Why We Raise Kunekune Pigs on Our Regenerative Farm

At Willow Moon Farm, everything we do is intentional, from the way we grow our pastures to the animals we raise. One of our proudest choices is raising Kunekune pigs, a heritage breed that perfectly aligns with our regenerative farming practices. Here’s why Kunekunes are the heart of our farm and why they matter for families, food, and the land.

Gentle, Family-Friendly Temperament

Unlike commercial pig breeds, Kunekunes are calm, friendly, and incredibly social. Their gentle nature makes them ideal for a family-friendly farm. Our children help feed them, move fences, and spend time with the pigs safely. Because Kunekunes are predictable and slow-moving, they allow us to include our kids in everyday farm life without stress or risk.

Rich, Flavorful, Pasture-Raised Pork

The quality of pasture-raised Kunekune pork is unmatched. Their meat is deeply red with beautiful intermuscular fat, giving it a marbling more like a steak than typical pork. This rich marbling produces tender, flavorful, and nutrient-dense pork—perfect for everything from chops to our handcrafted artisanal salami.

Minimal Rooting, Maximum Regeneration

Kunekune pigs thrive on pasture and forage but root very little compared to commercial breeds. This makes rotational grazing easy and allows us to maintain healthy pastures and soil fertility. By integrating these pigs into our regenerative farm system, we can support the land, keeping our farm productive and sustainable for years to come.

Lard

Our Kunekune pigs don’t just give us amazing pork, their lard is skincare gold. It’s been compared to emu oil for its nourishing, absorbable qualities. Historically, lard was used for cooking and old-fashioned soaps, and today we use it in our goat’s milk soaps to create a creamy, moisturizing bar that protects and hydrates the skin naturally. Pasture-raised and nutrient-rich, it’s a traditional ingredient with modern benefits.

Aligned With Our Farming Values

Raising Kunekunes fits naturally with our farm philosophy. Low-stress, pasture-loving, and family-friendly, these pigs help us produce high-quality food while caring for our land and creating a safe, joyful environment for our children.

Try Our Pasture-Raised Kunekune Pork and Salami

We turn our Kunekune pork into handcrafted artisanal salami that captures the rich, flavorful quality of pasture-raised meat. We ship nationwide, so you can taste the difference no matter where you live. Locals can shop our self-serve farm store or join our farm club for regular access to our pork, salami, and other farm-made goods.

Raising Kunekune pigs isn’t just about meat, it’s about creating a regenerative, family-friendly farm that produces nourishing food, supports healthy land, and allows our children to grow up connected to the animals and the soil.