KUNEKUNE PIGS

Mission

At Higher Ground, our conservation breeding program focuses on body conformation in all areas and natural, sustainable animal husbandry in order to provide quality breeding stock that is completely chemical-free, non-GMO, humanely raised, and healthy. We only retain and sell breeding animals that are structurally sound, naturally hardy, not prone to root, and have docile temperaments. 

Holistic & Sustainable

Our animals are treated holistically by an experienced Herbalist with appropriate alternative natural solutions. As such, our animals have uncompromised immune function and are less prone to illness. We view conventional medications as harmful rather than helpful in most all scenarios, as it is a slippery slope once you start using immune system destroying chemical cocktails to attempt to mimic what nature does best. Conversely, supporting their whole body health with herbs allows them to mount an appropriate immune response to ward off and recover rapidly from illness. By using plant medicine cultivated or foraged locally, our practices are both holistic and sustainable.

Importance of Registration

Rest assured that the Kunekune you long for is 100%, DNA tested, purebred when purchasing registered breeding stock from Higher Ground. This means there are no other breed influences that may detract from the highly sought after qualities of the Kunekune, such as temperament, grazing ability, tendency not to root or roam, and over all quality.

On Registries: We were members of both Kunekune registries for quite some time, but due to recent changes and  dictatorship within one of the registries, we now exclusively register with the American Kunekune Pig Society (AKKPS) and have been extremely pleased with the service they have provided to us over the past 3+ years.

About the Kunekune Breed

Image by American Kunekune Pig Society
A heritage breed from New Zealand once near extinction, Kunekues are now growing in number and gaining popularity among small farms, in sustainable farming systems, in permaculture designs, etc.
Kunekune pigs are unique in that they are relatively small, not prone to root or roam, typically extremely docile in temperament, and suitable for small acreage and homesteads. 
Known as the "grazing pig," Kunekunes are extremely efficient on grass and hay with little need for supplemental feed. Kitchen and garden scraps help to fill in any gaps. Feeding corn or soy may make them too fat and will change their fatty acid profile.