After much investigation, we decided on the Heritage Tamworth Pig for our Ranch. Our breeding program has a diversity of the most pure Tamworth lines available in the nation.
Our Tamworth Pigs are:
- A Heritage breed
- Exceptional in flavor and rated the most favorable by top chefs when compared to other pork
- Rich in omega 3 amino acids and linoleic acid to help lower cholesterol
- Pasture-raised
- Fed natural, non-GMO, vegetarian diets rich in barley and eggs
History of the Tamworth
As part of our mission, we strive to bring only the very best to you. We work with a breeder in Slane, Ireland, the Tamworth’s country of origin. Peter Whelen from “THE WHOLE HOGGS” shares this story below:
“Many people think that the Tamworth pig came from the U.K. but it simply is not true. The pigs carry the parish name of Irish Grazer and are the closest to the old forest pig. They are Irish Pigs. In the late 1700’s, England had a severe epidemic of disease that decimated most of their pig population. Sir Robert Peel, the Prime Minister of Tamworth in the UK, sent out a ship to cross the channel in search for new pigs to replenish their dwindling livestock. It was reported that there was a very hardy red colored pig in the grazing forest areas among the Irish Farmers. Peel’s men raided the farms and stole the pigs from the farmers and shipped them back to the county of Tamworth. It was said that he then crossed them with a few of his local pigs and started the breed, calling it Tamworth after the name of his kingdom. This is the real story, the pigs are Irish.”
The Tamworth Difference
The Tamworth is unique since it’s a dual-purpose breed: it produces large amounts of tasty bacon and also quality cuts of meat with superior marbling, texture, and flavor. While there have been several taste tests in recent years, the 1990’s controlled study by Bristol University is still recognized as the standard which shows the Tamworth as having the finest and most favorable meat of all pig breeds, both commercial and rare. The Tamworth is prized by 5-star chefs and restaurants as the very best.
Aristocrats of the pig world, with long legs and pricked ears, the Tamworth is a boisterous, loving pig. Tamworth pigs are kind and gentle and have proved to be producers of the finest meat. They are easy to handle and love human contact. In comparing other rare breeds, we personally found the Tamworth to be the friendliest.
We are proud of our pigs and honored to offer them to the public. We allow our pigs to range free in large paddocks; they each have their own shelter, plenty of shade, and water fun. We feed a pure vegetarian diet with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from our home garden, along with whole grain barley and access to fresh grasses and hay. We believe that in a wild setting the Tamworth would have exposure to a variety of food products, so we try to maintain this in their diet rather than using bagged feeds.
Shop Tamworth
Tamworth Pork
We offer our free-range and grass-fed Tamworth Pork by the Share. Each Share is roughly 15 pounds, but can range between 12-18. Cuts in each Share will vary, but you can count on a full selection of the finest pork. This may include a variety of sausage, chops, roasts, and of course the best bacon you’ve ever tasted. All curing is natural smoke – no chemical additives.
Shares are limited and must be purchased in advance through our Ranch Store.
Breeding Stock
We are extremely selective in our breeding stock and have brought together all of the top breeding lines available in North America. All stock is registered with the Tamworth Swine Association of North America and selected using the Guidelines and Confirmation of Traditional Irish Grazers from Ireland. We would be happy to help you select a top gilt and superior boar to start your own breeding program. Breeding stock ranges from $750 – $850.
Feeder and Roaster Pigs
Celebrate your next event with a whole roast pig and we guarantee your guests will thank you! Feeders and Small Roasters range from $350 – $450. These pigs go fast – we generally have a wait list of 6 months or longer – so don’t delay in contacting us! We promise the pork will be worth the wait.