Building Elite Kunekune Genetics
Carcass Merit Ultrasound
If you’ve spent any time with Kunekune pigs, you already know how special this breed is. Friendly, pasture-efficient, and full of personality, they’re a favorite for homesteaders and small-scale farmers alike. But as demand grows for high-quality, pasture-raised pork, the next generation of Kunekune breeders face a challenge — and an opportunity: improving consistency, carcass quality, and overall productivity without compromising the breed’s charm.
That’s where our farm comes in.
Why We Started the Carcass Merit Project
We launched our Carcass Merit Project with a simple mission: to collect real data on the traits that matter most to farmers and customers — like marbling, backfat, loin eye, loin area, and growth rate — and use that data to improve our Kunekune breeding program. Every pig we raise is evaluated not just on appearance, but on real data.
Far too often, breeding decisions are made based on looks alone. While conformation is important (and we meet all IKHR breed standards for sound structure, underline, and head shape), we believe that performance should match appearance — especially for those raising Kunekunes for pork.
Using Ultrasound to Improve Carcass Quality
To track carcass traits before processing, we use ultrasound scanning on live pigs to measure backfat and loin eye/ area and intramuscular fat. These measurements help us:
Identify top-performing boars and sows
Make better breeding decisions faster
Track genetic improvement year over year
We also grow out all of our pigs to a full 12 months to gather accurate carcass data. By selecting for pigs that hit 200+ lbs in 12 months (what we call 200in12 and now closer to 300 lbs. in 12 months), we’re raising a herd that finishes faster, produces better pork, and puts less pressure on pastures.
Watch our video on carcass merit and ultrasound scanning here
Genetics That Work — In the Real World
Our herd reflects years of selective breeding for:
Temperament and manageability
Pasture efficiency
Mothering ability
Carcass traits (like marbling and loin depth)
Whether you're a first-time pig owner feeding your family or a farmer building a direct-to-consumer pork program, our breeding stock is designed to perform in real-world conditions.
Each breeding animal we sell is registered with the International Kunekune Hog Registry (IKHR) and meets conformation standards for:
Sound feet and legs
Strong underlines and good teat spacing
Wide, dished heads — a signature of the breed and key to their gentle, grazing nature
More Than Pigs: Mentorship, Community, and Support
When you purchase breeding stock from us, you’re not just getting a pig — you’re joining a program. Here’s what’s included with every sale:
✔️ Our breeding and health guarantee contract
✔️ Membership to our private Facebook support group (packed with education for every stage of your Kunekune journey)
✔️ Access to our Zoom workshops
✔️ Potential for 200in12 genetics
✔️ Private mentorship to help you succeed long-term
Contact us to learn more or reserve breeding stock
15 Champions and Counting
We’re proud to have produced 16 champions to date and to be actively involved in the Heartland Kunekune Show, where we help promote breed improvement through education and fair evaluation. We work hard to foster win-win relationships with other breeders, customers, and farms looking to improve their herds.
Don’t just take our word for it — see what the experts and judges say about Meadowlark Farm Kunekunes. (Read testimonials or reviews here)
Let’s Raise the Standard — Together
The future of Kunekune pigs depends on breeders willing to be transparent, collaborative, and focused on continual improvement. If you’re looking for breeding stock with proven genetics, measurable traits, and solid support — we’d love to connect.
Ready to take your Kunekune program to the next level? Get in touch with us here
Let’s preserve what makes Kunekunes unique — while making them even better.