Garbanzo
Garbanzo

Garbanzo

Intact boar
AKKPS registered

White & brown
Double wattled
DOB: 7/26/2022
Boris x Wilson’s Gina

Garbanzo and his brother Fava are both top notch boarlings. Their parents Chubs & Chickpea consistently produce some of the all-around nicest piglets we have. Their babies are a must get for any herd interested in strong genetics for good feet, size/growth rate, typey heads, and fabulous personality. Garbanzo stands out for his especially smarts and perfectly chunky body. He is the kind of pig who wants to think things through for himself, and then goes whole hog (so to speak) once he decides something or someone is good. Where as Fava marched up to everyone at just a day or two old, Garbanzo was friendly but not especially squishy at first. But once he found out that snuggles and people are awesome, he was all in! Garbanzo loves hard and is very loyal. He will do great on a smaller farm with a steady pace of life that lets him form deep, long standing relationships with his humans and fellow kunes. (He’s not a petting zoo kind of guy.) Garbanzo could be skittish around young children for a minute until they are still and quiet and let him figure it out. Then he will love them with all his heart. We expect Garbanzo will be a big fella when grown, probably 375lbs.

Please note: Garbanzo is an intact male, making him very suitable for breeding herds but not as a pet due to hormones and tusks that can cause serious injuries even just accidentally. Also note that for the welfare of the pigs we never sell pigs to live solo lives. Prospective homes should have kunes already or have plans to purchase more than one piglet from us or simultaneously from another breeder.

price $650

Sire: Chubs

AKKPS-6435

Chubs came to us via Sequoia Mountain kunes in California, and has easily established himself as a, if not the, foundational sire in our Kune herd. Chubs is handsome and a total joy to work with. One need to only sit in his pasture for a moment to have 375lbs of boar plopped in their lap!

Dam: Chickpea

AKKPS-6323

Chickpea is a blond bombshell born here in our very first litter of registered kunekunes! She is is the embodiment of happiness and good breeding, her sweet little bat face grinning as she thunders over to say hello. Chickpea is a devoted and tender momma to all babies, whether they are hers or not. Hopefully we will continue to welcome gorgeous Chickpea litters for many years to come. Her offspring are some of the finest pigs we’ve produced here.

October 2022

available, purebred kunes, boars, current littersRachel Herrickkunekune, kunes, regenerative, pigs, purebred, akkps, registered
Fava
Fava

Fava

Intact boar
AKKPS registered

White & brown
Double wattled
DOB: 7/26/2022
Boris x Wilson’s Gina

Fava and his brother Garbanzo are absolutely top notch boarlings. Their parents Chubs & Chickpea consistently produce some of the all-around nicest piglets we have, and the combination of those two can’t be beat. Their babies are a must get for any herd interested in strong genetics for good feet, size/growth rate, typey heads, and fabulous personality. Fava stands out for his especially outgoing attitude and perfectly chunky body. He was just a day or two old when he began marching right up to people, dogs, and chickens to introduce himself. Fava’s charisma and sweetness reminds us so much of his dad, Chubs. And like his dad, we expect he will be a big fella when grown, probably 375lbs.

Please note: Fava is an intact male, making him very suitable for breeding herds but not as a pet due to hormones and tusks that can cause serious injuries even just accidentally. Also note that for the welfare of the pigs we never sell pigs to live solo lives. Prospective homes should have kunes already or have plans to purchase more than one piglet from us or simultaneously from another breeder.

price $650

Sire: Chubs

AKKPS-6435

Chubs came to us via Sequoia Mountain kunes in California, and has easily established himself as a, if not the, foundational sire in our Kune herd. Chubs is handsome and a total joy to work with. One need to only sit in his pasture for a moment to have 375lbs of boar plopped in their lap!

Dam: Chickpea

AKKPS-6323

Chickpea is a blond bombshell born here in our very first litter of registered kunekunes! She is is the embodiment of happiness and good breeding, her sweet little bat face grinning as she thunders over to say hello. Chickpea is a devoted and tender momma to all babies, whether they are hers or not. Hopefully we will continue to welcome gorgeous Chickpea litters for many years to come. Her offspring are some of the finest pigs we’ve produced here.

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Lily
Lily

Lily

Gilt
AKKPS-27488
Double wattled
DOB: 4/17/2022
Aria Giana x Boris

Lily is the smartest one in her litter, and she uses her big brains to find the best snacks and best belly rubs! Physically, she is a bit of gawky teen at the moment, just like her mom was at her age. But make no mistake: Lily has the wattles, legs, size, personality, and face to be a stunner when she grows through her awkward teen phase. Don’t let her seemingly longer snout fool you— she’s going to grow into that beautifully just like both of her parents did— you can see their pics below. When she’s grown I expect her to have a perfect medium length snout, making her ideal as a forager and pasture pig. (Slow Farm pigs are bred for long health and foraging functionality above all else— you won’t find flat faces or dangerous breathing problems in our herd!)

Lily is available as a AKKPS registered Aria Giana line gilt and is perfect for folks looking for foraging ability, pasture thriftiness, attentive mothering, and gentleness to into their Kune breeding programs. She would also excel as a land management partner and farm companion. I expect her to mature around 300 lbs.

Lily is very bonded with her sister BonBon and I would ideally like them to stay together. Please note that we never sell pigs to live solo lives. Kunes are extremely social and need the company of other kunes to stay healthy and content. Potential buyers should already have kunes, plan to purchase at least two from us, or have arrangements with another breeder for additional kunes.

price $700

($1300 for BonBon & Lily together)

Sire: Atta Boy Ralphie

AKKPS-10059

Ralphie was born here to Lentil & Chubs in 2018. He was the largest of his litter and remains our largest boar today, at a fit and active 400lbs. He is also our most mellow boar and loves water in all its forms. If blowing bubbles in one’s water was a sport, Ralphie would have gone pro.

Dam: Ima Pie

AKKPS-26756

We purchased Ima from Relic Run Kunes after falling absolutely with Ima’s mom Puppy back in 2016. Puppy is a Supreme Champion sow out of the USA HERD, and an absolute love of a pig to boot. We were on a waiting list for several years to get Ima, and she was worth it! Ima brings champion bloodlines and good confirmation to our herd. She is long, straight, and even. Plus she has her mom’s incredibly friendly personality. We call Ima our yard pig because while she’s fine with being in a pasture, this social butterfly hates to feel like she’s missing out on anything so we usually leave her out to supervise everything.

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BonBon
BonBon

BonBon

Gilt
AKKPS-27485
Double wattled
DOB: 4/17/2022
Aria Giana x Boris

BonBon is everyone’s friend! She’s not loud and avoids the piggy drama some of her siblings create (ahem, sassy Amelia), but more often than not if I’m working outside BonBon is quietly grazing nearby by. She’s never underfoot but always there and ready to fall in my lap for snuggles the moment I sit down. Physically, she is a bit of gawky teen just like her mom was at her age. But make no mistake: BonBon has the wattles, legs, size, personality, and face to be a stunner when she grows through her awkward teen phase. Don’t let her seemingly longer snout fool you— she’s going to grow into that beautifully just like both of her parents did— you can see their pics below. When she’s grown I expect her to have a perfect medium length snout, making her ideal as a forager and pasture pig. (Slow Farm pigs are bred for long health and foraging functionality above all else— you won’t find flat faces or dangerous breathing problems in our herd!)

BonBon is available as a AKKPS registered Aria Giana line gilt and is perfect for folks looking for foraging ability, pasture thriftiness, attentive mothering, and gentleness to into their Kune breeding programs. She would also excel as a land management partner and farm companion. I expect her to mature around 300 lbs.

BonBon is very bonded with her sister Lily and I would ideally like them to stay together. Please note that we never sell pigs to live solo lives. Kunes are extremely social and need the company of other kunes to stay healthy and content. Potential buyers should already have kunes, plan to purchase at least two from us, or have arrangements with another breeder for additional kunes.

price $700

($1300 for BonBon & Lily together)

Sire: Atta Boy Ralphie

AKKPS-10059

Ralphie was born here to Lentil & Chubs in 2018. He was the largest of his litter and remains our largest boar today, at a fit and active 400lbs. He is also our most mellow boar and loves water in all its forms. If blowing bubbles in one’s water was a sport, Ralphie would have gone pro.

Dam: Ima Pie

AKKPS-26756

We purchased Ima from Relic Run Kunes after falling absolutely with Ima’s mom Puppy back in 2016. Puppy is a Supreme Champion sow out of the USA HERD, and an absolute love of a pig to boot. We were on a waiting list for several years to get Ima, and she was worth it! Ima brings champion bloodlines and good confirmation to our herd. She is long, straight, and even. Plus she has her mom’s incredibly friendly personality. We call Ima our yard pig because while she’s fine with being in a pasture, this social butterfly hates to feel like she’s missing out on anything so we usually leave her out to supervise everything.

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Scribbles
Scribbles

SCRIBBLES

Intact boarling
AKKPS-27484
Double wattled
DOB: 4/17/2022
Boris x Aria Giana

SCRIBBLES: one of the most physically and mentally even boars we’ve ever produced! Scribbles is that guy in high school who all the parents and teachers loved. He’s not a brown noser, but smart in a down to earth way, does a great book report, and is too nerdy for sports but too cool for band. You know that guy. All around solid, likeable, and super handsome once his braces come off. (Ok, I may have pushed this analogy a little too far.)

Scribbles is everything you want a boar to be. His confirmation is straight, even, and good sized. He’s got big expressive ears, and comes galloping when called. He always helps with farm projects but somehow never gets underfoot. Just a joy to have around. (The last couple pics are throwbacks of baby Scribbles just because he was so dang cute!)

Scribbles is available as a AKKPS registered Boris line boar and is perfect for folks looking to bring size, big ears and mellow personality into their Kune breeding programs. He’s a wonderful combo of both his parents and I expect him to mature around 350 lbs.

At this time I do not have an unrelated breeding gilt I can sell with him, but I’m happy to point you to breeders who would! And I DO have a couple sweet castrated males would would make wonderful ‘buddy barrows’ for. Specifically, he is very close with a barrow named Keebler. It would be great if they could stay together.

price $650

Sire: Atta Boy Ralphie

AKKPS-10059

Ralphie was born here to Lentil & Chubs in 2018. He was the largest of his litter and remains our largest boar today, at a fit and active 400lbs. He is also our most mellow boar and loves water in all its forms. If blowing bubbles in one’s water was a sport, Ralphie would have gone pro.

Dam: Ima Pie

AKKPS-26756

We purchased Ima from Relic Run Kunes after falling absolutely with Ima’s mom Puppy back in 2016. Puppy is a Supreme Champion sow out of the USA HERD, and an absolute love of a pig to boot. We were on a waiting list for several years to get Ima, and she was worth it! Ima brings champion bloodlines and good confirmation to our herd. She is long, straight, and even. Plus she has her mom’s incredibly friendly personality. We call Ima our yard pig because while she’s fine with being in a pasture, this social butterfly hates to feel like she’s missing out on anything so we usually leave her out to supervise everything.

available, purebred kunes, boars, current littersRachel Herrickkunekune, kunes, regenerative, pigs, boars, purebred, akkps, registered
Bean
Bean

Bean

Intact boarling
AKKPS-27482
Double wattled
DOB: 4/17/2022
Boris x Aria Giana

BEAN: the Velcro-est pig ever! Bean is coming up on six months old and is such a special guy. He is happiest walking along right next to (ok, touching) my leg and chattering on about his many thoughts and feelings. With his airplane ears, bold spots, and huge personality, Bean is one of a kind! (The last two pics are throw backs from baby Bean times just because he was so dang cute!)

Bean is available as a AKKPS registered Boris line boar and is perfect for folks looking to bring body length, big ears and PERSONALITY into their Kune breeding programs. He’s a wonderful combo of both his parents and I expect him to mature around 320lbs.

At this time I do not have an unrelated breeding gilt I can sell with him, but I’m happy to point you to breeders who would! I DO have a couple sweet castrated males would would make wonderful ‘buddy barrows’ for Bean.

price $650

Sire: Atta Boy Ralphie

AKKPS-10059

Ralphie was born here to Lentil & Chubs in 2018. He was the largest of his litter and remains our largest boar today, at a fit and active 400lbs. He is also our most mellow boar and loves water in all its forms. If blowing bubbles in one’s water was a sport, Ralphie would have gone pro.

Dam: Ima Pie

AKKPS-26756

We purchased Ima from Relic Run Kunes after falling absolutely with Ima’s mom Puppy back in 2016. Puppy is a Supreme Champion sow out of the USA HERD, and an absolute love of a pig to boot. We were on a waiting list for several years to get Ima, and she was worth it! Ima brings champion bloodlines and good confirmation to our herd. She is long, straight, and even. Plus she has her mom’s incredibly friendly personality. We call Ima our yard pig because while she’s fine with being in a pasture, this social butterfly hates to feel like she’s missing out on anything so we usually leave her out to supervise everything.

available, purebred kunes, boars, current littersRachel Herrickkunekune, kunes, regenerative, pigs, boars, purebred, akkps, registered
Cadbury
Cadbury

CADBURY

Intact boarling
AKKPS-27483
Double wattled
DOB: 4/17/2022
Boris x Aria Giana

CADBURY: effortlessly handsome! Cadbury is that cool hunky football star from high school who was friends with everyone— band nerds, honor roll kids, stoners, teachers. Everyone loves Cadbury. He is coming up on six months old, and I have looked really hard for a reason to keep him and am only now accepting that Cadbury can do more good on someone else’s farm. We just have too many of his close relatives. (The last few pics are throwbacks from baby Cadbury times just because he was so dang cute!)

Cadbury is available as a AKKPS registered Boris line boar and is perfect for folks looking to bring size, big ears and mellow personality into their Kune breeding programs. He’s a wonderful combo of both his parents and I expect him to mature around 375lbs. He is already showing signs of being ready to get to work on making big beautiful babies.

At this time I do not have an unrelated breeding gilt I can sell with him, but I’m happy to point you to breeders who would! And I DO have a couple sweet castrated males would would make wonderful ‘buddy barrows’ for. Specifically, he is very close with a barrow named Big Ed. It would be great if they could stay together.

price $600

($850 for Cadbury & a buddy barrow)

Sire: Atta Boy Ralphie

AKKPS-10059

Ralphie was born here to Lentil & Chubs in 2018. He was the largest of his litter and remains our largest boar today, at a fit and active 400lbs. He is also our most mellow boar and loves water in all its forms. If blowing bubbles in one’s water was a sport, Ralphie would have gone pro.

Dam: Ima Pie

AKKPS-26756

We purchased Ima from Relic Run Kunes after falling absolutely with Ima’s mom Puppy back in 2016. Puppy is a Supreme Champion sow out of the USA HERD, and an absolute love of a pig to boot. We were on a waiting list for several years to get Ima, and she was worth it! Ima brings champion bloodlines and good confirmation to our herd. She is long, straight, and even. Plus she has her mom’s incredibly friendly personality. We call Ima our yard pig because while she’s fine with being in a pasture, this social butterfly hates to feel like she’s missing out on anything so we usually leave her out to supervise everything.

purebred kunes, boarsRachel Herrickkunekune, kunes, regenerative, pigs, boars, purebred, akkps, registered
Amelia
Amelia

AMELIA

Kunekune gilt
AKKPS registered
Double wattled
DOB: 3/12/2022
Wilson’s Gina x BH Tutaki

This second litter by Bestie and Charlie certainly did not disappoint! Although it was only three in the litter, all three are beautiful! This ginger and black gilt was born double wattled with a beautiful confirmation: nice and square but not fatty, perfect teat line, medium-short snout, and sassy black ‘pantaloons’ markings. I expect her to mature around 325lbs. Amelia’s personality is curious and extremely sweet. She makes friends everywhere she goes— from tiny babies to giant boars and very curious dogs.

NOTE: Amelia is only still available because her original buyer experienced sudden serious health issues and eventually had to back out of their plans to have kunes. Amelia has never left our farm and never experienced any upheaval from this situation, making this a wonderful opportunity to get a well adjusted older gilt that will be ready to breed as early as next spring.

Please note that for the welfare of the pigs we do not sell pigs to solo homes. Prospective homes should have kunes already or have plans to purchase more than one piglet from us or simultaneously from another breeder.

Price $700

AMELIA, photos taken October 2022

AMELIA, pics from March - May 2022

PARENTS

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Guthrie
Guthrie

GUTHRIE (Sale pending)

Brown & white Kunekune boar
AKKPS registered
Double wattled
DOB: 3/12/2022
BH Tutaki x Wilson’s Gina

This second litter by Bestie and Charlie certainly did not disappoint! Although it was only three in the litter, all three are beautiful! This brown and white boarling was born double wattled with a beautiful confirmation: chunky and square, perfect teat line, short snout, and sassy black ‘pantaloons’ markings. I expect him to mature around 350lbs. Guthrie’s personality is curious and extremely sweet. He is quick to come when called and instantly fall over for scratches and belly rubs. With superb looks and loving personality,

Please note: we do not sell pigs to solo homes. Prospective homes should have kunes already or have plans to purchase more than one piglet from us or simultaneously from another breeder.

DUE RECENT TESTICLE DEVELOPMENT, GUTHRIE IS AVAILABLE TO SPECIAL COMPANION/ LAND MANAGEMENT HOME. $350 PLEASE EMAIL FOR MORE INFO. ***SALE PENDING***

PARENTS

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Norman
Norman

NORMAN

Black & white Kunekune boar
AKKPS registered
Double wattled
DOB: 3/12/2022 (Ready 5/21/22)
BH Tutaki x Wilson’s Gina

This second litter by Bestie and Charlie certainly did not disappoint! Although it was only three in the litter, all three are beautiful! This black and white boarling was born double wattled with a beautiful confirmation: long and square, perfect teat line, short snout, and striking markings. I expect him to mature around 350lbs. As handsome as Norman already is, it’s his personality that’s stolen the show since day one. He is the first to come when called, likes to be held, and instantly falls over for scratches and belly rubs. Norman is going to be an usually sweet and handsome adult boar someday!

Please note: Norman is an intact male, making him very suitable for breeding herds but not as a pet. Also note that for the welfare of the pigs we do not sell pigs to solo homes. Prospective homes should have kunes already or have plans to purchase more than one piglet from us or simultaneously from another breeder.

Price $550

Ready for his new home May 21, 2022

PARENTS

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Chickpea + Chubs
Chickpea + Chubs

Dam: CHICKPEA (Wilsons Gina, AKKPS 6323, 275 lbs)
Sire: CHUBS (Boris, AKKPS 6435, 375 lbs)
Expected due date: December 2021

Prices: Boars $550, Gilts $650, pet-registered companions $350

Chickpea is proof that blondes do have more fun— even blonde pigs! This girl is all smiles all the time. I don’t think I have ever seen her grumpy. Chickpea is our only cream sow and this girl is a gem snout to tail. Great face, back, and feet. This will be Chickpea’s second litter with our happy-go-lucky hunk, Chubs. Their first litter together was one of the nicest we’ve ever had! If you’re looking for confirmation and sweetness, this is your litter!

RESERVATIONS: we start taking deposits around week three. Please subscribe to our pig litter email list for updates!

PICS FROM LAST YEAR’S LITTER

upcoming, purebred kunesRachel Herrick
Cookie + Chubs
Cookie + Chubs

Dam: COOKIE (Wilsons Gina, AKKPS 6324, 375 lbs)
Sire: CHUBS (Boris, AKKPS 6435, 385 lbs)
Expected due date: possibly April 2022

Prices: Boars $550, Gilts $650, pet-registered companions $350

Cookie is a farm favorite. She’s a big girl with a big personality and smart as a whip. If you’re looking for physical and mental substance, this is your litter! Her first litter with Chubs produced absolutely gorgeous pigs!

RESERVATIONS: we start taking deposits around week three. Please subscribe to our pig litter email list for updates!

Pics of Cookie & Chubs’ last litter:

upcoming, purebred kunesRachel Herrick
Bestie + Charlie
Bestie + Charlie

Dam: Bestie (Wilsons Gina, AKKPS 10062, 285 lbs)
Sire: CHARLIE (BH Tutaki, AKKPS 6205, 345 lbs)
Date of birth: March 12, 2022

Prices: Boars $500, Gilts $650

This power couple produces gorgeous pigs! Bestie got her name because she’s, well, the best: perfect underline, nice upright feet, double wattles, lovely personality, and the kind of medium-short snout we aim for for able, functional grazers. Combine all these features with more of the same from our boar Charlie and we expect another great litter!

DEPOSITS: accepting deposits now. Two intact boars. One gilt. Will not sell to be solo piglets, so prospective homes must already have kunes. Ready to go around May 20.

Bestie x Charlie’s past litter
(January 2021)

upcomingRachel Herrick
Bestie + Charlie
Bestie + Charlie

Dam: Bestie (Wilsons Gina, AKKPS 10062, 250 lbs)
Sire: CHARLIE (BH Tutaki, AKKPS 6205, 290 lbs)
Expected due date: TBD (hopefully March)

Prices: Boars $500, Gilts $650, pet-registered companions $350

This power couple produces gorgeous pigs! Bestie got her name because she’s, well, the best: perfect underline, nice upright feet, double wattles, lovely personality, and the kind of medium-short snout we aim for for able, functional grazers. Combine all these features with more of the same from our boar Charlie and we expect another great litter!

RESERVATIONS: I will start taking reservations once the pregnancy is confirmed.

Rachel Herrick
Sunny
Sunny

Sunny

Intact boarling
AKKPS 20207
Double wattled
DOB: 1/20/2021
BH Tutaki x Wilson’s Gina

We are over the moon about this first litter by our sow Bestie! Although it was only three this time, all three were beautiful— Sunny possibly the most so! This solid ginger was born double wattled but lost his right one at about six months old while wrestling, but that doesn’t matter for genetics or registration. Sunny has a beautiful confirmation: nice and square but not fatty, perfect teat line, medium-short snout, and gorgeous golden ginger color. I expect him to mature around 350lbs. His personality is confident but quiet, calm, and extremely sweet. Gets along great with everyone from tiny babies to giant boars. Will be ready to breed very soon as he’s already getting pretty interested in ladies— he wants to make beautiful spring litters for you! Sunny is available as long as we don’t change our mind and keep him—so you’d better hustle because he’s getting better and better every day!

Price $550

PARENTS

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Calhoun & Bubbles
Calhoun & Bubbles

Calhoun & Bubbles

SALE PENDING

These two are being offered together as a registered breeding pair.

Calhoun
AKKPS
Two wattles
DOB: 3/10/2021
Boris x Wilsons Gina

Bubbles
AKKPS
Two wattles
DOB: 1/8/2021
BH Rebecca Gina x BH Tutaki

Calhoun & Bubbles were both the picks of their litters by a buyer that eventually and ultimately had to back out due to health concerns. (These pigs have never left here— no jostling involved for them.) They are not related and will make gorgeous litters together! Two of the most beautiful kunes we’ve ever raised, and both very sweet. Amazing they are still available!

$1200 for the pair.

CALHOUN

BUBBLES

current litters, purebred kunes, boarsRachel Herrickkunekune, regenerative, registered, purebred, kunes, boars, gilts, breeding pair, akkps, kune kune, nc, north carolina
Do kunes root?
Do kunes root?
Chubs never roots up his pasture, but he will use his snout to dig a deeper wallow when it’s especially hot.

Chubs never roots up his pasture, but he will use his snout to dig a deeper wallow when it’s especially hot.

This is probably the most asked question about Kune pigs, and the answer is both simple and not: kunes never root— unless they do.

Kunes are a true grazing pig, so they do exceptionally well on pasture as long as there is something for them to eat (green stuff) and their nutrition is being rounded out with a small amount of pig grain to make up for mineral deficiencies like lysine, copper, and selenium, all of which are usually lacking in NC pastures. (A solid test will tell you for sure.) Part of what makes kunes uniquely excellent on pasture is that their shorter upturned noses are perfectly angled for grazing but not for rooting up the soil like pretty much all other pigs do. If you’re looking to improve pasture while preserve precious topsoil like we are in the Sandhills of NC, you simply cannot beat kunes. And if your goal is sustainable meat production, kunes the most eco friendly pork one can produce.

All this said, don’t believe anyone who says kunes NEVER root. It’s just very unusual for them root, so when they do it there’s usually a good reason that their farmer should pay attention to.

In my experience, kunes will root if:

1) they are hungry and in search of minerals or roughage as I mentioned. I find this is especially true in winter when their bodies are telling them to pack in the calories. I find that adding soaked alfalfa pellets (maybe roughly one third as much alfalfa pellet as they are getting in grain) bulks up their food nicely and supplements what they are missing in green grass. Some folks find that their kunes enjoy eating hay and alfalfa hay; mine don’t although I wish they did. If you find that your kunes are just plain ravenous and/or underweight despite getting the correct amount of food, you may need to worm them with a broad spectrum wormer like ivermectin.

2) they are overheating. All pigs require wallows to regulate their body temperatures anytime the weather is over 70°. This is literally a matter of life or death for the pigs, so if you don’t provide a pool or dig them a wallow, even a short snouted kune will take matters into their own hands, err, snouts and dig down to cooler dirt or mud.

3) they are bored or anxious. Kunes need at least a quarter acre per adult pig total per year. Kunes are extremely social and solo pigs are much more like to root than two or more pigs; it helps relieve stress. Kunes are extremely smart and foraging keeps their brains usefully engaged. *Ideally* pigs will be rotated to new pastures every month or so using temporary fence to keep their forage diverse and fresh. You can also help them stay entertained by scattering small bits of apple around the pasture to find, or with a plastic treat ball as long as their aren’t in an electrified fence.

Plastic treat balls are a great way to entertain kunes— especially youngsters.

Plastic treat balls are a great way to entertain kunes— especially youngsters.

4) they are naughty teenagers. I would say that about half of my teenage pigs (4-8 months) go through a phase where they just want to root. Fortunately they will grow out of this and don’t root very deep (maybe 2-4 inches) but you have a pristine part of your property you don’t want damaged, probably don’t put naughty teenager pigs there. They will grow out of the rooting, but in the meantime consider setting up their fence in an area where maybe, say, you’d like to plant a wildflower meadow or something.

5) they are not purebred kunes. I have learned (the hard way) that folks will cross other breeds with Kunes and still call them Kunes. It’s bafflingly common. All other breeds of pigs root, so unless you have a Kune pedigree in-hand there is no way to no what kind of behavior you can expect. It is for this reason that we are moving towards raising all registered pigs and that I recommend spending the little bit extra to know for sure what you’re doing. You’ll save money in the long run on pasture repairs, let me tell you!

6) they might just be a rogue jerk. Kunes are so sweet and lovely that it’s hard to imagine one being a jerk, but sometimes the DNA arranges just so and a jerk is born. And here’s the thing, this shouldn’t happen in this breed. The Maori actively bred for docile, friendly pigs that were easy to live with; the classic chill Kune temperament is an important part of the breed standard. A good Kune breeder will take this very seriously. So if a Kune has been given everything it needs to be happy and healthy and it’s STILL doing destructive behaviors like rooting, pushing fences, or even nipping, please don’t breed that pig. Those genetics need to stop right there. In my breeding program I can usually spot a jerk by four weeks and make a point to sell that piglet to someone looking to raise pasture pork (especially if they have woods where the rogue rooter cannot do much damage). I wouldn’t feel good about selling a jerk as a pet as these guys are strong and dangerous. As uncomfortable as it makes some folks to talk about it, I think it’s important to give livestock jobs that match their skills. And sometimes that job is becoming a family’s dinner after a happy, humane life. Fortunately with kunes this issue rarely comes up.

Rachel Herrick
Barn Quilt Workshops
Barn Quilt Workshops
 
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Few things say home better than a handmade quilt, but you don’t need a sewing machine to bring this folk art to your life!

Painted barn quilts add a warm personal touch to your barnyard, garage, shed, porch or deck! We offer four barn quilt workshops a year, each using a historic quilt block design and custom color palate to capture the essence of the season.

I’ll show you how to navigate the geometry and translate each pattern into a 24 x 24” painted quilt that will adorn your home (indoor or out) for years to come! While the paint dries, we’ll take a relaxing walking tour of this 47 acre regenerative farm (including visiting with goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and more!) and talk about the history of our farm, which includes beautiful old quilts and textiles we’ve found here.

 

YOU’LL MAKE:

A unique painted barn quilt based on a historic quilt block pattern. I’ll have a variety of coordinated color palettes for you to pick from (or you can go rogue and do your own thing) and will show you how to chart out the quilt pattern and tape it off for clean, crisp lines. When it’s dry enough to handle, we will finish the edges and fit your masterpiece with hanging hardware so it’s ready to go up on your wall!

In addition to a fun, relaxing afternoon on the you will receive:

  • Exterior grade materials so your work lasts for years

  • Quilt handout + instructions

  • Quilt mapping grid coloring sheets

  • Refreshments (locally sourced when possible!)

 
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UPCOMING BARN QUILT WORKSHOPS:
Saturday, October 17, 1-4 pm
Sunday, October 18, 1-4 pm
Friday, November 14, 1-4 pm
Saturday, November 15, 1-4 pm


TICKETS: $125
Attendees will make one 36 x 36” barn quilt. (For this workshop, you can come solo or bring a buddy for the same price since this project might be easier with an extra set of hands!)

 
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DETAILS

Ages: Appropriate for participants ages 12 and up. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of the session.)

COVID safety measures: Workshops will take place outside, so attendees should dress for the weather with sturdy footwear appropriate for farm and muddy conditions. (No sandals please!) Attendees will have their own tables, safely spaced apart, and individual workshop supplies. Facemasks are required inside any buildings (including the bathroom) and any time the attendees cannot maintain 6’ of social distance. Attendees are asked to bring their own masks.

Accessibility: Please let us know if there are things we can do to make your visit more comfortable. Shared chairs and benches will be available. The farm tour is optional and will cover approximately 1 mile of walking on uneven surfaces. The only bathroom is located up four steps inside our house.

Refunds: because supplies must be bought in advance, no refunds will be issued. Tickets can however be transferred to someone else (and make wonderful gifts!). In the event of extreme weather, workshops will be rescheduled. In the event that the new date does not work for you, you will have the option of attending another workshop of your choosing even if it is already sold out.

 
 
 
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PRIVATE GROUPS

Slow Farm workshops make for memorable family events, corporate team building exercises, birthday gatherings, and even special bridal or baby showers. Barn quilts in particular make for fun group activities that in the end become a wonderful gift for the guest of honor or office conversation piece. Workshops can be tailored to fit your occasion and color palate. Group size 5-18 people. Please email us to schedule a time for your family, coworkers, or friends to come out to the farm!

 
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INSTRUCTOR

This workshop will be led by Rachel Herrick, a third generation farmer and co-owner of Slow Farm. In addition to her passion and experience as a regenerative farmer, Rachel also has a Master’s in Fine Art and has taught art at UNC Chapel Hill, Maine College of Art, Town of Cary, and been a guest lecturer at University of Alberta, Eastern Carolina University, and Meredith College. She is also a professional artist with a full resume of exhibitions in the US, Canada, and Europe.

 
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THANK YOU

When you attend a Slow Farm workshop, you’re supporting our efforts to restore this 47 acre former tobacco farm using historic and holistic farming methods that mimic nature. No chemicals, no shortcuts.

Why do we do this? Because working with nature produces generational fertility and a brighter, more abundant future. Sure it’s is a slow process, but in the long run regenerative farming creates resilient food systems that can feed communities AND contribute to the health of the planet.

It’s a labor of love and hope. We’re so happy you’re a part of it.

 
workshopsRachel Herrick
Grow-Your-Own Greens
 
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Nothing tastes better than food you grow yourself— especially greens fresh from your own container garden!

Greens are a fast, forgiving crop with two growing seasons here in NC. They are the first things up in spring and the last plants standing in winter! Elevated container gardens are a great way to keep your lettuce, chard, radishes, spinach, and kale convenient to you but out of the reach of garden bandits!

Join us for a hands-on container garden workshop, as well as a walking tour of our 47 acre regenerative farm (including visiting with goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and more!). As we walk we’ll talk about seasonal plants and working with nature’s cycles to grow healthy, sustainable food— right in your back yard or on your porch, patio, or balcony! Never worry about a lettuce recall again!

YOU’LL MAKE:

One 12” D x 48” W x 36” H elevated planter, made with pine & cedar and painted with a glue-resist bohemian design. In the interest of time, I’ll have things pre-cut and started. I’ll show you how to assemble, sand, paint/stain, and seal your container garden in preparation for planting when you get home! (Make sure you bring a vehicle large enough to transport your masterpiece home!)

In addition to a fun, relaxing afternoon on the farm you will receive:

  • 12” D x 48” W x 36” H elevated planter

  • Assorted seasonal seeds

  • Printed planting schedule and care instructions

  • Refreshments (locally sourced when possible!)

 
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G-Y-O GREENS WORKSHOPS:
Saturday, Sept 26, 2020. 1-4 pm.
Sunday, Sept 27, 2020. 1-4 pm.

TICKETS: $150
Up to two attendees will make one 12” D x 48” W x 36” H elevated planter. (For this workshop, you can come solo or bring a buddy for the same price since this project might be easier with an extra set of hands!)

GET STARTED KIT ADD-ON: $35
Hit the ground running with everything you’ll need to get your planter underway as soon as the paint dries! Planting kit includes mycorrhizal soil inoculate and four cubic feet of potting soil.

 
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DETAILS

Each workshop is limited to 16 participants total (8 tickets available for each day).

Ages: Appropriate for participants ages 12 and up. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of the session.)

COVID safety measures: Workshops will take place outside, so attendees should dress for the weather with sturdy footwear appropriate for farm and muddy conditions. (No sandals please!) Attendees will have their own tables, safely spaced apart, and individual workshop supplies. Facemasks are required inside any buildings (including the bathroom) and any time the attendees cannot maintain 6’ of social distance. Attendees are asked to bring their own masks.

Accessibility: Please let us know if there are things we can do to make your visit more comfortable. Shared chairs and benches will be available. The farm tour is optional and will cover approximately 1 mile of walking on uneven surfaces. The only bathroom is located up four steps inside our house.

Refunds: because supplies must be bought in advance, no refunds will be issued. Tickets can however be transferred to someone else (and make wonderful gifts!). In the event of extreme weather, workshops will be rescheduled. In the event that the new date does not work for you, you will have the option of attending another workshop of your choosing even if it is already sold out.

 
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PRIVATE GROUPS

Slow Farm workshops make for memorable family events, corporate team building exercises, birthday gatherings, and even special bridal or baby showers. Please email us to schedule a time for your family, coworkers, or friends to come out to the farm!

 
arrow-black.png
 

INSTRUCTOR

This workshop will be led by Rachel Herrick, a third generation farmer and co-owner of Slow Farm. In addition to her passion and experience as a regenerative farmer, Rachel also has a Master’s in Fine Art and has taught art at UNC Chapel Hill, Maine College of Art, Town of Cary, and been a guest lecturer at University of Alberta, Eastern Carolina University, and Meredith College. She is also a professional artist with a full resume of exhibitions in the US, Canada, and Europe.

 
arrow-black.png
 

THANK YOU

When you attend a Slow Farm workshop, you’re supporting our efforts to restore this 47 acre former tobacco farm using historic and holistic farming methods that mimic nature. No chemicals, no shortcuts.

Why do we do this? Because working with nature produces generational fertility and a brighter, more abundant future. Sure it’s is a slow process, but in the long run regenerative farming creates resilient food systems that can feed communities AND contribute to the health of the planet.

It’s a labor of love and hope. We’re so happy you’re a part of it.

workshopsRachel Herrick
Welcoming Your Kunes

Bringing Home Baby

Bringing home your new Kunekunes is extremely exciting! However, the transition to a new home can be stressful for pigs, who are especially smart and sensitive. Fortunately with just a little prior planning you can keep your new arrivals happy and safe while they get to know you and your farm.

I’ve helped many many customers welcome piglets and have come up with a handy checklist and guide for to-be kune owners.

Kune Homecoming Checklist

▢ FENCE: important! Strongly recommend a smaller secure transition pen made with hog panels and t-posts every 8ft. NO ELECTRIC FENCING FOR NEW PIGS— they WILL escape.

▢ FOOD: we feed Southern States’s Grow N Finish 16% pellets soaked in two parts water so it’s a porridge consistency.

▢ BOWLS: 6” high rubber bowls. One feed dish per pig plus one shared bowl for water. Eight quart (2 gallon) size is ideal.

▢ SHELTER: many style options. At least 4x6’ for two pigs. Recommended bedding: 2” of pine shavings (no cedar) covered in 4” of clean hay or straw.

▢ WALLOWS & SHADE: absolutely necessary with temps over 72 degrees.

▢ TRANSPORT: dog kennel inside a vehicle are ideal for piglets. Make sure there is ample hay/straw bedding so they don’t slip and hurt themselves.

The details:

Fencing & Transition Pens:

Let’s start by creating the infrastructure you’ll need to keep your new kunes safe. The first and biggest thing to know about relocating pigs of any age is that when they are scared or stressed they need a physical barrier to contain them. Even pigs trained on electric fencing may just charge right through it if they are panicked. This is why I absolutely do not recommend containing new pigs with electric fence, either strand or net. There’s no worse feeling than watching panicked pigs take off into the woods.

Spare yourself that horrible experience and instead, welcome your pigs home with a smaller secure transition pen made with hog panels ideally. Locate this pen near a water source, ideally under some natural shade. If you are bringing home young piglets, consider putting the pen relatively close to your barn or house to discourage predators. (Although your might worry about your new arrivals, there is no need to bring the pigs inside your house. If fact, because Slow Farm pigs are born and raised exclusively on pasture being inside would be profoundly stressful for them.)

Transition pens can be made of any sturdy fence as long as the spaces along the bottom 18” are no more than 2” wide and the fence is tight enough that it can’t be scooted under. (I’m a big fan of 12” ground staples for keeping field wire secured to the ground.) In my experience, the best material for a transition pen is hog panel. Hog panels are thick gauge metal fencing sections, 34” tall and 16’ long with close spacing at the bottom that widens toward the top. Their weight makes them impossible to flip when they are securely fastened top, middle and bottom to t-posts set every 8’. The panels can be attached to the t-posts using wire fasteners, heavy duty zip ties— or if you’re like me, baling twine. A 16x16’ transition pen made with four hog panels is adequate for a couple young pigs to get used to their new life; you can certainly make the pen larger if you’d like.

(Side note: at $25-28 per panel, hog panels are not the cheapest fencing option, but they are a worthwhile investment that you will be glad you have for vet visits, worming, special feeding, farrowing, etc.)

Keep your new pigs in their “Fort Knox” secure area for at least a week (ideally two) before introducing them to larger pastures and/or electric fencing. Kunes can be taught to respect single-strand electric fence, but for visibility and ease of use I prefer Premier 1 electric net fencing— specifically their HogNet® 10/24/12 Electric Netting which has closer horizontal spacing that’s perfect to discourage smaller pigs. Both strand and net fencing require good reliable chargers— do not expect your pigs to respect an unelectrified fence. In fact, animals can become badly entangled in net fencing if they try to cross it.

Feeding:

TYPE: Adult kunes eat standard 15-17% “grower & finisher” protein pig pellets or mash. Pregnant and lactating sows and piglets under 6 months do best on the richer 20% “sow & pig” feed. (These are NOT mini pigs. Do not feed mini pig food.)

PREPARATION: I soak my pigs’ food in approximately two parts water to one part grain so it is a porridge consistency. Soaking has the benefit of stretching the food farther, making them feel fuller, keeping them hydrated, and being a convenient way to get them to eat supplements when needed. (Around here we have to provide selenium to our sows because our soil is very poor in it.)

AMOUNT: Best practice is to halve the amounts below (which are recommended by the NZ Kunekune Society) and feed half in the morning and half at night.

  • Piglets 2-4 months – 1 lb (2 cups) per day

  • Pigs 4-9 months – 1.5 lb (3 cups) per day

  • Adult boar or sow – 2 to 3 lb {4 - 6 cups} per day

  • Lactating sow – 2 to 3 lb {4 - 6 cups} + 0.5 lb {1 cup} per piglet per day

These amounts are not law. If your pig is looking obese, reduce their grain amount. If they are looking skinny, consider possible health causes (especially worms) and increase feed accordingly. Under no circumstances should you offer kunes free choice grain or use the gravity feeders that conventional pig farmers use; kunes will become badly obese in no time.

BOWLS: pigs are competitive eaters so make sure you have a bowl for each pig. (In cases where there’s an especially bossy pig, you might even want to have one more bowl than pigs.) Rubber bowls are easier on their teeth and don’t leech toxic zinc like galvanized metal “hog pans”.

MANNERS: yes pigs can and must learn table manners! Piglets are very open to learning, and the work you put in now will save you getting knocked around by 300lb pigs later. Here’s the secret: do not feed pigs until they are calm. I teach my pigs by taking my time setting up their bowls and talking calmly to them while I do it. Then with the feed bucket in my hand and posed to pour I stand there and say “SHHHH” until they are quiet. As soon as the pigs are quiet, dump the food in the bowls. In the beginning, you are waiting for just a moment of quiet. As they learn, you can get them to wait longer and longer.

Water:

Water is very possibly the most important thing to get right with your pigs because dehydration kills. Pigs need clean water every single day, and during warm months they need water to soak in to cool off.

Wallows don’t necessarily have to be more than 6” deep but they should either be empty-able (like kiddie pools or mud pans) or maintainable with vinegar or a bit of bleach (like hand dug wallows). Natural bogs can fester with bacteria, parasites, and biting insects, so use with caution. Ideally wallows are located in a shady spot or have a shade cloth over them.

In addition to wallows, pigs need clean drinking water. Given how short kunes are, water bowls or pans should be 6-10” deep. Water bowls will need to be emptied and cleaned daily— pigs are great at making their water bowls filthy and dumping them so be attentive. Another option is water barrels fitted with drinking nipples. Water barrels are an excellent way to offer clean water provided you keep the barrels clean. A dirty barrel is an illness waiting to happen.

Shelter & Shade:

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Kune shelter needs are pretty basic. Shelters need to be dry, wind-blocking, and well bedded. A simple A-frame hut will suit them well all-year round provided it is located on well-drained ground. They don’t need bedding in the warm months, but in the winter we use several inches of pine shavings topped with a couple feet of hay. Wheat straw is also good bedding BUT we find that our pigs shift through it to find any bits of wheat left and in the process kick all of the bedding out of the hut.

In summer, providing shade is important. Especially in the heat of the day. It’s hard to beat trees for the best shade, but you can make shade structures as well using tarps, cloth drop cloths, and t-posts.

Rachel Herrick