Once a global champion of outdoor farming, Britain’s only all-black native swine is now officially endangered globally. At Hogs and Horns Homestead, we manage the nation’s largest active purebred herd under the federal oversight of the Swine Breeders Association and the CLRC to protect this rare genetic treasure. Discover how you can join our community movement to save this remarkably docile giant—whether by stocking your barn or choosing premium heritage pork for your table.
Author: hogsandhornshomestead
The Unhurried Giant
Heritage & Origin The story of the Large Black pig began in 19th-century Devon, Cornwall, and Essex. There, traditional West Country hogs mixed with dark Chinese imports. This new breed became famous for its amazing outdoor skills. These pigs cleared land easily and thrived on rough pastures.  Their strength and efficiency helped them spread quickly. By […]
Mini Pig Housing
Indoor or Outdoor? You’re planning to get a mini pig, you’ve read they should live inside the house and you’ve read that they will do okay in the great outdoors so what’s the best fit for you? Either is totally okay but there are definitely considerations to think about for each. Living Outside Pigs are […]
What is a Mini Pig?
Miniature pigs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Discover the breed differences and what to look for.
The Nitty Gritty of the Large Blacks
A Heritage Pig The English Large Black describes not only how they look but is also a specific breed with set conformation requirements. Although they go by several names, here in Canada, they are most commonly called the Large Black. This breed of swine is definitely one of my favourites to raise, and I am […]
January Is Pig Month!
What Is Pig Month? January is pig month with Heritage Livestock Canada. Which I’m pretty pumped about, considering pigs is our passion! This organization is one reason we have been able to learn so much about the endangered breeds of Canada and get us all the more excited to work to save them. Donations and […]
The Ossabaw Island Hog
What is an Ossabaw Island Hog? The Ossabaw Island Hog is critically endangered. It is one of the breeds at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. The Ossabaw has Spanish ancestry. Over time domesticated animals would escape and become feral, mixing genetics with local breeds. However, animals on Ossabaw Island were isolated and therefore […]
How Do I Raise & Contain That? – Pig Edition
Around the farm, we regularly have at least one animal which tests a setup. Be it fencing, their housing, the inability to share, or gets stuck in a way you didn’t anticipate. While visiting other pasture pig farms to see their set-ups, many farmers always complained about how hard it was to house pigs. Pointed […]
Mini Pig Size
Understanding miniature pig size isn’t always easy. Here we discuss what you should expect.
Working To Be Less Wasteful
Almost exactly a year ago, we became part of a local program. The premise of the program is great! Food that is expiring and/or has damage is given to farms instead of thrown into landfills. This food’s purpose is to supplement the feed of all sorts of farm animals. Unfortunately, there is now a threat […]
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