Welcome to our farm:
A Legacy of Tradition, Family, and Heritage Pork
We take pride in being a veteran-owned, family-run, small farm with deep roots in Iowa’s farming community. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community is at the heart of everything we do. We raise Kunekune pigs, a heritage breed, known for producing some of the most nutritionally dense, beautifully red marbled pork available. Every step we take on our farm reflects our passion for animal care, family values, and superior products.
We’re proud to be apart of the Homegrown by Heroes Association
A Family Legacy of Farming
Farming runs deep in our family. Steve grew up on a rural farm south of Earlham, where he raised Spotted Poland China hogs with his family. After serving 20 years in the Air Force’s Search and Rescue Division, with five official saves and numerous assists, Steve retired and returned to his roots. The taste of Kunekune pork brought back cherished memories of his childhood, and we knew it was time to start raising these exceptional pigs on our own farm.
As for me, Heather, I grew up on a small farm south of Stuart and I’m a Kindergarten teacher. My family raised a variety of animals, and my grandpa, Leo Marckmann, always dreamed of passing on the family's farming legacy. Today, we carry that tradition forward on our family farm. We raised our six kids here after retiring from the military, and we’re passing those same values onto our grandchildren.
Our Kunekune Pork: Heritage Pork at Its Finest
Since 2018, we've been working hard to produce premium Kunekune pork, focusing on exceptional genetics. Using rate of gain and ultrasound technology, we select pigs that represent the best qualities of this heritage breed. The result?
Kunekune hogs with pork that's rich in flavor, marbled beautifully, and nutritionally superior to conventional pork.
Our hands-on approach means we spend a lot of time with our Kunekunes - checking their pens, improving their environment, and yes, giving plenty of belly rubs. This personal care reflects in the quality of the pork we produce. Happy pigs = happy pork!
Personal Connections With Our Customers
To us, customers are more than clients - you're part of our extended family. We enjoy getting to know you by name, learning your preferences, and making sure your experience with our farm is as personal as it is delicious. Whether you're picking up your favorite cut of pork or trying something new, we take pride in building lasting relationships with those who support us.
Around The Farm
Handcrafted Ancestral Tallow Products
We hold ourselves to the highest standards with what we produce on our farm. Whether it’s our responsibly and ethically pasture-raised pork, or handcrafted all natural skin products. If it’s not good enough for our family, it’s not good enough for yours!
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Currently, we are unable to ship pork, but if you are local, please reach out to us. We can meet once a week anywhere within 60 miles. If you live out of state, contact us; we have customers who have purchased pigs from us all over the country. We are happy to connect you! You can also find out meat being served at 3 local restaurants: 5 Borough Bagels, The Cider House at Wilson's Orchard, and downtown Des Moines in the Sky walk.
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Kunekune is pronounced "Cooney cooney."
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Our Kunekunes are born on pasture and are kept on pasture their entire lives. Our pigs are truly pasture-raised with the best cover crop we are able to provide.
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Steve never wanted pigs because, in his experience, pigs were terrible on pasture (tore up the ground) and were always working to get out of fences. Once we found out Kunekunes seldom rip up pastures and are easily fenced, and he tried the pork, he was sold. They are great, easy keepers!
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Ever since I read, Where the Lillies Bloom, I've been interested in herbal healing. I've gathered information and tucked recipes in my brain for years. I enjoy learning and growing, so it's been a great learning opportunity and process.
Kunekunes - the perfect homesteading animal.
If you are currently a farmer or looking to get into Kunekunes, reach out! We have a name that has carried nationwide and would love to discuss our genetics.