The Duroc Strain. The Duroc strain of hogs was started in Saratoga County, New York, by Isaac Frink who lived near Milton. He secured his first hogs in 1823 from Harry Kelsey, who had moved to Florida, Montgomery County, New York, in 1822. Mr. Kelsey was standing the famous Thoroughbred stallion Duroc, and Mr. Frink visited the Kelsey farm to see the horse. While at the Kelsey homestead he spied some red pigs that very much took his fancy, and he purchased some of them and took them home. Since the pigs had no breed name, he called them Durocs in honor of the stallion. Mr. Kelsey was said to have told Mr. Frink that the hogs had been imported, but just how many generations had elapsed since the importation, or whence the hogs had come, was never established. The Duroc hogs were of smaller size and more compact, but had greater quality and aptitude to take on fleshing at an early age than did the Jersey Reds.
Durocs have considerable variation in color. An acceptable color may range from a very light golden, almost yellow color, to a very dark red that approaches mahogany. The red is a very practical color that suits pork producers, and since it is a solid color there is not concern about fancy points of proper markings. Durocs have a medium length and slight dish of the face. The ears should be drooping and should not be held erect.
We are slowly developing our farm. We do not as yet
have any pigs. We are still researching the animals,
although it looks like the Duroc pig will be our choice.
We raise our livestock and produce without steroid,
hormones, or pesticides. We believe that farming should
be done naturally. The earth's most delicious, most
healthful foods are made when farmers work in harmony
with nature. We strive to improve soil health and crop vitality by natural means. We never use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides. Our livestock feed on unsprayed pasture. We do not use any hormones or antibiotics. In addition to grazing, our livestock is fed a small amount of locally-milled grain daily.
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