Established for the Members By the Members .... Working Together the Possibilities are Endless (14)
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Thank you AKKPS Member Samantha Robertson - Pigs in the Patch Farm for the use of your photo.
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    WHY LITTER NOTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT


    THE MEANING BEHIND THE "3 PILLARS SHOWCASE"

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    The AKKPS Yearly Hosted Sanctioned Virtual KuneKune Pig Show


    Announcing The 3 Pillars Showcase

    The American Kunekune Pig Society is proud to introduce the 3 Pillars Showcase — our first AKKPS-hosted and sanctioned virtual show. This event is more than a competition; it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for as a registry. It is a celebration of the animals we raise, the values we share, and the community we’re building — together.

    The name “3 Pillars Showcase” was chosen with great care and purpose. It draws directly from the foundational values that guide the AKKPS mission — the three pillars that shape everything we do:

     

    Celebrating Heritage

    Kunekunes are more than just pigs — they’re part of a living legacy. Originally from New Zealand and once facing near extinction, this gentle, grass-loving breed was preserved thanks to a handful of people who believed in its worth. Their efforts carried the Kunekune across oceans and decades — right into our pastures today.

    Every pig we raise connects us to that story. Each thoughtful pairing and each piglet evaluated for structure and temperament is a step in preserving something rare. As breeders, we’re not just raising animals — we’re carrying a torch lit by those before us.

    The 3 Pillars Showcase gives us the chance to honor that heritage — not just in words, but in action. When you enter your pig, you're helping shape the next chapter of the Kunekune story.

     

    Promoting Excellence

    Excellence isn’t just about ribbons; it’s about raising the bar for the future of Kunekune breeding. It’s about knowing the standard, understanding structure, and striving to improve with every generation. It means having the humility to keep learning, and the confidence to stand behind your work.

    This showcase offers a platform to do just that. With structured evaluation, meaningful feedback, and a breed-specific focus, exhibitors can present their animals in a setting designed to highlight quality, integrity, and progress. Whether you're new to showing or a seasoned breeder, this is your chance to see where your program shines — and where it can grow.

    At its core, promoting excellence is about stewardship — taking pride in your work and aiming higher for the sake of the breed.

     

    Building Community

    One of the greatest strengths of AKKPS is the people behind the pigs. Breeders, exhibitors, mentors, and families — all contributing their time, their knowledge, and their passion. Whether you’re a first-time breeder, a youth exhibitor, or a seasoned farm, the 3 Pillars Showcase is for you. The virtual format makes it possible for everyone to participate — no matter your location, farm size, or experience level.

    This isn’t just about competition. It’s about connection. It's about cheering each other on, learning from one another, and recognizing that we're all in this together. The Kunekune world is at its best when we lift each other up and keep the focus on doing what’s right for the breed.

    When you take part in this showcase, you’re not just entering a show — you’re joining a movement that values collaboration over comparison and legacy over ego.

     

    Why It Matters

    The 3 Pillars Showcase isn’t just another virtual event. It’s the first of its kind for AKKPS — designed by breeders, for breeders, and grounded in the values that matter most. We hope it becomes a place where pride in the breed meets purpose, and where every exhibitor walks away encouraged, empowered, and proud to be part of this community.

    This inaugural event marks a meaningful step forward for AKKPS. We’re setting the standard — together.

    We invite every member to participate, learn, and celebrate as we honor the past, raise the bar, and grow our community — all under one banner:  The 3 Pillars Showcase.  We can’t wait to see your pigs — and celebrate everything they represent.

    AKKPS KUNEKUNE BODY CONDITION SCORE CHART


    Updated Body Condition Score chart with sketches created for the AKKPS by the AKKPS

    NEW IN THE AKKPS MEMBER PORTAL

    Screenshot 2025-07-24 at 3.28.34 PM

    "ABOUT US" & LOGO FEATURE
    • Members can now log into their portal and write about the their farm in the "ABOUT US" section. This info will be public when people are viewing your info.
    • In addition, the first picture you upload in your member area will be larger than the others - this is used for your feature picture or logo.

    DNA PARENTAGE VERFICATION

    REMINDER


    • The AKKPS accepts ONLY UC Davis testing for parentage verification for full registration and dual registration
    • The AKKPS does NOT accept Neogen (SNP) parentage verification testing.
    • The AKKPS (per member vote) will allow pigs that have been Neogen tested to be re DNA parentage verified through UC Davis IF BOTH parents have UC Davis parentage DNA on file with UC Davis.
    • Please note that UC Davis and Neogen use two different types of DNA verification that do not "see" each other. Both parents must have the same type of DNA parentage verification done in order to verify parentage of offspring.
    • The AKKPS completed extensive research into accepting Neogen testing in addition to UC Davis testing for parentage verification. The logistics as well as accuracy was determined to not be in the best interest of the AKKPS

    AUGUST 2025 AKKPS MEMBERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

    PLANNING FOR HARVEST

    Written by AKKPS Member Steve Baker of IrishMudd LLC

    COLORING BOOK PAGE


    Thank you AKKPS Jamie McIntyre of Warbonnet KuneKunes 

    WIN AKKPS MERCH

    1. PRINT THE COLORING BOOK PAGE
    2. EMAIL COMPETED COLORING BOOK PAGE TO JAMIE@AKKPS.ORG
    3. RECEIVE A PRIZE

    "NO MORE BOO BOOS SALVE"

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    My family and my customers have used this successfully to treat irritations from tick bites, bug bites, lake itch, eczema, a second degree burn, bee stings, and many many more things.

     

    INGREDIENTS

    • 8 cups rendered lard (infused with dried calandula, bee balm, and plantain)
    • 2 cups coconut oil
    • 2 cups beeswax pastilles

     

    RECIPE

    • Melt the beeswax in a double boiler.
    • Once fully melted, add the infused rendered lard and coconut oil.
    • Mix well.
    • Once completely melted and mixed together, pour into your containers.
    • If using plastic containers let the liquid cool off a bit before pouring or you can melt your container

    JULY 2025 REGISTRATION STATS


    • Full Registrations 189
    • Litter Notifications 134
    • Dual Registrations 2
    • Transfers / Companion Animals Registrations / Animal for Harvest Registrations 108
    • Active Members 1330

    AT HOME BUTCHERING WEBINAR - CANCELLED

    The "At Home Butchering" Workshop at MKONO Farm slated for 9/13/25 has been cancelled by MKONO Farm due to family obligations.

    The AKKPS member approved webinar associated with the workshop will not take place due to the cancellation of the workshop.

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