KuneKune Herd

They are a heritage breed of lard pig originating from New Zealand. They are of small to medium size, with docile/friendly temperaments and flavorful meat.

As a slow-growing, small to medium-sized lard breed, they do yield smaller pork cuts with higher fat content than most pigs; however, their exceptional flavor, meat quality & health benefits compensates for the smaller size.

Pasture-grazied kunekune pork is a darker red than conventionally raised pork, similar to the color of beef. It is also higher in Omega 3 fatty acids and lower in saturated fats. The robust flavor of pasture-grazied kunekune pork, paired with the intramuscular fat that runs throughout the meat, truly elevates the quality of our pork cuts. The fat in kunekune pork is not only delicious, it also has numerous health benefits, due to containing high levels of oleic acid.  

Kunekune pigs are well-known for their superior feed conversion efficiency. Compared to traditional pig breeds, they can convert grass and forage into meat much more efficiently, presenting a sustainable option for meat production. This process benefits the environment and makes kunekunes more affordable even with a longer growout time. Kunekunes require some grain, but they eat significantly less than other pig breeds. Breeding stock can be easily maintained on just 1.5 to 2 lbs of feed per day, while feeders require 2 to 3 lbs per day.

Maintaining breeding stock of a traditional pig breed is three times more expensive, if not more, than maintaining breeding stock of kunekune pigs, due to feed costs alone. Additional expenses include type of equipment needed, wear and tear on equipment and fencing, as well as safety measures during handling. These factors are among the reasons why we have selected kunekune pigs for our farmstead.

Their excellent maternal instincts, low maintenance requirements, remarkable personalities, and ability to graze without damaging the land make them one of the most suitable breeds for small farms, homesteads, and novice pig owners.

 Our Registered Breeding Stock originates from farms that specialize in breeding kunekune pigs for "200 in 12" genetics. This specific breeding program focuses on raising kunekune pigs that can achieve a weight of 200+ pounds within 12 months or less & improved carcass data. These pigs are bred to mature rapidly and reach a larger size compared to the standard kunekune growth rate, which can result in 200lbs possibly in 18 to 24 months. The "200 in 12" program prioritizes a superior meat-to-fat ratio and faster-growing kunekune genetics.

Through selective breeding and high-quality feed sourced from Earlybird (Local Mill), our kunekune pigs have the potential to reach weights of 200+ pounds in as little as 12 months, while still maintaining their status as a slow-growing heritage breed.

It should be noted that our herd is still developing; not all piglets will reach 200 pounds in 12 months. 

However, with each retained pig that meets or exceeds the desired weight gain, conformation & correct kunekune traits for Registration, we are able to improve the consistency of higher finishing weights within our herd.