A STUDENT at a Hereford college has ventured into pig farming to support her studies.

Jazmine Williams, an art and design foundation course student at Hereford College of Arts (HCA), is not only finding time to study and have a part time job, she has also taken on two Gloucester old spot – Landrace cross sows.

“I have always loved animals and, having grown up on the farm, taking on a farming challenge is something I have thought about for a long time,” said Jazmine, who grew up on a farm in Castlemorton, near Malvern.

“This has been the ideal time. I won’t be able to do it when I am away at university, and if I didn’t do it now I would spend a long time wondering what could have been.

Jazmine has reared 15 piglets from the sows and is prepared to say goodbye to them.

“Although the thought of them going is a little daunting, I felt more emotional during the first three days of their life,” said Jazmine.

“They are at risk of being squashed by the sow, and that’s rather distressing – especially after the incredible process of bringing them into the world.”

As well as making money from her venture, with the pork being sold and the runts moving on as pets, the experience has also been invaluable in other ways.

“I’ve had to juggle my time really effectively to make this work, and have definitely proved that I’m not afraid of hard work or new challenges,”

said Jazmine.

“It’s certainly something interesting to add to my CV, and I hope that in years to come when I have a family, I will be able to develop my farming skills further to help pro- Talents come to the fore in hedgerows Student discovers a passion for pigs vide for them.”

With A-levels in English, art and religious studies already under her belt, Jazmine plans to study philosophy next year at university. She joined HCA in September to further develop her education and passion for art.