Herdade de São Luís / Porcus Natura

Herdade de São Luís is a livestock farm in Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo, operating under the Porcus Natura brand. The farm raises native Alentejo pigs alongside Angus cattle, Merino sheep and Serpentina goats, following an extensive, regenerative management system rooted in the traditions of the Portuguese montado landscape. Pig breeding begins in the maternity area, where sows spend two weeks before giving birth and then two months rearing their piglets before the animals move to open areas where they can roam and express natural behaviours. Selected pigs are transformed into products such as lombinho, presa, pluma, presunto, paleta and lombo, sold under the Absoluto brand. The different species are rotated across the land to diversify grazing impact, improve soil productivity, and help balance carbon emissions, allowing each species to fulfil its natural ecological role. This holistic approach treats livestock not as production units but as active participants in maintaining and enhancing ecosystem health — regenerating pasture, supporting biodiversity (from soil microorganisms to swallows and other birdlife), and protecting the montado's iconic cork and holm oaks, which are essential to soil protection and long-term system resilience. The farm has hosted international agricultural trainees and participates in regional sustainability initiatives, including the Montemor-o-Novo municipal sustainable food strategy (SMEA) and industry events such as the Agrifood Open Day. Meat products are sold locally through Talho das Manas. Through its combination of native-breed genetics, holistic grazing and montado stewardship, Herdade de São Luís aims to demonstrate a more sustainable, resilient and economically viable model of Alentejo livestock farming.