08/24/2026
FAQ Post! 🐖
"What is an Idaho Pasture Pig?" "What makes them different from other breeds?" "Why did you choose the "IPP" over all the others?"
If you’ve never raised an Idaho Pasture Pig (IPP) you are missing out on this special breed!
They were intentionally developed to be a medium-sized, friendly, pasture-oriented pig..not a commercial hog. The breed was developed to combine the grazing ability and friendly disposition of the Kunekune with faster growth and additional size from the Duroc and the meat quality and mothering ability of the Old Berkshire. The qualities off the IPPs came from 20 years of selective breeding, so if you crossed those 3 now as a first generation cross, you would not get the results/benefits of an IPP. They are a breed all their own!
Unlike traditional pigs that are naturally inclined to root, Idaho Pasture Pigs were developed specifically with grazing ability in mind. Their shorter, slightly upturned snout helps them graze efficiently. When they put their stubby nose down, its their front teeth that touch the ground, not a wide shovel nose like other pigs, so they are able to walk along grazing more like a sheep. (You can see this beautifully demonstrated in the video attached of Abe & Patsy) They will still root a bit, because they are pigs, but they won't destroy your property like a wild hog.
In terms of carcas, bigger isn't always better! The IPP was intentionally developed to remain a manageable, medium-sized pig that produces incredible pork products.
Sows will hit a mature weight of up to 350 pounds, boars up to 450 lbs, and feeder pigs average reaching 200-250 pounds in 10-12 months. Although growth varies with nutrition, pasture, weather, and management.
Breeding a good IPP isn't just about a good size and short snout. Friendly disposition is a big part of the breed standard. The Registry specifically emphasizes calm, friendly pigs that are easy to work with, and aggressive animals should not be used as breeding stock. Though you should never let your guard down with any animal, our IPPs are incredibly sweet pigs, our boar is more trustworthy than some dogs lol
They are great mothers as well, with litter sizes of up to 16 in our experience!
IPPs can live outdoors year-round when provided with appropriate shelter, water, shade, and care for their climate. A simple A frame hut full of straw and a snuggle buddy is all these hardy pigs need for a harsh Michigan winter.
The IPP is also the only proven pasture breed to date. Able to maintain a good growth rate and carcass with being up to 90% grass raised (depending on your pastures) which cuts your feed costs down dramatically.
All of ☝️THAT☝️ is why preserving the breed standard is SO important.
We love this breed because it was created with the small farm and homestead family in mind. We had various pigs of various breeds before accidentally stumbling upon the IPP and we will never go back!
If you've been considering adding Idaho Pasture Pigs to your homestead, send us a message—we'd love to tell you more about these incredible animals and answer any further questions you have.
You can also find more information on the registry here: www.idahopasturepigregistry.com
