KuneKunes | ThamesHill Homestead

Our KuneKunes

We purchased our first Kunekune pigs in the summer of 2018, and like so many others we immediately fell in love with this unique breed of swine, that is known for their extremely calm and friendly demeanor. Shortly after purchasing our first breeding pair we knew this was a breed we wanted to raise on our homestead. So, that same year we purchased another breeding trio to start our own breeding program here. Over the past several years we have worked hard to build our breeding program that produces pigs that are ideal for the meat market.

In the summer months you will find our pigs outside on lush green pastures foraging for food. During these months our KuneKunes require little additional food resources, but still receive a small amount of pig ration. Our premix pig rations give our pigs a steady supply of essential protein, vitamins and minerals. This steady ration helps to balance out the constant fluctuation of the pasture. Each pasture has a pig arc to protect them from the extreme elements, and since pigs are unable to sweat, each pasture has a wallow to allow the pigs to cool down. When the nights grow cold and the days get short our pigs, and pastures are no longer abundant. The pigs all move inside the barn for the winter months. Their rations will be increased as need to help them weather the cold winter months. They are also fed a high quality and nutritionally dense Bailage and receive vegetables, produce, and bakery products from our LOOP pick ups (check out the LOOP program at https://loopresource.ca/). An additional source of feed our pigs receive is a bi-product called brewers grain which we receive from a local brewery called the Black Donnelly's Brewing Company.

We are a farrow to finish farm meaning we breed our own sows and raise their offspring for market. Our sows are bred once a year and farrow their offsprin on a pasture (weather permitting) or during the cold months in our barn where we have a loose housing set up. Once the piglets are a month or so old we let the sows and their piglets co-mingle together. Together the sows raise their babies until they are 8-10 weeks old. We then separate the piglets from the sows and put them out to pasture where they are able to roam, graze, and socialize.

The History

Though the origin of the breed is somewhat of a mystery the earliest documentation of the KuneKune pig dates back to New Zealand. Where the pigs lived in close connection with the Maori people who resided on the Maori Island. In the late 1970s, the breed was on the verge of extinction with only about 50 purebred KuneKune’s left in New Zealand. In 1978, a conservation program was put in place to preserve the breed. However, at this time their where only 6 sows (females) and 3 boars (males) that could be purchased and used in the breeding program. For several years the breed was preserved and protected until the KuneKune population reached a more stable population. This is when the conservation program thought it would be a good idea to export some animals to further ensure their safety. In 1992, the first KuneKune pigs were shipped the United Kingdom. While the United State’s first import was not until 1996, then again in 2005, 2010, and 2012. All the bloodlines that are found in Canada today are from the USA, who purchased all their pigs from either UK or New Zealand.

These pigs are known for their extremely docile and friendly personality. Another characteristic that separates them from most other pig breeds is their ability to graze on grass, thanks to their short-upturned snouts. During the summer months the KuneKune is found grazing on grass, while during the winter months grass can be substituted for hay. Overall, the pigs require very minimal maintenance and are very inexpensive to feed. On a diet such as this KuneKune pigs can reach a weight of 140-300 pounds. It is also worth noting that KuneKune pigs are extremely versatile and have been making their way into a variety of different markets. Some of these markets include; pasture fed pork programs, petting zoos, show rings, orchard workers, therapy programs, and even loving family pets!

The Pork

The Kunekune pig is unlike most breeds of pigs used in the pork industry today. So it only makes sense that the meat from the KuneKune does not resemble the pork that you would find in your grocery store. Due to their heritage the KuneKune produces more of an old fashion type pork, which is reddish/pink in colour, rich in flavour, and perfectly marbled.

The KunKune is a lard breed of pig so they will have a higher fat content in their meat, which is what also gives their meat an unforgettable taste. It is because of this we recommend that you cook our pork product slow and low to allow the fat to tenderize and avoid burning it. This will give the fat the time to cook properly and in return it will offer more flavour that will literally melt in your mouth.

As of 2022 our farm has been accepted to join the KunKune Pork Producers Association. This is a new program that is being lauched to promote KuneKune pork and to help build relationships between KuneKune breeders and producers. The program has a foundation built upon a set of standards that promote animal welfare and substable farming practices. Through this program our pork will be certified 100% KunKune pork.

To best meet the individual needs of our customers we offer Whole, Halves, and a variety of individual cuts to choose from. All our pigs are sent to and processed at goverment inspected plants to insure consistency and safety for all our products. If you are interested in trying any of our KuneKune pork products please check out our farm shop!