Mangalitsa Estates
Family History and Breeding
A family in agriculture since 1966.
Kerns Farms began as a 4-H project and grew into a swine seedstock business. Becky and Steve Kerns founded Mangalitsa Estates after decades of work with swine genetics, animal care, and meat quality.
Becky and Steve.
Becky studied Agricultural Business at Hawkeye Community College. Steve is an Iowa State University Animal Science graduate. Their work has always been a family effort, from record keeping and farrowing to relationships with farmers, chefs, and customers. In 2000, they received the Iowa Pork Producers Association Master Seedstock Producer Award.
Experience that shaped the farm.
At Iowa State, Steve worked with swine geneticist Dr. Lauren Christian and other animal-science mentors. The family developed Hampshire and imported Landrace genetics, later adding Duroc and Large White lines. In 1991, they purchased International Boar Semen in Eldora, Iowa. Their search for meat quality continued through work with heritage Berkshire pigs and, ultimately, Mangalitsa.
Why Mangalitsa?
The breed’s deep red meat, generous marbling, and distinctive fat drew the family’s attention. Starting with Mangalitsa genetics from the Wooly Pigs herd, they built the program that became Mangalitsa Estates. That background in breeding and animal care remains part of the story behind every cut.
Breeding stock, feeder pigs and roaster pigs.
Interested in raising Mangalitsa pigs or planning a whole-animal project? Contact our family about current availability of boars, gilts, bred gilts, feeder pigs, and roaster pigs. We can discuss your goals, genetic background, timing, and transport. Availability and arrangements are confirmed individually.
Talk with our family → · Whole-animal and wholesale enquiries →