Unlike conventional pigs, Iberico pigs are allowed to be free range livestock. Photo by Macee Hammack.
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ovember 2018 changed the direction of one Oklahoma State University alumna’s life. An unexpected phone call allowed Paige Dowdy to start her own business — Scissortail Steading — and bring a new delicacy to the Oklahoma agricultural industry. Her swine operation, located in Glencoe, Oklahoma, now is home to more than 250 head of Iberico pigs. “In December 2019, we imported 28 Iberico pigs from Portugal, which is where they originate,” said Dowdy, who earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science in May 2019. “My plan is to build up the herd and educate people on the rarity of the pigs.” The Iberico breed is unlike conventional swine breeds for many reasons,
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Dowdy said, but the main differences are the pigs’ unusual appearance, the meat’s unique look and flavor, and the amount of time the pigs need to reach processing weight. While other swine breeds can reach the 275 pounds needed to process in a few months, Iberico pigs take about one year, she added. “Their meat is very special,” said Keegan Pagett, OSU animal science junior and employee at Scissortail Steading. “They are considered the ‘wagyu’ of the pork industry. “Iberico meat is fattier than regular pork and more of a red color instead of the traditional pinkish color,” he said. Iberico meat is tender and flavorful like a steak because the meat is heavily marbled, Padgett said.
“The meat has a high fat content,” Padgett said. “Including a thick, soft fat layer. When you cook the meat, the fat begins to disintegrate. “The fat is so sensitive that even warm hands can start to disintegrate the layer of fat,” he added. Iberico meat is processed like traditional pork, allowing for the typical cuts of pork chops, bacon, ham and summer sausage. “My favorite cut is the pork chop because the taste is like no other,” Padgett said. “It tastes like a pork chop and a steak put together all in one.” Scissortail Steading is the only Iberico swine operation in Oklahoma. However, several Iberico facilities operate in California, Florida and Texas, Dowdy said.
