WHAT WE FARM
Our Pigs, Birds, and Trees
MANGALITSA PIGS
Hungary's Woolly Pig
The mangalitsa originated in Hungary, the result of crosses between domestic pigs and wild boars. They are the only pigs to have long curly hair. Their meat is just as unique; they have extremely high fat contents, but this fat is low in cholesterol. Mangalitsas grow very slowly, but their dark meat and creamy lard is prized for charcuterie. Mangalica sausage is listed on the Slow Food Hungary's Ark of Taste.
MULEFOOT PIGS
An American Treasure
The mulefoot breed -- so named because of their fused hooves -- was developed in the southern US from Spanish stock. These pigs are known for their meat and fat, particularly their hams. They are listed as Critically Endangered by the Livestock Conservancy and is on Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste.
Old Fashioned Breeds Raised Right
At Flight Path Farm, we specialize in raising "heritage" livestock breeds -- this means livestock that is hearty, adaptable, and independent, but whose slower growth makes them unsuitable for commercial production. You won't find these breeds at the local supermarket! Most of our pigs have at least some Mulefoot or Mangalitsa blood in them, but we also raise heritage hogs like Berkshire, Gloucester Old Spot, Tamworth, and more. Many are crosses of different heritage breeds, reflecting our access to breeding stock and feeder pigs in our area of Michigan. If you are looking for pork from a specific breed, please let us know so we can tell you what we have in stock and when we expect more if don't have the item you are looking for in stock.
ICELANDIC CHICKENS
Ancient Chickens of the Vikings
Icelandic chickens are a landrace, descended from chickens the Vikings brought when they settled Iceland almost 1000 years ago. These chickens retain a unique genetic heritage lost in many modern breeds of chickens. They are hardy and independent, preferring to forage for food than to eat feed. They are small bodied with excellent meat, and lay medium sized eggs. The Livestock Conservancy lists them as a Threatened breed.
AMERICAN BRESSE CHICKEN
France's Treasured Meat Bird
The Bresse Gauloise breed originated in Eastern France, where it is considered one of the world's best tasting chickens. The white breed, when raised in the Bresse region of France according to strict standards, has appellation d'origine controlée status. This breed has only been available in the US for 10-15 years. Their red wattles and combs, white feathers, and slate blue legs mirror the colors of the French flag.
TREESPLEASE
In 2018, we planted almost 500 trees belonging to a variety of native fruit and nut species. Not only will these trees become a food forest for our pigs, once they start producing, we will offer our customers an assortment of chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, persimmons, berries, and more!