07/01/2026
One is not like the others! Can you find the difference?
We had another Sow with a little trouble and this sow was gracious enough to accept this little piglet. She is a red wattle and this litter is a hereford/duroc cross. Sometimes all it takes is a good mom. ❤️
We had another sow have a little trouble, and this sweet girl graciously accepted an extra piglet into her litter without hesitation. Watching a sow willingly raise one that isn't even her own is always something special.
This baby is a Red Wattle, which is a heritage breed known for its excellent mothering ability, calm temperament, and hardiness. Heritage breeds like Red Wattles were developed to thrive outdoors, farrow naturally, and raise healthy litters with minimal intervention. They also tend to produce beautifully marbled, flavorful pork.
This litter of piglets shes with are a Hereford/Duroc cross, which is a very different type of pig. Hereford and Duroc genetics are commonly used in modern production and show pig programs because they're selected for rapid growth, muscle shape, feed efficiency, structural correctness, and the eye-catching look judges evaluate in the show ring.
Neither type is "better"—they were simply bred with different goals in mind. Heritage breeds help preserve valuable genetics and excel in maternal traits and sustainability, while modern show and production lines have been developed to maximize performance, carcass quality, and competitiveness.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have both on our farm. It's a great reminder that every breed has its strengths, and sometimes those strengths come together in the best way possible! 🐷❤️