Legend has it that the Red Wattle hog was brought to America from New Caledonia Island in the 1700s by French settlers. They adapted well and became popular due to their hardiness, gentle nature, rapid growth rate and active foraging instinct.
Unfortunately, one of the traits seen as desirable today almost led to their demise. They fell out of favor as American settlers moved westward and needed hogs that had a higher fat content for lard and soap making. They were thought to be almost extinct until a few were found in the 1970s and 80s in the woods of eastern Texas. From these small herds the breed was reestablished and is now listed as "threatened" on The Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List.
Red Wattles are known for the distinctive, fleshy wattles that hang from their jowls. They are excellent mothers, usually having between 10-15 per litter and typically grow to 600-800 pounds. These hogs do very well outdoors and on pasture, making them a good choice for small-scale, independent farmers.
Red Wattles produce what is considered to be gourmet pork due to it's fine texture and rich, juicy beef-like flavor. This quality pork is not available in typical grocery stores. American Heritage Farm is one of the few places that offer it in the great state of Michigan!
Unfortunately, one of the traits seen as desirable today almost led to their demise. They fell out of favor as American settlers moved westward and needed hogs that had a higher fat content for lard and soap making. They were thought to be almost extinct until a few were found in the 1970s and 80s in the woods of eastern Texas. From these small herds the breed was reestablished and is now listed as "threatened" on The Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List.
Red Wattles are known for the distinctive, fleshy wattles that hang from their jowls. They are excellent mothers, usually having between 10-15 per litter and typically grow to 600-800 pounds. These hogs do very well outdoors and on pasture, making them a good choice for small-scale, independent farmers.
Red Wattles produce what is considered to be gourmet pork due to it's fine texture and rich, juicy beef-like flavor. This quality pork is not available in typical grocery stores. American Heritage Farm is one of the few places that offer it in the great state of Michigan!
