AMBA’s mission: protect & preserve the American Mulefoot Hog.

Welcome to

American Mulefoot Breeders Association, Inc.

Working to preserve and promote the

American Mulefoot Hog.

Join or Renew Now!

Elections & Initiatives

Chairman of AMBA, Gracie Cardwell, and Morgan Shaw of Gold Shaw Farm at AMBA’s booth at Homesteader

Chairman sends greetings!

You just never know who you’ll meet when you rub elbows with like-minded farming, homesteading and real-life folk! I met Gold Shaw Farm’s Morgan Gold at the October, 2022, Homesteader’s of America Conference in Front Royal, VA!

Would love to make this a venue for Annual Member Meetings! My farm customer Ronnie suggested in-person meetings, Breeder Member Mark Cody and a non-member reiterated it (3s a charm?), so it has to happen, am I right?

Looking at lesser cost options and alternatives, and this venue “only“ sees about 5k people each day … beautiful place, wonderful people and multi-faceted connections for all your homesteading, farmsteading needs!

We can bring pigs or pork, but I can’t do this every year alone!

Gold Shaw Farm

Group of adult American Mulefoot Hogs in a muddy pen, getting hosed off with water on a hot summer d

Elections are here!

The most exciting time in a small member-lead breed organization and registry is getting folks on board: literally On The Board! Thank you to our tremendous members for running for office and those volunteering, and even those waiting in the wings to jump into the AMBA hog waller to serve!

If we don’t work together to save this breed, who will?

Black American Mulefoot junior boars peaking through welded wire fence panel .… very curious pigs!

Ballots on the way!

Election time is way over due, and we’ve met every hardship (report delays & correcting inaccuracies, illness & quarantine) and the most frustrating: technology inefficiencies with a final product at the printer as I type!

If you’ve missed the deadline to join in 2022 and take part in the election, fear not! We are planning on adding a supplemental mid-term to add some new faces & voices to our Board and Membership Teams!

Renew today - don’t delay!

From the Chairman's Desk

Membership Update and Membership Drive

2023 is starting off strong! One new member has joined and a Member Volunteer signed up to help with Member lead initiatives!

We ended 2022 with 30 members, 2 supporters and four significant donations through private funds and fundraiser cups, and two donations received through the Homesteaders of America Conference event.

Prepping for the Election and with the significant issues we have worked through since December, the full tabulation of demographics from our Herd Book will be released as soon as possible. On the surface, we saw a slight decrease in registered stock over 2021 numbers: 168 in 2022 and 169 in 2021. We will have the boar/gilt live count, numbers in litters, and breeding pairs posted as well.

AMBA Breeders are making us proud!

AMBA new member, father and son, Pat and Andrew Schwab, presented one American Mulefoot barrow to Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington , Illinois. Director Jay Tetzloff was so impressed with the little pig, his temperament and ease of handling , they requested the littermate gilt to stay , too! More information will be posted later..

In other news:

Our membership ended 2022 with a loss of some breeders due to various reasons: retirement, employment changes, health and financial. We send our best wishes to those who have left the AMBA family, left breeding the America Mulefoot Hog, quit homesteading and “farmsteading“, or are rebounding to rebuild and start again.

Back on New Year’s Day, we received interest from a ‘non-farmer wanna be breeder‘ to learn more. We were able to send him to two excellent resources for new homesteaders and farmsteaders and hope by the end of 2023 he will be looking for his first piglets.

End of year Membership Meeting, billed as Election Information Meeting, was held on Friday, December 30, 2022 just after 6 p.m. There were five in attendance including Chairman and Director. Chairman announced the nominees and candidates, and gave a truncated version of their qualifications.

Those in attendance were encouraged to begin submitting photos, videos and informational blog entries to be included on the website, such as: feed regimen, farrowing, etc.

Jan 2 & 19, 2023 gc

Thank you to our Breeder Members for supporting this great work on behalf of such a marvelous pig! Volunteers are kicking it into gear! Thanks to our Supporters and readers of our online social media presence and website!

>>>Parents, 4H Organizers & Sponsers —- introduce the kids in your life to the character building and rewarding world of raising a pig for the local fair or 4H competition. Students and youth members receive discount dues! Young people are the future of the American Mulefoot Hog, in stewardship for the next generations. Contact us for any helps you may need in your show stall presentations!

A new breeder prospect, having experience in another swine breed, chose the American Mulefoot Hog for his child’s first

4-H pig. We are trying to help source the right animal. Some of you know the financial reward in showing livestock at any competition. The reward in experience for a child beyond the ribbons is priceless.

9/20/22

UPDATE FROM REGISTRY

Due to staffing shortages through 11/19/2022, paperwork including registrations, transfers and membership will not be processed at this time.

Continue to send completed work to ASRegistry@gmail.com, subject line : AMBA & Your Farm Name and type of work (Membership or Registrations).

Work needing approval, such as Provisional, Recovery , Bill of Sale and transactions requiring photos, must go to the main office in Appomattox, Virginia: mulefootregistry@gmail.com.

As new employees of Registry are trained and delayed work is caught up, we hope to see the turn around time improve greatly. Any corrections or omissions on your work causes delays.

11/11/22

DNA Project Start

DNA & Diversity Project is about to graduate into an ‘on the ground’ AMBA Program!

Starting with issues that breeders have in finding purebred stock, the next issue

breeders face is in finding unrelated purebred stock.

Completion of the Census Form is the connection between your hog’s

individual blood sample DNA test and identifiable characteristics.

Once we provide the Census information to our expert advisor, his team will create our unique algorithm.

Sample cards with instructions will be mailed out, (after all Census forms received and system program set up) and must be returned to have Census data (stock characteristics) and DNA testing results analyzed.

Results will be mailed

to the breeder/owner, but more importantly, the results will also be submitted to Registry and updated in our Herd Book.

9/22/2022

A new development in the DNA collecting and verification procedure is currently being studied and will be announced after the new Board meets with our technical advisor.

To reduce the risk or possibility of DNA test results and Certificate of Registry papers being ‘sold’ with untested, unqualified pigs’ and their records, the Board has taken several steps to ensure the pig you buy ma the pig on the papers.

The Board voted in January of 2022 to require ear tag/notch photos of the animal being registered (full face photo), as well as body shot and four feet pictures. The ear tag or notch must be recorded on their paperwork at the time of registration.

A recent development is an ear DNA sample collection and tag system that offers numbered samples that directly connect to the actual animal tested.

We have not been able to fully research or test this, but that gives us more accountability and credibility in our work.

Jan 19, 2023/gc

AMBA’s privacy policy, new privacy law (changes/updates), and the steps we take to protect your personal data.

Member Volunteers submit NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) type pledges to ensure protections of contact information.
Membership Roll is not used by Volunteers, nor shared with third party vendors, and is not available online.
Member Contact List is only available to Volunteers and those working on AMBA’s behalf.
Members “opt in/opt out” on Membership Application of information to be posted in online Directory.
Website options for AMBA include:

Accept/Decline “cookies” feature with notification
AMBA opt out of “cookies” feature and include Privacy Statement on website (allows you to utilize our website without fear of access through “tracking, gps, and personal data”, and potential data miners).

AMBA uses Advanced Tracking to collect aggregated, anonymized (pseudonymous) data, separate from targeted individual behavior with “cookies” enabled/disabled. This provides insight and metrics on our Website Dashboard and assists us to improve site performance, such as page loading speed, page popularity, etc.
PayPal uses some tracking algorithms, and AMBA only receives aggregated, anonymized data to identify “shopping” trends, popular items, comparisons between years, and only from what is provided by the Member or Supporter.

The Privacy Law changes with specific Code of Virginia sections will be included as an attachment.

*This policy may be changed as required by law.

Dec 31, 2022/gc

PIG TALES (or NEW NEWS)

Leadership Additions

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

Leadership Additions

AMBA is actively recruiting members for positions within the organization.

No need to travel!

Most everything is done via computer, text, email, phone and US mail.

Are you good judging stock by photos?

Are you good with customer relations?

Problem solver that can work well with others to create solutions?

Parliamentarian?

Love taking photos or making videos? Content creator?

Or are you the behind the scenes person that can turn pdfs into something new?

Love researching and able to collect info and able to submit it for inclusion on the website? (Copyright info must be included, please)

We have places for you, named or unnamed, titled or not, Director or volunteer.

AMBA NEEDS YOU!

Looking for an official place to serve?

Can we talk?

If the Mulefoot hog is really important to you, would you lend us a year or two, maybe an hour or two a month, to help define, design and build programs?,

Please submit your name, or nominate someone, for consideration.

Meetings are short & usually pretty sweet, via zoom, teleconference or facebook poll ~~ usually less than an hour at the most,

once a month.

The Directors, 11/9/22

~~~~~~

COMING SOON:

*Mini-newsletter and updates are coming via email and snail mail, thanks to a member volunteer!

**Telephone/email Census Form completion will be conducted by another breeder/member volunteer.

***Website edits and updates are currently being reviewed by yet another member volunteer.

THANK YOU to

our selfless volunteers!!

9/30/22

~~~

ByLaw suggested updates: including anti-discrimination clause and dissolution statements. We are currently awaiting attorney advice to present updates to the Membership Meeting in 2022 (date tbd).

SAY WHAT??

There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what constitutes AMBA’s public personna or presence and member direct information.

Facebook pages or groups is not owned nor controlled

by AMBA.

Announcements or information regarding this organization is disseminated via member only email, USPS mail, the AMBA website, or other direct contact as deemed necessary.

Keep us updated with your mailing and best email address, and telephone number (if you prefer).

Your Opinion Counts

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

Leadership Additions

Please feel free to submit questions or concerns about your hogs, your program, or anything else American Mulefoot Hog related to: mulefootregistry@gmail.com, and we will attempt to post in our website blog: Talk the Walk!

We would like to include your questions, concerns and our Directors' and Breeder Members' answers or solutions.

Together we should be able to come to the right solution.

~~~~~
ADVERTISING.

Reminder to ALL Breeder Members:
Please submit your sales ad for livestock, feeders, breeders or pork with one clear photo and your contact information for an ad on the website.

We will do our best to post contact information to the Facebook page and groups, but there are restrictions on animal and animal "parts" sales.

We are here for you.

*** The website is currently undergoing edits and updates. Let me know your ideas. I have already identified several issues with links and missing content, etc., and this week when speaking with a member we found a link that was misdirected.

Help us help you!

(Gracie) 3/3/22

~~~~~~~

MISSING IN ACTION:

Code of Conduct,

Policy, Procedures & Protocols,

Roberts Rules of Order as adopted by AMBA

As soon as these items are completed and approved by the Board, current members will receive copies via email or USPS mail.

These documents will be added to the website once all 2022 members have received their completed packet (electronically , preferably).

It is very important that members review these items and ask questions if they do not understand something.

Thank you for your patience.

Chairman, 10/1/2022

~~~~~

We are currently working on a members only “AMBA Forum” to allow discussion without spammers, phishers,

censors, and fact checkers

of Facebook.

The AMBA Forum will be geared toward internal policy initiatives, member advice, contributions and suggestions, and keeping dialogue topic focused instead of buried chronologically like other online social media.

You will be notified by email when the site is activated.

If you have a preferred social media platform, (gettr, me.we, Instagram, etc.), let us know.

If you are active or good with your chosen social media form and would like to get us jump-started there, or would like to oversee that new platform, contact us.

We’re game.

There are so many things we can get done if we all pitch in together.

~~~~ 11/9/22

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

It's all about the hogs!

The CENSUS forms

ask questions about your specific hog:

*breeders or prospects,

*raised by you,

*transferred to you or

*“new pigs on the block”.

The information will be included in the DNA profile, the first building block required to create the program for the American Mulefoot Hog.

Each pig tells its own story, and rankings are high in other species’ purebred associations and herdbooks. ,We think it’s time we identify the best of the best as well as unusual or unrelated lines to give prospect breeders, or those freshening up their gene pool, some more to choose from.

Having hair samples or DNA metrics without the characteristics that go behind it will give us a blind understanding of our American Mulefoot Hog population. We need to see with perfect clarity in this regard.

We need to know litter sizes, gender ratios, temperament, litter weights and weight pick ups ... all the stuff that commercial breeders do that helps them identify the best genetics to build upon.

Our subject matter expert from Iowa State University will help us build a dual registry from Premium or Show Quality breeding stock and Commercial or Terminal lines.

Once the DNA Program is underway, all Registrations and Transfers will be required to have DNA testing completed and the swine graded for either tier, prior to paperwork being processed.

Once we get this under our belts, we have two more identified programs to come out of this work.

It all will be of benefit to breeders of show stock, or those that have fallen prey to the questionable and unfortunate breeding and selling practices of others.

updated 11/9/22

~~~~~

We hear you!

AMBA does not have blood test sample cards or an available algorithm, but as soon as it is devised, you will be contacted directly (mail).

If you prefer AMBA to submit and receive test and results on your behalf - let us know!

We will do our best to meet your needs.

Collection will be on you, and should be less an ordeal than the Covid nasal test!

If you’ve ever plucked a tick off from behind your hog’s ear, you can do this test!

Instructions will be forthcoming!

~~~~~~`

FINDING LOST HOGS

Did you buy your stock from someone no longer selling?

Did you sell stock to a non-member that already had a herd?

Do you know someone who says they have Mulefoots?

Found someone online chatting about their herd?

Help us connect with them to have their “purebred‘ animals tested. It will require the Census form completion first, and then the same DNA testing protocol.

~~~ 11/10/22

AMBA Promo Fundraising

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

What part of promotional products excites you?

Do you have connections that can produce ball caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or vinyl cling (window) vehicle decals?

Can you help make this happen?

We know what works, but we need someone experienced in putting all the pieces together (sourcing, orders, customers, networking and delivery).

~~~~~~~~

NEW DONATE NOW BUTTON

The set-up isn’t perfect and hasn’t been tested and tried - but on the Home page we added this to make things a little more convenient for you.

If you do use this button to donate, please let us know if it worked well or if you experienced issues we need to work out.

So far, no one has tried.

~~~g cardwell 11/9/22

Promo Cups

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

There are still several nice insulated cups bearing the striking AMBA logo available.

These cups can be purchased for $20 through the website Shop page, or added to your 2022 Membership Dues for an additional fee. .

All proceeds from the sale of AMBA logo cups are designated for the DNA Project costs.

So far we have collected $169 extra in cup sales and would like to have the remaining twenty or so cups gone before the end of the year!

If you have other fundraising ideas, or would like to pledge a percentage of one or all hog sales this year toward the program, we can help.

Funds marked for Fundraising are ONLY used for that purpose, not office expenses, postage or website fees.

Mail gifts to Main office, marked “DNA Project”:

AMBA - DNA Fundraiser

PO Box 2883

Appomattox, VA 24522

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

"Mail Checks" address can be accepted at Registry office. Credit Cards can be used thru our PayPal, or thru Registry via phone, fax or form.

AMBA Registry
PO Box 231
Wamego, KS 66547.

Continue to make checks payable to AMBA or American Mulefoot Breeders Association, Inc.

When mailing a check, be sure to complete and send the new Combo-Form (Membership Application & Renewal form with Financial Worksheet combined) as well as any Registration Applications necessary, and original Bill of Sale, if required.

Always submit completed original Certificate of Registry for AMBA Transfers, or Registration Certificates/Registration Applications (AMHA&R to AMBA Registration) with your payment.

Transfer certificates and Bill of Sale transactions require “wet ink signature”. AMBA is limited in the email and/or attachment documents accepted.

Recovery, Provisional or Bill of Sale transactions must be submitted to the Appomattox office for pre-approval, and must meet all requirements

KEEP COPIES OF ALL WORK SUBMITTED, INCLUDING THE BACK OF CERTIFICATES!!

Welcome to

American Mulefoot Breeders Association, Inc.

Site is being updated .… pardon the mess!

Photo Gallery

Contact information

Main Office

Registry - Mail

Registry - Street Address

No Cookies on our Site … Save Cookies for the Mulies

AMBA’s Pledge & Privacy Statement

APPLICATIONS & Forms to download

Elections & Initiatives

Chairman sends greetings!

Elections are here!

Ballots on the way!

APPLICATIONS & Forms to download

From the Chairman's Desk

Membership Update and Membership Drive

DNA Project Start

Membership - Breeder

Privacy Policy

2023 Renewal Drive

DNA & Diversity Program

Keep in Touch!

PIG TALES (or NEW NEWS)

Leadership Additions

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

Leadership Additions

Your Opinion Counts

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

Leadership Additions

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

AMBA Promo Fundraising

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

DNA & Diversity Project & CENSUS

Promo Cups

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

CHECK PAYMENTS & CHANGES

2022 Documents (PDFs)

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