Heritage Pigs 

Red Ledge Farm has specialized in raising heritage pigs since 2018.  Heritage pigs are slower growing and better suited to be raised on a homestead.  Commercial white pigs don't do well being raised outside due to them being susceptible to sunburns which are debilitating to pigs.  Heritage pigs also have a better immune system and are better foragers.  Heritage pigs can either be a lard breed or a meat breed.  Red Ledge Farm raised Mangalitsa/Berkshire cross pigs.  We believe they are the perfect mix of breeds for a homestead hog.  

What are Mangalitsa?

Mangalitsa (main-gah-leet-sa).  Mangalitsa pigs are much different from the modern day, commercially raised, breeds of pigs.  Mangalitsa’s are a lard breed and have 60-70% fat, however the fat has been scientifically proven to be much healthier than any other animal fat, and also much healthier to consume in place of vegetable oils.  Because of the high percentage of fat, both in the form of lard and intramuscular fat, Mangalitsa pork makes a great tasting product for the table.  It is also ideal for quality charcuterie products. 
"Mangalitsa fat content is 12-16% less saturated fatty acids and 8-10% more unsaturated fatty acids than the modern pig breeds."
Nutritional quality of pork produced by mangalitsa breed
nistor e. et al/scientific Papers: Animal Science and biotechnologies, 2012, 45 (2)
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