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Australian Pig FarmersFree Range Pig Producers Association

The Wessex Saddleback


Suitability to a commercial free range pig farm



Wessex Saddleback

This is another very slow growing, fat pig with course black hair.  The Wessex saddleback is enjoying some popularity at the moment as it has featured on a few lifestyle programs on television.  The reality is though that these pigs are very hard to sell to butchers.  Dont get caught up in the hype or it may cost you dearly.  Registered Saddlebacks are very expensive. They are best suited to the hobbyist looking for something that looks nice in the paddock and will keep the home freezer well stocked.  It will also suit those wishing to sell into farmer's markets.

If you are considering a profitable, commercial free range operation and plan to earn your income from pigs, this is not the breed for you.  They would do ok in a crossbred program.


The question about which breed tastes best is a common one.  The environment in which the pig is raised will have the biggest influence on flavour.  Rare breed pigs are usually kept by small producers on free range farms and this would explain why people notice such a difference in taste compared to pork produced intensively.  White crossbred pigs will also taste exceptional when raised under outdoor conditions.

Flavour is all about how the pork is produced.

Comments from The Age Epicure on Wessex Saddleback Ham and pork.  This breed doesn't automatically mean it will be the best tasting pork.

It was the pork, however, that unravelled the "rare breed is better flavour" argument. The saddleback, by contrast, was drier, and Brigitte Hafner described it as having "a fishy flavour and a taste of rancid oil", to which Ian Curley remarked, "Well, if they all taste like this, there's no wonder they are a rare breed!"

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The flesh appeared "unattractive, unappealing and flaccid" and was "tough and unpleasant". Its redeeming quality was its fat. "Good flavour in the fat with a creamy texture in the mouth," said one.

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The opinions, advice and information contained in this website have not been provided at the request of any person but are offered by The Free Range Pig Farmers Association Incorporated and Australian Pig Farmers solely for informational purposes. While the information provided has been formulated in good faith, it should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Australian Pig Farmers does not accept liability in respect of any action taken by any person in reliance on the content of this publication.












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