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The tantalizing scent of bacon frying in the pan. You know it’s going to be a good day when you have delicious, homegrown bacon for breakfast. But that deliciousness starts long before the skillet. Selecting the right pig breed is the first step towards raising your own flavorful pork. This guide will walk you through choosing the best pasture pig breeds for your homestead, helping you make the perfect choice for your needs.

Homestead Pig Planning: What Do You Want from Your Pigs?

Before you decide which pig breed is right for your small farm, it’s essential to clarify your goals for raising pigs. Asking yourself the following questions will help you define your needs and make the best choice.

Questions to Consider:

• “Do I want to farrow our pigs?” Raising piglets can be rewarding, but it also requires more space, time, and resources. Consider whether you’re prepared for the added responsibility of breeding and caring for a sow and her litter. If you’re just starting out, buying piglets or feeder pigs might be a simpler option.
• “How much space do I have available for my pigs?” Pigs need adequate space to roam and root. Consider your available land and ensure you have enough room for the number of pigs you plan to raise. Overcrowding can lead to health problems and stress.
• “Do we need a pig that will work the soil, or should we avoid the rooting types of pigs?” Some breeds are more prone to rooting than others. If you’re concerned about your pasture or garden, you might want to choose a breed that roots less aggressively. 
• “What are my priorities for the freezer? Lean meat? Lard? Higher meat yields?” Different breeds excel in different areas. Some are known for their lean meat, while others are better lard producers. Consider what type of meat you prefer and choose a breed accordingly.
• “Am I wanting a quick growth rate, or are we more comfortable with a smaller, slower-growing pig?” Fast-growing breeds reach market weight sooner, but they may also require more feed. Slower-growing breeds might be a better fit for a more sustainable or less intensive approach.
• “What will I be feeding the pig? Will I be grain feeding the animal mainly, or will that be a supplement type feed?” The type of feed you plan to use can influence your breed choice. Some breeds are more efficient at converting certain types of feed into meat.

Answering these questions honestly will give you a clear picture of what you’re looking for in a pig breed and help you narrow down your choices. Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be well-equipped for choosing the best pasture pig breeds for your homestead goals and resources.

Best Maternal Breeds for Homestead Pig Production

If you’ve decided to raise pigs self-sustainably, by breeding and farrowing your own piglets, then you’ll want a breed known for its excellent maternal instinct. These instincts include things like large litter sizes, gentleness towards piglets, good milk production, and protectiveness. Here are some traditional breeds to consider:

Yorkshire

Known for their excellent mothering abilities, Yorkshires are a descendant of the Large White pigs, the most popular breed in world-wide commercial settings. They have lean meat and fast growth. Yorks have upright ears and are known for their docile temperament.

Chester Whites

Chester White pigs are great mothers and also known for their flavorful meat and adaptability to various climates. They are pigs with white downright ears and adaptable in cold climates.

Landrace

Landrace pigs have long bodies, which contribute to their large litters. They also have a good feed conversion. Landraces have large, floppy ears and a long snout.

These breeds are all white-bodied. They typically have a larger litter size, are good mothers, and the sows can produce more milk, which means that the piglets can have a heavier weaning weight. In our experience, our York and Landrace sows would usually have 11 or more piglets within each parity.

Best Pastured Pig Breeds for Homestead Pork

Most pig breeds are raised to produce quality meat. From heritage breeds prized for their flavor to modern breeds known for their lean cuts, there’s a pig for every homestead’s needs. The growing popularity of pasture-raised pork, championed by figures like Joel Salatin (a prominent advocate for sustainable farming practices), has also led to an increased interest in breeds that thrive in outdoor environments. Let’s break down the options and start choosing the best pasture pig breeds for your homestead:

Heritage Breeds of Pigs

These pigs have a long history and are known for adapting well to outdoor environments. They’re typically healthy and are a good option for small farms. However, most pig farmers in large-scale operations no longer raise these breeds because they can have a slower rate of gain and don’t reach market weight (I like to aim for a live market weight of around 300 pounds) as quickly as commercial breeds. Keep in mind that the dressed weight will be less than the live weight.

Tamworth

These red pigs are particularly valued for their bacon. Originally bred to forage for much of their own food, Tamworth pigs retain a strong foraging instinct. They’re a hardy, athletic breed. (We had a Tamworth growing up, and running was one of her favorite pastimes!) They are lean, long bodied hogs.

Berkshire

The Berkshire breed is a lard pig. The meat is juicy, tender, and often regarded as the “Wagyu of Pork.” This breed is black with white points at their ears, snout, and feet. Berkshire pigs are usually gentle and easy to work with.

Gloucestershire Old Spots

This breed of pigs are white with black spots and originated from England. The GOS pigs are good foragers and great for pasture situations. They are docile, hardy animals that have good maternal traits.

Large Black

These black pigs excel in pasture settings. The sows are great mothers and the pigs are valued for their meat and lard. The pigs are rare and the breed is docile.

Ossabaw Island Hog

The Ossabaw Island Hog is a breed of pig that is native to Ossabaw Island, Georgia. They are a small, hardy breed that are great foragers and produce delicious meat. Ossabaw Island Hogs are a rare breed, but they are becoming increasingly popular among chefs and homesteaders.

KuneKune

Looking for a smaller, gentler pig for your homestead? KuneKune pigs fit that bill! With their distinctive short snout, these pigs are natural foragers and can help you manage your pasture. They produce flavorful lard, and many homesteaders find they root less than other breeds, preserving your land. Their docile temperament makes them a pleasure to work with.

Idaho Pasture Pigs (IPPs)

A crossbreed of Berkshire, Kune Kune, and Duroc genetics, IPPs are a popular choice for homesteaders seeking manageable, pasture-raised pigs. Smaller than many commercial breeds, they are a lard-type pig known for their gentle temperament. A key advantage is their tendency to graze rather than root, minimizing damage to pastures.

Red Wattle Pigs

My friend, Holly, at Ten Acre Family Farm in Northern Indiana has experience raising Red Wattles. I asked her for her input and here’s what she shared.

“Here at Ten Acre Family Farm, we proudly raise Red Wattle Hogs, the big red pigs with fleshy red wattles hanging from their jowls. Raising RWH on our small family farm was always our dream; however, they were very uncommon in our area because they are not a breed permitted by our local 4-H. After trying several other breeds of pigs and not being completely satisfied with them we committed to finding our first RWH matriarch Caddie Woodlawn. Everything that attracted us to the Red Wattle breed during our research we found to be true. Here in Indiana, we have four distinct seasons. With negative double-digit wind-chill values in winter to triple-digit heat index values in summer, the hardy Red Wattle endures it all like a champ. Not only are RWH incredibly hardy they are also amazing foragers which contributes to their low grain consumption. Red Wattles are easily kept on pasture with hotwire fencing despite their massive size. The RWH breed has an amiable personality that often makes us forget they are some of the largest pigs of North America. The sows are fantastic mothers with litter sizes of ten to fourteen piglets and require little to no human intervention at the time of birthing. Typically, the mothers prepare for farrowing by constructing an oversized nest of dirt, sticks, and vegetation that may or may not be inside the yearlong shelter we provide. Piglets are born in a range of colors including blonde, gray, black, and red; yet it’s not uncommon for their birth color to change by the time of maturation. Since the RWH is considered a slower growing breed, we typically don’t send them to butcher until eight to ten months of age. Just like most great things in life, the dark, finely marbled meat with exceptional flavor, is always worth the wait.”

Things to Consider with Heritage Pigs

Heritage breeds are appealing to homesteaders. These pigs are gentle and often thrive being outside. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges. The smaller breeds typically require a longer growing period to reach market weight. Slower growing pigs require more feed over a longer period of time, which results in a higher feed bill. Also, because some are smaller, the yield, in terms of meat production, may be less than what you’d expect from commercial breeds. However, these homestead pigs will surpass the commercial ones when it comes to putting up lard.

Conventional Pig Breeds

Durocs

This is one of the most popular breeds throughout the United States. Durocs excel in meat production. They are muscular and lean. Durocs have a faster rate of growth and are a favorite for market hog production. This breed is not generally known for its strong maternal characteristics. Durocs are used for crossbreeding to improve market traits in offspring.

Hereford

The red and white Hereford pig, with its floppy ears, is a relatively modern breed, developed in the United States during the 1920s. We had a Hereford gilt we bred and farrowed. She was not a great mother, however Herefords do have a fast growth rate and they’re an efficient choice for meat production.

Hampshire

The black and white belted Hampshire is a lean, muscular breed often used in crossbreeding. However, their docile temperament also make them suitable for pasture-based systems. While they grow slower than Durocs, their lean meat is a valuable product for homesteaders.

Keeping Your Pasture Pigs Healthy and Well-Fed:

A common misconception is that pasture pigs can survive on grass alone. While foraging is a natural behavior and contributes to their diet, it’s not enough to sustain healthy growth and development. Pigs require a balanced diet, including grains, protein, and other essential nutrients. You’ll need to provide supplemental feed, even in a pasture environment. A self-feeder can be a convenient way to manage feeding, allowing pigs to access feed as needed and reducing the frequency of your trips to the pasture.

Space and Rooting

Providing adequate space is crucial for raising healthy and happy pigs. While some breeds adapt well to smaller, confined areas, most pigs thrive in a pasture environment where they can exhibit natural behaviors. However, it’s important to be aware that some breeds have a stronger tendency to root than others.

Rooting can be both a blessing and a curse. If you’re looking to clear land, create a new garden bed, or manage overgrown areas, pigs can be incredibly helpful! Their rooting behavior can make these tasks surprisingly easy.

On the other hand, if you want to preserve your pastures, you’ll need to implement good pasture rotation practices. This allows areas to recover and prevents excessive damage. Concerned about minimizing pasture disruption? Breeds like KuneKune, Idaho Pasture Pigs, and even Berkshires tend to root less. Remember, though, that individual pigs can vary, so even within these breeds, some individuals may root more than others.

The Best Pasture Pig For The Homestead

Choosing the best pasture pig breeds for your homestead can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! It really comes down to what works best for you. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Pigs were kind of my life while I was growing up. I competed at pig shows from Pennsylvania to California and throughout the Midwest, learning the ins and outs of raising and showing these amazing animals. We even farrowed our own pigs and sold them to other 4-Hers. This experience gave me a solid foundation in pig husbandry.

As an adult, my family continued raising pigs, initially growing out feeder pigs for friends and family. When the pandemic hit, we pivoted and began our pastured-pig operation, marketing milk-fed pork direct to consumers in our local community. These experiences have taught us a great deal about what works best for our homestead.

Another thing I’ve learned is that some of those trendy “pasture pigs” can be really expensive. They might look cute, but the price tag, slow growth rate, and feed costs can be astronomical. For our homestead, a good crossbred pig makes much more sense. They’re easier on the budget, grow faster, and often yield a heavier carcass – which means more pork for the freezer!

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Choosing the right pasture pig breeds for your homestead is a big decision, but with a little research, you can find the perfect fit for your homestead. Want to learn more about specific breeds? The Livestock Conservancy is an excellent resource for information on rare and heritage breeds. National breed registries can also provide detailed information. Oklahoma State University’s comprehensive breed list is another valuable tool.

Have questions or experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, and let’s discuss pasture pig breeds!