Sitting Pretty

Large Black Pig page

We raise Large Blacks or as some call them English Large Blacks. Our initial attraction to the Large Blacks was their wonderful temperament followed by their ability to thrive on pasture. We also like their mothering and milking ability.  Our herd started with the purchase of weaners from Marney Cuff's Buffalo Sunrise farm in Ontario. Our current boar was purchased from Mac Brown of Ontario. We try to work with other Large Black breeders to keep some genetic diversity in the breed. A good working relationship with Tarra Nedved from Onoway has enabled us to make better use of both our genetics and also helped us market animals. Tarra not only sells breeding stock, as we do, but also finishes a good number for a special market. We have breeding stock available as well as weaners and feeders at various times of year. Check our sale barn for availability.

History and breed facts: The Large Black was developed from the black pigs of Devon and Cornwall, England and the pigs found in East Anglia, believed to descend from Chinese breeds. In 1899 a breed society was formed. After 1900 the Large Black became well known outside of its native region and spread throughout Great Britain. There were a few importations to Canada in the 1920s.The breed has never been very numerous in North America but has often been used for cross breeding. Early selection for the bacon type has led to the breed being characterized by great length and depth of body. Large Blacks are a large pig similar in size to Yorkshires. Always being black, they have long heads with straight faces and their recognizable lop (floppy) ears. These droopy ears are large enough that they cover much of the face. Some suggest this obstructs their vision which contributes to their docile nature. Whether this is true or not, they are very docile and seem to move more slowly and deliberately than other breeds. The breed has high levels of hardiness and thriftiness. All these traits combine to make the Large Black an excellent pig for the small farmer. They are super pasture pigs with the ability to produce excellent bacon and ham.

Large Black Boar

Large Black in Mud

Large Black Piggies

Large Black Sow

Weaner Pigs on Pasture

Spring Break