Small Ear pig cooperative. The cooperative gives him advice on selection sows for breeding purposes, on health control and on earmarking. Furthermore he can buy forage from the cooperative for an affordable price.

The pigsties are in the valley while his house is in the village in the mountains. The pigs are spread over four stables. Some stables are built of stones and the other is made of wood and a concrete floor. In the stables are farrowing pens and group pens for pregnant sows, young sows and a boar.

In the past he ran the farm with his brother, but now he does the work with his 20years old son. His son also works on other farms in the neighbourhood where he helps with harvesting tea, bananas or vegetables. His wife Lou Yi San Wen and two other children also help sometimes on the farm.

Mr Ai Padong is since 2 years a member of the Man’an Small Ear pig cooperative. He indicates that he has benefited from his membership and support from the cooperative. That’s why his son is also a member of the cooperative. By selling through the cooperative he makes more profit. Furthermore he has access to good agricultural advice. Being a proud member of the cooperative he has a board at the entrance of his farm stating that he is member of the Man’an Small Ear pig cooperative.