Allen's Acres Farm
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All About KuneKunes
If someone had asked me years ago if I'd ever raise pigs, the answer would have been a resounding "NO!!" Our farm is catty corner from a commercial hog farm and I know enough about them to dislike their temperaments and habits. When I first heard about grazing pigs, I thought it sounded like a useful way to protect delicate pasture or to clean up wooded or orchard acreage. But when I first met a Kunekune, it was love at first sight. Cute, smart, love interaction with people. How can anyone resist those little teddy bear faces? The first gilts we got would sit for treats! One even sat up begging!
Visiting the farm where the gilts came from and witnessing the adult pigs racing to the fence to flop down begging for the first belly rubs cemented my appreciation for the amazing friendliness and people-loving attitudes of the pigs.
Kunekune ( pronounced "coo-nee coo-nee") are a heritage pig breed, originally from New Zealand. Their name means "fat and round" in Maori.
In New Zealand Kunes came very close to extinction in the 1970s. They were not used much for meat anymore by the Maoris, and were virtually unknown to the rest of the population. It was then that two wildlife park owners, Michael Willis and John Simster heard about the pig, and set out across New Zealand to buy every Kune they could find for sale, this only amounted to eighteen pigs, and from this original stock, with later additions of more animals, the studbook was formed. The population in New Zealand is now in a healthy state, and it is proving in great demand as a small landholder pig.
Kunekunes arrived in Britain in 1992 and began arriving in the United States in 2004.
The Kune Kune is a naturally small pig with an amazingly gentle, calm temperament. They have great character, and a cheery outlook on life. And they're like potato chips--you can't have just one!
They are between twenty four and thirty inches high, and one hundred and twenty to two hundred fifty pounds in weight. They are completely covered in hair which can be anything between short and straight, and long and curly. They come in a range of cream, ginger, brown, black and spotted. They have a short upturned snout, and either prick or flopped ears. They have short legs and a short round body. The most unusual feature of most Kunekune pigs is a pair of tassels, called piri piri, or wattles, under their chin. Temperament wise, they are delightful, being placid and very friendly. They thrive on human company.
Kunes can be kept in a low fence, (ours do not test fences) come running when called, and love people. If you sit down they will be in your lap. They will follow you everywhere, even into your house if you let them. They will flop on their side for a belly rub and they love to be groomed, have their back scratched,etc. I've even had some gilts sit to beg for treats!
But please remember, Kunes are not just a pet pig! Smallholders keep Kune Kune as meat pigs as they produce excellent sausage and pork chops along with select cuts of pork - this at a very low cost because they fatten on grass. Also, they are the perfect size for a family freezer. In New Zealand they were bred for hundreds of years for meat production but also lived alongside a family so it is easy to see why they are such an excellent all round pig! Kune pork is fast becoming the favorite pork of famous chefs in the best restaurants. Those who have tried it say Kune pork is absolutely fantastic and best pork they have ever eaten!
Kunekune pigs are known to fatten on grass with little need of supplemental feed. Their wide head, dished face, and short upturned snout speak to their ability and tendency to graze rather than root. They have been used to keep orchards and vineyards clean.
We strive to produce quality pigs with the "breed standard" look--short snout, wide head, straight strong legs, and that Kune personality. Our pigs are socialized and are raised with many other animals. Our Great Pyrenees dog loves our pigs!
All of the breeding pigs are DNA tested and registered with the AKKPS. Bloodlines include Trish, Sally, Wilson's Gina, Kereopa, Jenny, Rona, Andrew, Mahia Love, BH Tutaki, and Whakenui.
