on persimmon hill
“If Walt Disney was to draw a caricature of a pig I imagine him drawing something like a kune. It’s just a larger than life, lovely little animal,” says Staglands Wildlife Reserve founder John Simister.
Our Kunekune's
We are currently expanding our breeding lines, so check back soon to see what blood lines we have been blessed with on our farm!
We are SO excited for all the little Kunekune piggy's we will soon have running around!
They are our favorite pigs.
Your boar makes up for nearly half of your overall genetics in your herd. It's only natural that you want to always build a solid foundation to grow from. Here is our working foundation.
We are currently expanding our breeding lines, so check back soon to see what blood lines we have been blessed with on our farm!
We are SO excited for all the little Kunekune piggy's we will soon have running around!
They are our favorite pigs.
(currently sold out of registered piglets for 2022, we are adding names to our waiting list. Please message to be added!)
Your boar makes up for nearly half of your overall genetics in your herd. It's only natural that you want to always build a solid foundation to grow from. Here is our working foundation.
Click the image below to see our breeding boars.
Let us help you feed your family!
FIll your freezer with succulent pork.
All pork is grass raised, with minimal grain to meet optimal nutritional needs and USDA processed. Click the link to fill out the order form or to place a deposit to join out waitlist.
...(Order form coming soon)...
Sows
(Click the image above to see our breeding sows.)
Boars
(Click the image above to see our breeding boars.)
Boars
Sows
boars
Sows
We raise registered AKPR/IKHR and AKKPS Kunekune's in the south western part of Arkansas.
The KuneKune Pig breed was once near certain extinction. These delightful pigs were only found near the Maori Islands of New Zealand. They were kept by the Maori people and were allowed to roam around their villages.
The origin of the breed is somewhat uncertain, as there is a lack of documented information on its introduction and early population numbers in New Zealand. The general consensus is that the KuneKune were probably brought to New Zealand in the 1800's by whalers operating in New Zealand waters, and were traded with the Maoris. Pigs with similar characteristics occur in Asia, South America, and the Polynesian Islands, but the resemblance is slight and suggestive only of a possible common ancestry.
The history of the breed is one of a close association with the Maori people, and in the early 1900's were usually only found associated with Maori settlements. In early times the KuneKune were prized for their placid nature and their tendency not to roam, as they have always been a domesticated pig.
In the late 1970's the breed was 'rediscovered' and at that time it was estimated that there were only about 50 purebred KuneKunes left in New Zealand. From purebred base stock of only 6 sows and 3 boars in 1978, the KuneKune conservation program was created by wildlife park owners Michael Willis and John Simister. These two gentlemen single handedly saved the breed from extinction. Once more herds were established in New Zealand, it became clear that exporting of the breed was important. They were afraid that if disease or other natural disasters struck in New Zealand this would wipe the breed out completely. In 1992 the first KuneKunes left New Zealand to go to the UK. Additional stock was sent to the UK in 1993 & 1996.
All KuneKunes in the United States go back to either direct New Zealand or UK imported stock. There have been five importations of KuneKune pigs into the USA occurring in 1996, 2005, 2010, and 2012.
The KuneKunes are known for their extremely docile and friendly personality which is unmatched by any other breed of swine. They are extremely outgoing and love human interaction. They are a grazing breed of swine and as such prefer to graze on grass. Their short and upturned snouts make them suitable grazers and less prone to rooting found in other breeds. KuneKunes are known for having 2 wattles (much like goats) found under their chin. They have little to no desire to roam and do not test fencing. KuneKunes are still fairly rare in the USA, but are gaining popularity very quickly, finding their niche in many different markets.
(adapted from the AKKPS website)
why kunekune's, why the farmhouse on Persimmon Hill
Kunekune
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS - Kunekune Hogs are a smaller size hog with boars reaching up to 500 pounds and sows 400 pounds. They are varied in hair color and hair texture with ears that are pricked or semi-lop. Extremely docile in temperament, the breed is suitable for first time hog growers.
FEEDING - Kunekune are known to many as "the Grazing Hog" being extremely efficient on grass and not prone to root or roam. Pasture grasses work well with supplementation to satisfy dietary needs for appropriate protein intake as well as vitamins and minerals. Hay can be fed when pasture is scarce or unavailable. Commercial hog feeds, organic or proprietary feeds, along with garden excess all work to guarantee your hog's optimum condition. Gestating and lactating sows as well as piglets should always get a daily ration in addition to any pasture and/or hay. When feeding out meat hogs for sale or for your family's table, consider the reason behind the niche market for those who practice excellent husbandry. The "alternative system" of rearing your hogs out-of-doors in an open-air piggery and feeding them from the orchard and garden not only speaks to buyers, but produces exceptional quality and taste in the pork that you produce.
HOUSING - Hogs need housing and shade in order to thrive in any environment. Depending upon the climate and conditions, producers will need to provide a relatively draft free space with clean bedding and protection from sun, wind and rain. In the coldest climates, deep straw or hay, perhaps with a layer of wood shavings underneath, will be required to keep hogs warm and dry.
(adapted from the IKHR website)
Livestock guardian dog booklet!
