Processing Our Kune Kune Pigs on the Homestead -

Processing Kune Kune pigs for meat is an important part of our homestead journey. After raising these pigs for two years, we are excited to share our experience of the butchering process with you.

A Tribute to Babe & Ruth – Two Years of Piggy Perfection

January 2023 – February 2025

Every homesteader knows that the hardest part of raising livestock is the final step. It’s not easy, but it’s part of the journey—one we walk with gratitude and respect for the animals we raise.

This month, we said farewell to Freedom Forest Farm’s very own Kune Kune girls, Babe and Ruth. They joined our farm as piglets in January 2023 and spent two full years living their best lives—grazing, rooting, and begging for treats. If you’ve never had Kune Kune pigs, let us tell you… they are something special. These girls had the sweetest personalities, loved belly rubs, and even had a knack for escaping their pen just to say hello.

Their time here wasn’t just about providing us with food; they were a joy to raise and taught us so much about sustainable, humane farming. And now, they continue their purpose by filling our freezer with delicious, homegrown meat—sausage, ham, ribs, and tender roasts. Their rich fat will be rendered into lard for baking, cooking, and making homemade soaps and salves. Nothing goes to waste, and we are deeply grateful for all they provided.

Some may find this process difficult to understand, but for us, it’s a reminder of the deep connection between homesteaders and the food we eat. This isn’t just about meat—it’s about stewardship, sustainability, and honoring the animals we care for.

So, here’s to Babe and Ruth—the best Kune Kune pigs a homestead could ask for. Two years of piggy perfection, and a lasting legacy in every meal, every loaf of bread baked with home-rendered lard, and every lesson learned along the way.

Until we meet again… in pork chop form. 😉🐖💚

– The Borders Family, Freedom Forest Farm