I will be raising swine in the very near future and was hoping to get feedback on different breeds. I am planning on pasture pigs - no hothouse swine here - and would like to start with purchasing 2 foundation sows. I was taught years ago to look at the white pigs (Yorkshire, Landrace, etc.) for the sows (best maternal traits) and am considering Duroc (with an occasional Tamworth via AI) as a terminal sire. I'm concerned, though, that the light-colored pigs will sunburn too easily - especially in central TX - and, therefore, aren't an appropriate choice for a pasture based system. Also, I am hearing that the Yorkshire line is too "hot-housed" to compete well in anything but an indoor production facility. So... I am hoping someone will have a suggestion on a good,rugged maternal breed that will do well in Texas on pasture?
Also, has anyone done a taste test on Berkshire? I am familiar with all of the claims that it is, bar none, the "best-tastin' pork - and it is marbled" but am curious as to if the breed really lives up to all of the hype?
I should add that we are looking for quality pork over quantity and am planning to butcher younger/ at lower weight than is standard.
