Welcome to the Pig Sty
I’m Helen, a self taught farmer, writer, and advocate for food security and farming. I ran a free range pig operation in Hampshire and learned the craft the slow way by early mornings, careful hands, and listening to people who knew the land. I’m not farming right now, but the work continues here and I’m writing about farming in the UK as it is and as it could be.
What you’ll find
Stories from real farms and lessons from life with pigs
Clear, readable synthesis of agricultural reports and policy updates
Advocacy for regenerative and agroecological farming that keeps small places alive
The Agstacker - a monthly community newsletter collating the best in food and farming
My day job I’m currently the Communications & Outreach Officer at Farms Not Factories, sharing stories from farmers and highlighting the systems that shape their livelihoods.
What keeps me writing is simple, its real farms, real food and real people. I’m building this with readers who want clarity over noise and care about the future of food and farming. To give you a flavour of my work why not begin with Why I Still Believe in Farming.
I’ve seen land heal after neglect, neighbours share feed, and strangers become friends. I’ve watched piglets find their feet and felt the quiet pride of a well turned field. Farmers are innovators, caretakers, and fighters and they don’t give up when the odds are stacked.
I promise to keep telling these stories, pushing for better policy, and building community - from wherever I’m writing from.
If that matters to you, you’re at home here.
Best wishes,
H x
I would love to hear from you and can be found at helenrfreeman435@gmail.com
A few of my favourite posts
