About Us

How the GOSPBU formed

n the summer of 2013, many Gloucestershire Old Spots (GOS) breeders were looking for a place to connect, share knowledge, and discuss the many aspects of raising GOS pigs. When a group of dedicated breeders came together to exchange ideas on improving the breed and supporting one another, the Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders United (GOSPBU) was born.

GOS breeders are passionate, innovative thinkers with truly valuable insights. Over the years, many excellent ideas have been shared, but not always acted upon. The GOSPBU was created to unite breeders, provide a platform to turn ideas into action, and ensure the long-term preservation and improvement of this rare and remarkable breed.

Our Purpose

The GOSPBU exists to:

  • Share breeding and herd health information.

  • Educate breeders and prospective members about cyclic breeding practices and the unique attributes of the GOS pig.

  • Provide an easy-to-use tool for calculating the coefficient of inbreeding (CI), ensuring healthy and diverse bloodlines.

  • Maintain an accurate herd book that traces back to the U.S. foundation stock.

  • Register purebred GOS pigs while supporting both new and seasoned breeders in their efforts.

Membership in the GOSPBU includes unlimited access to our online CI calculator and the opportunity to connect with a supportive community of breeders. Applications can be completed and paid for securely online.

Moving Forward

We are a non-profit breed registry formed to meet the needs of today’s GOS pig breeders. Whether you are new to GOS pigs or have been breeding them for years, the GOSPBU welcomes you.

In 2025, the GOSPBU was reorganized to continue its mission with renewed focus and dedication. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is a rare breed—but it doesn’t have to remain that way. Together, we can preserve and expand its place in agriculture. Please join us in supporting the GOS pig and the breeders who love them.

 Luther Clevenger – President

Luther and his wife Julie have been farming in Western Oregon’s Willamette Valley since 1979. They have always raised pigs but when they received their first registered GOS gilts from T-Meadow Farm a few years ago they quickly fell in love with the breed and established White Buffalo Ranch. Currently, they have over 112 GOS pigs of varying sizes and genders as well as a few LBHA sows and crosses. When they started raising GOS it was impossible to obtain GOS in the Pacific Northwest and all of their original breeding stock had to be flown in. Eventually, Luther imported 13 gilts and boars establishing a herd of sows and breeding boars encompassing all four color groups and genetic lines. Presently Luther has four GOS breeding boars; one from each color group. He also has twenty two GOS sows. This herd, and its diversity, has supported a GOS expansion into Washington, Oregon, Alaska and parts of California. White Buffalo Ranch has also exported breeding stock to the east coast and mid west.

Luther is committed to expanding the genetics of the GOS breed in the USA. When he got the call from Julie Sandoval in 2012 about her last two remaining Josephine gilts he jumped at the chance to host them at his farm and to try to get a successful breeding with the 6 year old girls.

In 2013 Luther decided to enter the Cochon 555 regional competition with a purebred GOS barrow. That pig won the Seattle competition and he was allowed to enter the only GOS in the June 2013 national Grand Cochon held in Aspen, CO which allowed chefs and food professionals from all over the USA to experience GOS pork. You can contact me at [email protected].

 

Dr. John Carr, GOS Herd Health Advisor

CarrBCSc, PhD, DPM, DiplECPHM, MRCVS

John started learning the ropes about pigs at the age of 11. He qualified as a veterinarian in 1982. After 5 years in general practice he returned to university to complete a Leverhulme residency in pigs and the PhD in urinary tract problems of pigs at Liverpool specializing in microbiology and pathology. He has taught production medicine to veterinarians and farmers throughout the world through positions at several universities: UK; Liverpool and Royal Veterinary College, London, US; North Carolina and Iowa State and in Western Australia at Murdoch. John runs a consultancy practice with clients in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. John specializes in maintaining the health of pigs through promoting excellence in stockmanship and production practices while controlling the cost of production.