Rare breed pigs such as the Tamworth and the Gloucester Old Spot which we keep here at Debonnaire Acres are distinct breeds that have garnered attention for their unique characteristics and history. 
The Gloucester Old Spot is a traditional English breed known for its distinctive white coat with black spots, which give it a striking appearance. This breed is highly valued for its high-quality meat, known for its marbling and tenderness. These pigs are also known for their excellent foraging abilities and adaptability to various environments, making them an ideal addition to our wooded smallholding. 
The Tamworth is also a unique breed of pig that is known for their distinct appearance and exceptional meat quality. Originating in Staffordshire these pigs are one of the oldest pig breeds in existence, dating back to the early 19th century. With their long, lean bodies and ginger-colored coats, Tamworth pigs are easily recognizable and are highly prized by farmers for their efficiency in converting feed into lean muscle.
Due to their rarity and dwindling population numbers, both Tamworth and Gloucester Old Spot pigs have been classified as rare breeds by conservation organizations such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. In addition to their practical attributes, Tamworth pigs are also renowned for their flavorful and tender meat and for their ability to produce firm, well-marbled pork, Tamworth pigs are prized for their succulent bacon, hams and sausages. By supporting the conservation and sustainable breeding of these
rare breed pigs, our customers can not only enjoy high-quality pork products, but also contribute to the preservation of a valuable genetic resource that has been a part of agricultural history for centuries.
The history of these rare breed pigs is closely tied to the agricultural traditions and heritage of their respective regions, for example, the Gloucester Old Spot has a long history dating back to the 18th century where the breed was traditionally raised in orchards, where they were able to forage for fallen fruit and other vegetation, giving their meat a unique flavour. These breeds have played a vital role in the agricultural landscape of their respective regions and efforts are being made to preserve and promote these rare breeds to ensure their continued existence for future generations.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in rare breed pigs as our customers and farmers alike seek out more sustainable and ethically raised meat options. These breeds are prized for their unique flavour profiles, adaptability to outdoor production systems, and genetic diversity, which make them valuable assets for the future of agriculture. As we strive to create a more sustainable and resilient food system, preserving and promoting rare breed pigs like the Gloucester Old Spot and Tamworth will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of small-scale farming and heritage breed conservation efforts.
All of our pigs are born and raised here, in a mix of wooded pastures with insulated arcs, wallows and lots of enrichment. They also sometimes enjoy a mix of sugerbeet, wonky potatoes and ugly onions that the supermarkets don’t want and which would otherwise go to landfill, alongside their high quality commercial feed.  They are free to forage and dig for insects and enjoy the odd carrot from our visitors. We also collect local pumpkins after each Halloween which would otherwise end up in landfill, together with all the home grown food we produce for ourselves, the piggies tend to sometimes eat better than we do! 

From time to time we also sell weaners, these will be advertised here or on our social media pages, or get in touch to discuss.