What is a Heritage Breed Pig?

Heritage pigs are those that have been around for a long time and haven't been bred for certain qualities or commercial production. Their genes remain the same and haven't been adapted for commercial characteristics. At Backroad Barnyard, we take pride in raising heritage breeds like Red Wattle and Meishan pigs. They are animals that embody tradition, resilience, and exceptional quality. These breeds aren’t just rare; they’re remarkable in flavor, temperament, and sustainability.

Heritage breeds like Red Wattle and Meishan pigs offer more than just great taste, they represent biodiversity, sustainability, and a return to responsible farming. These pigs grow at a natural pace, live longer, and adapt well to outdoor environments. By choosing heritage pork, you’re supporting animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and food integrity.

Whether you're a chef seeking premium ingredients or a family looking for wholesome meals, Backroad Barnyard’s heritage pork delivers unmatched quality. Connect with us to learn more, place an order, or simply connect with a farm that values tradition and transparency.

Red Wattle Pigs

The story of the Red Wattle pig is one of resilience, heritage, and flavor. This unique breed traces its roots back to the southern United States, where it was first recognized for its distinctive red coloring and fleshy wattles. Once on the brink of extinction, the Red Wattle has made a remarkable comeback thanks to dedicated farmers and food advocates who value its exceptional meat quality and genetic diversity.

Exceptional Characteristics

Red Wattle pigs are known for their calm temperament, adaptability, and ability to thrive in pasture-based systems. They are active foragers and benefit from a natural diet, which contributes to the rich flavor and nutritional profile of their meat. Their meat is marbled, juicy and full of flavor, often compared to heritage beef in its depth and complexity.

Why It Matters

Choosing Red Wattle pork means choosing meat that is not only delicious but also ethically and sustainably raised. The breed’s natural lifestyle and diet result in pork that is higher in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it a smart choice for health-conscious consumers.

Support Heritage Breeds

By purchasing Red Wattle pork, you’re helping preserve a rare breed and supporting farming practices that prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship. You're choosing more than a meal - you're choosing a legacy of quality and sustainability.

Meishan Pigs

The Meishan pig, a heritage breed originating from the Jiangsu province of China, has a rich agricultural legacy dating back centuries. Known for its docile nature and exceptional mothering abilities, the Meishan was once a staple in traditional Chinese farming systems. Its unique genetics and adaptability made it a valuable resource for small-scale farmers.

Despite its strengths, the Meishan breed faced decline in the United States during the late 20th century, as industrial farming favored faster-growing commercial breeds. However, a renewed interest in sustainable agriculture and genetic diversity has sparked a resurgence in Meishan breeding programs. Today, farms like Backroad Barnyard are helping to preserve this rare breed, recognizing its importance in ethical and regenerative farming practices.

Why Meishan Pork Deserves a Place at Your Table

Meishan pork is celebrated for its rich marbling, tenderness, and deep flavor, qualities that elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Unlike mass-produced pork, Meishan meat offers a gourmet experience rooted in tradition and care. Its higher intramuscular fat content not only enhances taste but also contributes to a juicier texture that chefs and food enthusiasts adore.

By choosing Meishan pork, you're supporting biodiversity, humane farming, and a return to quality over quantity. These pigs thrive in pasture-based systems, where they forage, socialize, and grow at a natural pace. This slower growth results in meat that’s more flavorful and nutrient-dense, perfect for those who value authenticity in their food.

Preserving the Past, Nourishing the Future

At Backroad Barnyard, we believe that heritage breeds like the Meishan are key to a resilient and ethical food system. By raising these pigs with care and respect, we’re not just producing exceptional pork - we’re preserving agricultural history and promoting sustainable practices for future generations.

Discover the Difference

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often dictates food choices, knowing where your food comes from and how it’s raised matters more than ever. At Backroad Barnyard in southern Minnesota, we believe in bringing honest, high-quality food to your table. That’s why we proudly raise heritage breed Red Wattle pigs, known for their exceptional flavor and ethical upbringing.

Why Red Wattle Pork Stands Out

Red Wattle pork isn’t just delicious, it’s nutrient-rich and responsibly raised. The meat is naturally tender and flavorful, with a deep, savory profile that chefs and home cooks alike rave about. Unlike conventional pork, Red Wattle pork contains higher levels of healthy fats, essential nutrients, and antioxidants, making it a smart choice for your health.

And here’s something remarkable: just one tablespoon of rendered Red Wattle lard contains 1,000 I.U. of Vitamin D, a powerful boost for your immune system and bone health. That’s not just cooking fat; that’s liquid gold for your kitchen.

Raised with Care, the Way Nature Intended

Our pigs roam freely across pastures and wooded areas, expressing natural behaviors and living stress-free lives. We never use hormones, vaccines, or steroids. Instead, we follow sustainable farming practices that protect the land and respect the animals. When pigs are raised this way, it shows in the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the meat.

A Choice You Can Feel Good About

Choosing Red Wattle pork from Backroad Barnyard means choosing:

- Animal welfare: humane, pasture-raised pigs

- Environmental stewardship: sustainable farming that nurtures the land

- Healthier meals: nutrient-dense meat with natural fats and vitamins

- Food integrity: transparency from farm to table

Join the Movement Toward Better Food

When you bring Red Wattle pork to your plate, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal, you’re supporting a food system that values quality, ethics, and sustainability. Whether you're a chef, a parent, or simply someone who cares about what you eat, we invite you to experience the difference.

Taste the authenticity. Support the land. Choose Backroad Barnyard.