Emola Farm sells Hampshire pigs at our farm in Mabank, Texas. Hampshires are the black pigs with the white belt over the shoulders and front legs, and they are one of the most recognizable breeds in any show ring in the state. Call 903-880-0124 for what we have on the ground.
How to Recognize a Hampshire
A Hampshire is black with a white belt that wraps around the body over the shoulders and includes both front legs. The ears are erect. The belt is the giveaway — no other common breed is marked this way, which is part of why Hampshires are sometimes just called belted hogs.
The breed developed in the United States, largely in Kentucky, from stock imported out of England in the early 1800s. It has been one of the major American breeds ever since.
Why People Buy Hampshires
- Muscle and leanness. Hampshires are known for a high percentage of lean muscle and a large loin eye. If lean yield is what you are after, this is one of the best breeds for it.
- Show ring record. Hampshires are a mainstay of 4-H and FFA market hog projects across Texas. The breed holds up well under the kind of scrutiny a show ring applies.
- Feed efficiency. Hampshires convert feed well. They are not the fastest growing breed — a Duroc will generally beat them there — but they put what they eat into muscle.
- Hardy mothers. Hampshire sows are known for longevity and for raising their pigs well.
The trade-off runs the other direction from a Berkshire. A leaner carcass means less intramuscular fat, and less fat means less margin for error at the cooker. If the eating quality of the pork is your top priority, look at Berkshire or Duroc instead.
Hampshires for 4-H and FFA Show Projects
If you are buying for a youth show project, timing is everything and it is the thing families most often get wrong.
Work backward from your show date. Your pig needs to hit the weight window on that day, not before and not after, which means the right starting animal depends on how many weeks you have and how you intend to feed. Buy too late and you are fighting the clock; buy too early and you are managing weight for months.
Call us early and tell us the show date. That single piece of information changes which animal we would recommend, and we would rather have the conversation in advance than sell you the wrong pig in a hurry.
Raising Hampshires in Texas
Hampshires are predominantly black, and black pigs take on heat. Shade, constant clean water, and a way to cool off are essential from spring through fall in North Texas and East Texas. Pigs do not sweat.
They are active, strong pigs. Fence accordingly — hog panels or heavy woven wire, anchored at the bottom, because pigs go under fences rather than over them.
We do fencing, custom gates, and welding if you need a pen built before your pig arrives.
How We Sell Hampshires
- Hampshire feeder pigs — weaned and started, ready to grow out.
- Hampshire piglets — younger animals for buyers who want to start small.
- Hampshire breeding stock — gilts, sows, and boars when available.
We handle domestic breeds only. We do not buy or sell wild hogs.
Where We Are
Emola Farm, 759 VZ CR 2704, Mabank, Texas 75147 — near Cedar Creek Lake in Van Zandt County, within a straightforward drive of Athens, Canton, Kaufman, Terrell, Gun Barrel City, Corsicana, Tyler, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have Hampshire pigs available now?
Availability moves week to week. Call 903-880-0124 and we will tell you what is here and send a photo.
Are Hampshires good show pigs?
Yes — they are one of the standard show breeds and are shown successfully across Texas every year. What matters as much as breed is picking the right individual animal at the right time relative to your show date.
What does a Hampshire pig cost?
Price depends on size, age, and whether the animal is a feeder pig, a show prospect, or breeding stock. We quote by phone.
Hampshire or Duroc for a market hog?
Hampshire tends toward a leaner, heavier-muscled carcass; Duroc tends toward faster growth and better marbling. Both are good market hogs. Tell us what you are judging the animal on and we will point you at the right one.
Do you sell wild hogs?
No. Domestic breeds only.