KuneKune Pigs
Huggins, Missouri
We Never Inbreed
As the popularity of KuneKune Pig continues to grow. More pigs are being produced, and there is always the risk that you might not buy quality or outcrossed animals. Always ask to see the pedigree of the parents, even if you are not purchasing a registered pig. Ask questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer anything you can throw at them. When you buy from us, we encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Huggins, Missouri
The IKKPS was established in 2022. The founder recognized the need for a registry that was solely dedicated to membership participation. IKKPS is centered around helping a breeder be successful and has wide range of membership benefits.
Learn MoreCOI (Cofficent of Inbreeding) is a measure of how closely related your KuneKune’s parents are. The higher the inbreeding coefficient (%), the more closely related they are to there parents. In general, higher inbreeding coefficients are associated with increased incidence of genetically inherited conditions, reduced Fertility, and reduced life span.
Learn MoreWe rotate our pigs through nine pastures, moving them every time we rotate our goats during the Spring and Summer. Depending on the quality and quantity of pasture available you may need to supplement. We supplement our pigs with soy meal mostly in the Winter
Learn MoreKunekunes are slow-growing and take their time before getting saddled with a bunch of piglets. While they are sexually mature, between five to eight months, they may not be up to reproduction for another six months. It takes some time before the males build up confidence in their seduction.
Learn MoreOne of the reasons Kunekunes make great pets is their colorful personalities. They are gentle, loving and affectionate animals that thrive on social interaction. They have personality plus. They adore tummy rubs. As well as human company, these little creatures love interaction with other animals. So it's a good idea to buy two at a time, even better if they are from the same litter. Don't be afraid to cross graze them with other species.
Learn MoreSheltering your KuneKune can be as simple as a lean-to made of plywood or a Doghouse. We have a main barn where most of our KuneKune house during the year. In our outlying Paddocks we have a combination of doghouses and lean-tos. It is important to keep them sheltered from winter winds, ice and snow storms.
Learn MoreWhat could be more enjoyable and thrilling than seeing a group of KuneKune piglets romp across the summer's warm, green grass? Do you, on the other hand, shudder at the prospect of wintering pigs on pasture and providing cold-weather care?
Learn More Most pigs today are raised entirely indoors and are fed a diet exclusively of corn and soybeans. Pigs raised outdoors on pasture and in wooded areas are able to eat a diverse diet of plants, insects and nuts, in addition to being fed silage and grain. They are exposed to sunshine and are able to forage, run, jump and root in the soil. This results in healthier animals … and more nutritious food for people as well.
Studies show the nutritional value of pork from pastured pigs that consume grass and forage is higher than pork from conventionally-raised pigs.
The gestation period for Kunekunes is 116 days, 2 days longer than most other pig breeds.The first indication that a sow is ‘in pig’ is failing to come back in season after being mated. Sows will cycle every 18-21 days, but as the signs that a sow in season shows can vary considerably, it can often be hard to determine if a sow has come back into season again after a successful mating.
Learn MoreI am not a big fan of vaccinations; this is a controversial topic and many breeder’s religiosity vaccinate and others do not. Most people who raise KuneKunes do it on a small scale and I believe it not necessary. Vaccines need a heavy medal like Mercery to work. I believe the cost benefit is not there to subject my pigs to toxic mental that never leaves their system. If you feel strongly about vaccines, consult your local Vet. about their recommended vaccine program
Learn MoreMale pigs, both intact and castrated, have tooth-like projections called tusks that grow from both the top and bottom jaw. The thick, hard, armor-like skin that covers the shoulders of boars is due to their tusks, which are utilized for fighting other boars.I strongly support routine tusk trimming even though it isn't one of my favorite KuneKune activities. Although boars can be housed together and kunekunes are a placid breed, a hierarchy must still be formed through sparring. It may get fairly rough, and having tusked boars makes it more dangerous.
Learn MoreIn 2022 A NEW REGISTERY WENT ON LINE.We beleive giving breeders as many options as possible only benefits the breed.
We encourage you to visit each registries website and choose the one that best suits your business needs; we do not endorse any registry over the others.
In 2012, we purchaed a smaller farm in Cave Spring, Georgia; but, by 2016, due to the success of our breeding program, we had to move to a larger place. We relocated to Huggins, Missouri, and set aside 50 acres of fenced-in grassland for our KuneKunes.
Kunekunes are slow-growing and take their time before getting saddled with a bunch of piglets.
Kunekune pigs are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They're a lot of fun to raise, and a lot of people are starting to see their potential as meat pigs
Here are some of the most common questions we get.
Pigs raised outdoors on pasture and in wooded areas are able to eat a diverse diet of plants, insects and nuts...
Not a big fan of vaccines, however proper worming is the most important thing you can do to keep your KuneKune's Healthy
Pigs are very prone to heat stress, and need a way to cool themselves down when the weather is very hot.
Pigs raised outdoors on pasture and in wooded areas are able to eat a diverse diet of plants, insects and nuts...
The gestation period for Kunekunes is 116 days, 2 days longer than most other pig breeds...
Diarrhoea can be caused by dietary upsets or infections and in some cases such as in very young piglets it can be so severe or serious that it is life threatening...
Once or twice a year pigs need their hooves trimmed
Having appropriate shelter for pigs and protection from the weather and cold is perhaps the most critical component of wintering pigs on pasture
Where did kunes originally come from?
The question of where kune kunes originally came from is still under debate.
First let's start with a basic summary about genes. A gene is a genetic code of DNA-- you get one set of genes from one parent and one set from the other pare
There are several optons available from electric to hog panels
It is important to keep KuneKune Pigs sheltered from winter winds, ice and snow storms. Adding straw will add additional protection
Currenly there are 15 Sow Lines and 11 Boar lines
Due to there smaller size and docile temperment the KuneKune pigs is ideal for smaller farms or homesteads
Plants that are toxic to Kunekune Pigs exist in many plant genera, not just for pigs, but also for other animals and people. It is essential to recognize the most common toxic plants in order to safeguard your animals and pets.
KuneKunes like a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Fresh foods are an essential part of the pigs' diet since they offer a variety of critical components and minerals that aren't available in processed pelleted feeds.
The American KuneKune Pig Society is an official breed registry of purebred KuneKunes. The AKKPS is the first KuneKune organization structured as a non profit in the USA & Canada, and is member governed. We are committed to the preservation and promotion of purebred, pedigreed, and DNA verified KuneKunes. The AKKPS promotes this delightful breed of heritage, grazing swine for all their many purposes.
AKPR is the original official KuneKune Pig foundation, founded in 2006. Cost is $40 per year. Herd book access, litter notifications, registrations AND transfers are FREE. Upon joining AKPR, you’ll receive a herd book prefix unique to your farm name.
The smallest breed of Pig is the KuneKune
I have been to BF Farm in person and was all over the property and shown the animals, barn, Beautifully thought out and laid out. Animals are very well cared for and have tons of room to roam and enjoy life. My boar came from them and he’s gorgeous, friendly, and very healthy. They shared tons of information, educated me, and spent a lot of time with me to ensure all of my questions were answered. And they’ve continued to keep in touch with me to make sure everything is good. Great people. Great animals. Great farm. - Beth Chambers
Here are just a few of our sows
Wilsons Gina
Tapeka
Haunene
Rebecca Gina
Our KuneKunes are sold all across the United States.
Located in the Heart of the Ozarks, We are Close and Convenient for pickup from Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas.
For Our Customers That Need Delivery, We Can Provide Names of Reliable Transporters
Here are some of our Boars
Boris
Whakanui
Ru
BH Tutaki
Over the years we have sold and shipped our pigs and piglets to customers in
Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas • Colorado • Connecticut • Florida • Georgia • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Nebraska • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Virginia • Wisconsin
AND THE LIST KEEPS GROWING!
By Karin Kraft
Pigs are very prone to heat stress, and need a way to cool themselves down when the weather is very hot.
By Rebekah Pierce
Pigs raised on pasture are healthier, happier and better tasting. Here's what you need to get started with hogs on your hobby farm.
The ins and outs of pastured pork
By Molly Watson Updated on 06/26/19
by Cyra Sanchez | Pig Breeds
12 Things to know before adopting a mini pig
An Introduction to Raising Kunekune for Meat
Never Feed Your KuneKune Pigs This + Diet Guide
Written by Tree Killer in Backyard Pets,blog,Kune Kunes
Are you wondering what you should and shouldn’t feed your Kune Kune?
The Kunekune /ˈkuːnɛkuːnɛ/ [1] is a small breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Kunekune are hairy with a rotund build, and may bear wattles hanging from their lower jaws. Their colour ranges from black and white, to ginger, cream, gold-tip, black, brown and tricoloured. They have a docile, friendly nature, and can successfully be kept as pets.[2] [3]The breed is believed to have descended from an Asian domestic breed introduced to New Zealand in the early 19th century by whalers or traders. They differ markedly from the feral pig of European origin known in New Zealand as a "Captain Cooker".[4] The native Māori people of New Zealand adopted Kunekune; kunekune is a Māori-language word meaning "fat and round".[5]By the 1980s, only an estimated 50 purebred Kunekune remained. Michael Willis and John Simister, wildlife park owners, started a breeding recovery programme, which encouraged other recovery efforts. As of 2010, the breed no longer faces extinction, with breed societies in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In 1993, two were imported into the United States from the UK.[6]The Kunekune is covered in hair which can be long or short, and straight or curly. Hair colours include black, brown, ginger, gold, cream, and spotted combinations. It has a medium to short, slightly upturned snout, often black, and either semilopped or pricked ears. It has a short, round body with short legs and may have two wattles (called piri piri) under its chin. The Kunekune stands about 60 cm (24 in) tall. An adult Kunekune can weigh between 60 and 200 kg (130 and 440 lb), males being considerably heavier than females.[8]
KuneKune Fun Facts
These Pigs exhibit a variety of unusual characteristics, adaptations, and behaviors.
Pigs are very prone to heat stress, and need a way to cool themselves down when the weather is very hot.
By Rebekah Pierce
Pigs raised on pasture are healthier, happier and better tasting. Here's what you need to get started with hogs on your hobby farm.
The ins and outs of pastured pork
By Molly Watson Updated on 06/26/19
by Cyra Sanchez | Pig Breeds
12 Things to know before adopting a mini pig
An Introduction to Raising Kunekune for Meat
Never Feed Your KuneKune Pigs This + Diet Guide
Written by Tree Killer in Backyard Pets,blog,Kune Kunes
Are you wondering what you should and shouldn’t feed your Kune Kune?
We sell our KuneKune Piglets and Pigs throughout the United States
We are Currenly Shipping Our KuneKune Pigs and Piglets to the Following States & Territories
Alabama • Alaska • American Samoa • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • District of Columbia • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Northern Mariana Islands • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Puerto Rico • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming
How big do KuneKune pigs get?
Females average 100 to 175 pounds, while males can reach the 200 to 250-plus range. They have short, upturned snouts that discourage rooting, and they do not challenge fences. Kunekunes are grazing pigs and are able to grow on low inputs, making them an ideal breed during periods of escalating grain prices.
What are KuneKune pigs used for
?
They are excellent grazers and pasture managers in places like orchards and vineyards. They also make excellent quality meat. As a heritage breed, the KuneKune meat is RED and deeply marbled, almost like fine steak. They also produce fine lard which can be used in cooking, baking and soap making.
How much does a KuneKune pig cost?
Cost of a KuneKune ranges from $800-$1,600, and an average litter is about eight piglets. At BF Farm we breed 2 times a year.
How long do Kune Kune live?
.They live for 8 to 15 years. They have to be wormed every 6 months by giving an injection you can do yourself.
How much should I feed my Kune Kune pig?
Kunekunes require 1/7 to 1/4 the amount of grain of standard pigs, but they do still need some grain in combination with their grazing to make sure their diet is complete. This is especially true of young (birth through one year), pregnant, and lactating pigs.
Do KuneKune pigs smell?
KuneKune pigs are usually very clean animals, with minimal smell and often do not affect those with pet allergies. They are generally quiet animals, but may scream if they are frightened or do not get their own way
How much space do Kunekune pigs need?
How much room a kune kune pig need is mostly determined by the grass-growing capacities of your soil. It is widely accepted that 5-6 Kunekune pigs may be kept per acre.
The KuneKune pig is very intelligent, curious, naughty, sweet-tempered, and playful. They might get bored easily and are often a little stubborn. Similar to training a dog, KuneKune pigs can be taught to use the restroom outside, walk on a leash, and perform easy tricks. Similar to teaching a dog, positive reinforcement-focused training is excellent for KuneKune pigs. Similar to dogs, they too need a strong pack leader to respect in order to avoid thinking they are in charge and developing dominance and even aggression.
KuneKune pigs are often very hygienic creatures with little smell, and they frequently don't bother those who have pet allergies. They are mostly peaceful animals, but if they are scared or don't get their way, they may scream. Like all pigs, KuneKune pigs have voracious appetites and are infamous food thieves.
The numbers are impressive: 200 acres, three species of livestock, 14,000 feet of goat fencing and 23 gates. It’s all for a sustainable grazing technique managed by two dedicated and knowledgeable farmers, working a rotational grazing formula that makes for an innovative and successful livestock venture.
BF Farm in Huggins, Missouri, is owned and operated by Mark Bengston and Jodey Fulcher. They are top-notch breeders of Black Hereford cattle, Kiko goats and Kunekune pigs. All three species enjoy rotational grazing through pastures at BF Farm.Mark and Jodey have found an approach that maximizes food availability, reduces parasite risk and promotes health for each animal while effectively managing the natural resources of the land.While Mark grew up in New Jersey and had never farmed before, Jodey grew up in Georgia and spent summers learning and working on his grandparents’ farm. An uncle gave Jodey his first goat—a Saanen buck that had been won in a poker game—and his grandfather got him started with chickens.Jodey’s early farming experiences influenced the choices he made starting a small farm with Mark.
From Garden to Farm
Together since 2006, Mark and Jodey first lived on a Georgia property that they enjoyed. An avid gardener, Mark enthusiastically planted their entire yard.Eventually, he longed for more space to garden. Jodey suggested they look for a small farm. Intrigued by the idea, they found and bought a 35-acre farm in Cave Spring, Georgia, in 2013.When Mark and Jodey moved to the farm, they started with a small mixed-breed herd of goats. Slowly, Jodey redefined the makeup of the herd. He narrowed his focus and commitment to Kiko goats.Jodey began to develop a name for himself and the farm with the quality of Kiko goats he produced.Soon they were researching other livestock species. This led them to learn more about Kunekune pigs and Black Hereford cows.Both species would eventually take up residence on their farm. Mark and Jodey realized they would need more land to focus on the kinds of livestock they wanted to manage and the rotational grazing systems they admired. With a commitment to raising registered livestock and a vision of quality over quantity, they began scouring the country for the right farming location.After a nationwide search, Missouri proved to offer the most economical option in terms of quality grazing land and availability.BF Farm comprises 200 acres with 50 acres fenced to create the 12 pastures for goats and pigs. The remaining 150 acres provides rotational grazing for the cattle.Choosing this space is consistent with the mission of BF Farm. Through advanced research, meticulous record keeping and a dedication to excellence in care, breeding and maintenance, the pair raised animals that are financially productive.
Pasture Practices
When we bought this farm, Jodey had about 30 goats and we had a dozen head of cattle,” Mark says. “We are in our third year here and have grown to over 50 head of cattle, 40 goats with the anticipation of 80 offspring this year. And we have five reproducing sows.”The move to Missouri has provided improved animal health while supporting the sustainable rotational grazing practices Mark and Jodey wanted to implement.The farm is laid out like the face of a clock. About 50 acres are designated for the goats and pigs with fencing and gates to allow animals to be moved from pasture to pasture. During the summer months, animals are moved on a weekly basis through pastures ranging in size from 2 to 10 acres.The pasture rotation maximizes food resources for each species without overgrazing the land, promoting animal health.“Each animal has parasites specific to their species,” Jodey says. “One of the biggest expenses when raising goats commercially is deworming. Rather than pouring chemicals into the animals, we move them through the pastures and produce healthier individuals.”Mark said they’ve created an environment that doesn’t contain enough animals for the parasites to complete their life cycle.Goat parasites don’t affect the pigs, cattle parasites don’t affect the goats. Each species arrives in a pasture and vacuums up the parasites left behind by the previous grazers. The lower level of parasites also means the animals don’t need medications to keep them healthy.
Rotation Model
The animals move in a clockwise rotational grazing system from pasture to pasture. The way the farm is laid out—with the addition of gates and fencing—allows the animals to be moved from one pasture to another each week.Not only are the animals protected from parasites this way, but rotational grazing ensures the land is never overgrazed as each species consumes something different while in a single pasture.The cows also move through their own pastures in a low-stress migration—not a hectic cattle drive. Movement of the livestock results in built-in rest periods for each pasture.No group is back in the same pasture for 12 weeks, and no species is back in the same pasture for six weeks.
Seeding Systems
The pastures are a mix of native grasses and forbs and have been overseeded with fescue, orchard grass, timothy, Bermuda, clover and other types of grasses over the years. There are also small wooded areas in each pasture that provide a variety of scrubby plants such as buck bush, blackberry, multiflora rose and saplings.“The animals come in, eat, fertilize. And then after they leave, the pasture recovers, grows and is ready for them when they return,” Jodey says.Missouri has some of the lushest grazing land in the country, and the area Mark and Jodey picked is some of the best in the state.They have not needed to intentionally overseed but recognize that the livestock might be overseeding and reseeding in the process of moving. And, at the height of the growing season, they do use tractors to cut because there is too much for the animals too eat.In preparation for the winter months, Mark and Jodey designate 40 of the 150 acres for stockpiling. These acres will be held back from the rotation starting in August. Allowed to grow for the remainder of the season, the acres provide winter grazing for the livestock.One of the largest expenses in keeping livestock is purchasing or producing hay. Stockpiling is a cost-effective approach. BF Farm doesn’t have to own and maintain the equipment to cut and bale hay or purchase it to get through the colder months.
The Livestock
Mark and Jodey Kiko carefully researched and selected their goats, Kunekune pigs and Black Hereford cows. Mark’s specializes in the Kunekune pigs, while Jodey focuses on the Kiko goats.Their areas of expertise include conducting research in the early stages of species selection, speaking with customers and fellow breeders, and daily care and needs.Jodey manages most of the farm’s paperwork. The men share in the responsibility for the cattle. Of course, if animals need handling, it’s generally a two-person job.“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Jodey says.
Kiko Goats
These Goats originated in New Zealand, evolving from feral crosses.Kiko means “meat” in Maori. The goats mature quickly for meat production and do well in the wetter climate of the Midwest. Kikos are hardy, and the females are good mothers. The breed has not been as overmanaged as other goats, and Jodey chose them for their high level of parasite resistance.Equipped for dealing with plants that are often considered undesirable in pastures, the goats consume brambles, multiflora rose, hardwood seedlings, knapweed, ironweed and more.They tolerate plants with higher levels of tannins than the other livestock can. Because goats prefer different browse than cattle, the two species don’t compete for the same resources.
Kunekune Pigs
These pigs also hail from New Zealand. They nearly went extinct in the 1970s, but conservation efforts helped them recover. They expanded to Great Britain, Europe and the United States as well as Canada.Kunekunes attract attention because they are ideal for smaller farms, as well as farms focused on sustainability. They enjoy an increasing popularity among chefs, charcutiers and home butchers.Friendly, docile and easy to handle, the pigs sport a short-upturned snout adapted more for grazing than rooting. The pigs can fatten on grazing and as a result boast a low fat-to-meat ratio.Their natural habitat is woodlands and pastures, and they are excellent animals to maintain, manage and eradicate unwanted pasture weeds. Their effectively consume weeds without damaging soil.Kunekune have very lean meat because they dine on 90 percent pasture grazing and little grain. They never eat slop, Mark says. They grow to 220 to 300 pounds and fit in well on smaller farms.The pigs sell as meat and for pets.
These animals have a docile temperament, high-quality meat production and beautiful black hides, making the breed attractive in recent years. The cows’ low-key and calm personalities made them an excellent choice for BF Farm’s pasture practices.Cattle—along with the other species—get DNA tests to ensure quality and credibility with each individual. Mark and Jodey trace their weights from birth, selectively maintaining weights with a focus on raising animals that provide good breeding stock.“Cattle are an interesting science,” Mark says. “We are guaranteeing that our cattle are 100 percent homozygous. They will always throw a black polled calf.”One of the registered animals sells for about four times the price of a commercially raised animal.The cattle primarily sell as breeder stock because Mark and Jodey follow such a stringent program of each animal’s health. They are weighed at birth, at weaning, and as yearlings. If they don’t meet the baseline weight numbers, registration doesn’t happen.
Various Other Animals
BF Farm also houses a flock of guinea fowl that consume as many ticks as possible. The trained flock stays close to the barn and areas where the animals sleep. Ticks pose a health issue for the other livestock, so it’s necessary to have something that will consume them.A flock of chickens produces enough eggs for people, pigs and the dogs that live and work on the farm. The eggs help Mark and Jodey keep costs low—using them as an additional source of protein.Five Great Pyrenees dogs work on the farm. Each dog lives with a different goatherd serving as protectors. (One of the younger dogs bonded with the pigs.)The dogs bond with their herd, and the livestock know them as their guardians. They are critical to keeping the herds safe from coyotes. The dogs also help mitigate the increasing number of black vultures in the area—barking until the birds move on.Overall, Mark and Jodey stay focused on strategies of diversification and rotation. They are committed to their model and to promoting it as an option for other small farming operations.Their philosophy reflects a pledge to sustainable practices that focus on health and well being for each species of animal and the land itself.This article originally appeared in the September/October 2019 issue of Hobby Farms magazine.