Couple adopt a business as pig pioneer moves on

Duncan Turnbull, of Shipton by Beningbrough, near York, has established a thriving firm called Yorkshire Meats which allows consumers to adopt a pig which they watch grow until it is ready for slaughter.

After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in politics, philosophy and economics, he has decided to embark on an exciting new enterprise – a boutique hotel in Morocco.

The new owners are North Yorkshire smallholders James and Lucy Haxton who read about the planned sale in the Yorkshire Post in January and immediately contacted Mr Turnbull.

Mrs Haxton said: "Duncan has been so supportive and before we knew it we had taken on all his pedigree pigs, www.yorkshire meats.co.uk and the adopt-a-pig brand."

The couple first got involved in the pork industry by fattening four Gloucester Old Spot piglets back in 2008.

Mr Haxton said: "It was a fantastic experience, but best of all was the quality of the meat. It was just how my grandparents remember proper pork tasting."

His wife added: "The appeal to us was knowing that our pigs had had a good diet and a good life, with plenty of space to roam and dig."

The Haxtons are in the process of renovating Habton House Farm at Little Habton, Malton, and are aiming to open an exclusive bed and breakfast by April 2011.