We raise old breeds of animals whenever we can, but it can be difficult to obtain rare stock to begin with, and even more difficult to get suitable unrelated stock to breed to that improves your stock. The old breeds of stock are known in farming and foodie circles as "heritage" breeds. These breeds were the standard breeds from generations gone by. Heritage breed animals are not as commonly raised nowadays because they are not suitable to confinement housing or accelerated growth that conventional factory farms need in 2013 to improve the farmers' profit margin. In short, heritage breeds are perfect for small farmers who are looking for hardy, pasture-appropriate animals that have an easy-keeping attitude and that can be hand-fed.
According to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, "Old Spots [pigs] reigned supreme as the pork of choice for discerning palates and in livestock shows through the 1920’s and early 1930’s. The breed became rare after World War II, when the shift to intensive pig production reduced interest in pigs that could thrive out of doors." We love our Old Spots pigs because of their extremely docile and friendly temperaments, in addition to their wonderfully marbled meat qualities.
According to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, "Old Spots [pigs] reigned supreme as the pork of choice for discerning palates and in livestock shows through the 1920’s and early 1930’s. The breed became rare after World War II, when the shift to intensive pig production reduced interest in pigs that could thrive out of doors." We love our Old Spots pigs because of their extremely docile and friendly temperaments, in addition to their wonderfully marbled meat qualities.
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