Best way to find breeders?

TrickyRick86 · #1 02/13/14, 04:10 PM

Hey all, I have looked at the Breed Conservatory Site but was wondering if there were any other places to look for heritage breeders that are near me (southeastern VA). Been watching craigslist too but most people don't impress me with their adds i.e. no breed mentioned, costs are for slaughtered hogs, etc. Thanks for any help.

WadeFisher · #2 02/13/14, 04:44 PM

First off; I'm glad you are interested in 'Heritage' stock.

Are you interested in a certain breed?
I know that GOS ( Old Spots) breeders have several participants in the state of VA.
How far does "near me" mean? Same town, county, or 100 mile radius?
If you have breed in mind, go to the representing associations web site for that particular breed and look for a page that members can post there advertisements or the page that list their breeders by state.

gerold · #3 02/13/14, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrickyRick86

Hey all, I have looked at the Breed Conservatory Site but was wondering if there were any other places to look for heritage breeders that are near me (southeastern VA). Been watching craigslist too but most people don't impress me with their adds i.e. no breed mentioned, costs are for slaughtered hogs, etc. Thanks for any help.

www.bestfarmbuys.com/

Should find some at link above for Virginia. Go to hogs and then Virginia.

TrickyRick86 · #4 02/13/14, 08:24 PM

I think I would like to raise Tamworths or Berkshires. I have read most of the stuff on the ABC site and they sound like they would be the best tasting. Anyone have any other recommendations? I am planning on pasturing them or putting them into a woodlot and letting them help me clear it. I would like to get a young gilt or two and a boar to raise some piglets. Back in the 80's I worked on a 1200 sow farrow to finish farm for Murphy farms so I know my way around that side of the business. I know, I know they have terrible reps now but back then they were the top pork producers in the world and we thought we were doing it the right way. I never really felt comfortable with the way the animals were treated though so I left not long after starting. I did learn a lot about confinement animal husbandry though. I love the natural method of raising meat and that is the only way I would do it now.