Half Pastured Pork
Description
Heritage breed woodlot raised pork, supplemented with a non-GMO feed devoid of corn or soy, embodies a holistic approach to sustainable and ethical farming practices, resulting in high-quality pork products with distinct flavor and nutritional benefits.
Heritage Breeds: Our pigs are raised from traditional, non-industrialized breeds that have been carefully selected and preserved over generations for their superior taste, hardiness, and adaptability to outdoor environments. By opting for heritage breeds, farmers contribute to the preservation of genetic diversity within the swine population while producing pork with richer flavors and textures compared to commercially bred counterparts.
Pasture and Woodlot Raised: Our pigs are allowed to roam freely in open pastures and woodlots, mimicking their natural habitat. This environment provides ample space for exercise, natural foraging behaviors, and exposure to sunlight, all of which contribute to the pigs' overall health and well-being. Foraging on a diverse diet of grasses, roots, nuts, and other vegetation enhances the complexity of flavors in the pork and ensures a higher nutritional profile.
Supplemented with Non-GMO Feed: While the pigs derive a significant portion of their nutrition from foraging, they are also supplemented with a carefully formulated non-GMO feed. This feed is meticulously crafted to provide essential nutrients and vitamins necessary for the pigs' growth and development. By opting for non-GMO feed, farmers avoid genetically modified organisms and prioritize the use of natural, unaltered ingredients, further enhancing the integrity of the final product.
No Corn or Soy: The absence of corn or soy in the pigs' diet distinguishes this pork from conventional varieties typically raised on feed containing these ingredients. Corn and soy are commonly genetically modified and heavily sprayed with pesticides, concerns that are alleviated by their exclusion from the pigs' diet.
Health benefits of our Woodlot raised pork:
- Leaner Meat: Pastured pork may be leaner than conventionally raised pork because pasture-raised pigs tend to have more physical activity, which can result in lower fat content.
- Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Pastured pork contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly if the pigs have been raised on a diet rich in omega-3 sources such as grass and forage.
- More Nutrients: Pastured pork can be richer in certain nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin D, and beta-carotene compared to pork from animals raised in confinement. This is often attributed to the pigs' exposure to sunlight and access to a more varied diet.
- Lower Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio: Pastured pork has a more favorable ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally raised pork. A lower ratio is associated with reduced risk of inflammation and chronic diseases.
- No Added Hormones or Antibiotics: Our woodlot-raised pork is raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics, which can be a concern in conventionally raised pork.
- Higher Levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a fatty acid found in meat and dairy products that has been associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and improved body composition. Pastured pork contains higher levels of CLA compared to conventionally raised pork.
$300 Deposit Due at time of order. Total cost is $5.50 per pound based on hog hanging weight. Typical HALF hog weight will be 90-110 lbs, yielding 60-80 lbs. of take home meat depending on the size of the hog.
A typical HALF HOG order will include 14 - 18 pounds of ham cuts, 8 - 10 pounds of bacon, 18 - 22 pounds of loin cuts (chops or roasts), 8 - 12 pounds of shoulder cuts (steaks or roasts), 4 - 6 pounds of hocks and organ meats, and 3 - 6 pounds of ground pork, sausage, or brats. You will be able to specify how your hog is cut, which portions are cured and smoked, and how large to cut the roasts, chops, and ham or shoulder steaks.
Customer responsible for submitting cutting instructions to butcher, paying processing costs, and picking up finished product. If you want No Nitrate/Nitrite curing, you MUST send a follow up email requesting it or make note in ordering instructions. Pickup at processor for no additional charge, OR we can pickup from processor and bring back to farm for storage and pickup at Farm Store for additional fee of $35.
