The Idaho Pasture Pig
Shelly Farris, in Rigby Idaho, carefully developed the Idaho Pasture Pig to meet a need of small family farms. She wanted a pig which would graze instead of rooting. Shelly Farris' vision was to develop a pig breed that would thrive in a pasture, producing high-quality meat without the destructive rooting habit of traditional pigs. She created, after years of breeding, a breed which is great for grazing and produces rich, marblingized pork, higher in omega-3 fats.
Idaho Pasture Pigs: Their Origins
The Idaho Pasture Pig is the result of a careful crossbreeding between Old Berkshire, Kunekune, and Duroc pigs. The combination was chosen for its distinct characteristics: the hardy and easy-going Kunekune pig, the fast growing Duroc pig, and the flavorful meat of the Berkshire. This breed is ideal for homesteads and small farms. Shelly Farris started offering breeding stock for sale to the public in 2012. Since then, this breed has become popular among small-scale producers.
Idaho Pasture Pig Characteristics
Idaho Pasture Pigs have a calm, gentle temperament that makes them the perfect choice for farmers who don't want to deal with aggressive behavior. The pigs also grow smaller than other breeds. This is ideal for farms with small areas. Boars usually reach maturity at between 350-450 pounds while sows weigh 250-350 pounds.
The IPP's grazing habits are one of its most distinctive features. Idaho Pasture Pigs graze, unlike traditional pigs who tend to dig and destroy the soil. They can survive in systems based on pastures because their diet is primarily grass. They are therefore an excellent option for sustainable farming.
Raising Idaho Pasture Pigs
Anyone familiar with pig farming will find raising Idaho Pasture Pigs relatively easy. They are easier to handle than larger pigs that can be aggressive. Also, they require less space which makes them perfect for small farms and homesteads.
IPPs can reach butcher weight within a reasonable time frame. They reach a butcher's weight of 230-250 pounds after 10 months of eating grass. It allows farmers to produce high-quality meat without having to feed their animals for longer periods of time, as is typical with larger breeds.
Idaho Pasture Pork Meat Quality
Idaho Pasture Pigs are known for their rich, marbling texture. Their meat is higher in omega-3 fatty acid content than conventionally raised pigs because they are grass-fed. It is also a deep red color with a sweeter taste profile. This makes it a favorite of chefs and home cooks.
Pork from Idaho Pasture Pigs that is grass-fed has a richer flavor and is more nutritious than conventional pork. The marbling of the meat produces a tender and juicy product, perfect for many dishes from roasts to sausages.
The conclusion of the article is:
The Idaho Pasture Pig makes a great choice for small farms that want to raise pigs in a sustainable way without compromising meat quality. The IPP breed is becoming more popular for homesteads and family farms across the nation because of its calm demeanor and grazing habits. The Idaho Pasture Pig is a great addition to any farm, whether you are a veteran farmer or new to raising pigs.
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