Visited Perth Pork Products today

[brianl999]

Hello all

We visited Perth Pork Products today - (www.perthporkproducts.com) and put a down payment for 1/2 of a Tamworth pig. Pickup will be on or around November 20.

The were immensely friendly, helpful and accommodating. We met much of the family and they took us for a tour of the farm.

They are willing to cut it pretty much any way we want, and were very helpful in explaining things (this is the first time we've done something like this). We're getting the head, leaf fat, heart, and a bunch of other miscellaneous bits, along with the meat. They will cure and smoke certain cuts, but we like to do that ourselves. We will be able to pick it up unfrozen, which surprised us. Can't get blood though.

They have Berkshire, Tamworth, Ironage pigs and wild boar. The Berkshire and Tamworth were quoted at $2.50/lb, the Ironage and wild boar were quoted at $3.50/lb. We purchased a wild boar rack they had in their little store and will try it tomorrow night. If we like it, we will probably purchase a wild boar at some point in the near future. They are quite small, probably around 200lbs for a larger one, so storage wouldn't be much of an issue.

We saw the wild boars, the Berkshire and the Tamworth pigs. Tossed in a few pumpkins for the pigs, and fed the wild boars some walnuts. The animals are definitely some of the happiest looking farm animals we've ever seen.

I'll put in an update once I've picked up the meat, but if you're thinking about doing something like this but are a bit intimidated, they are a great place to call (and even if you don't need a bit of hand holding).

Thanks,

Brian

[Tatai]

For those who are wondering what an Ironage pig is, it's a Tamworth/wild boar cross.

[Machiavelli]

We've not had the Ironage from Fred at Perth but have had Wild Boar and Berkshire. We're looking forward to trying our first Tamworth this year.

Fred is a pretty thoughtful, knowledgeable and savvy farmer. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts working with another breed in the future like Duroc or Mangalitsa.

[grandgourmand]

From their website, Duroc is part of the mix for their "commercial pork". Mangalista would be very interesting. they're supposed to be REALLY fatty.

Thanks for the tip on Perth Pork. I plan on picking up either half a Berkshire or half a Tamworth within the next year.

any feedback you have on what breed to select is welcome.

[grandgourmand]

Good stuff. Keep us posted. Why'd you pick the tamworth?

[Machiavelli]

We're trying Tam's this year because I've never tried them and because they're known as 'bacon' pigs. Long lean bellies ideal for bacon/pancetta.
The meat is supposed to be very good as well.

In terms of something to start I think Berkshire is a very good start. It's very much like commercial pork in flavour porfile but way better.

[brianl999]

To be completely honest, I hadn't heard of Tamworth pigs until last week when I looked at their website.

The description indicated they made good bacon, and we make our own bacon, so that intrigued us. Ultimately though, it was the fact we hadn't tried them before.

We did have the wild boar rack last night, and it was very good. Not dry or gamy in the slightest, very good flavour. We will be purchasing a boar in the future.

Thanks,

Brian

[Royaljelly]

Just curious, since the website doesn't provide the details of pricing etc, how much does a berkshire or Tamworth pig cost? and do you have to pick up at their location only?

[grandgourmand]

brinl999's OP listed the prices for 1/2 or whole hogs, based on breed. They also have a "commercial" pork, that I assume is substantially cheaper. You also have to assume a certain amount of processing cost (e.g. vac packing). A whole Berkshire hog will cost somewhere around $500. When I called them, they said they come to Toronto on a weekly basis.

There is pricing on the site for boxes of various cuts. I wouldn't buy these because they don't appeal to me. But they also sell specific cuts. You'd have to email for pricing.