EVERMORE FARM PRODUCTION PROTOCOLS

Our Pigs vs. Industrial Confinement Pigs

Our Berkshire hogs are raised on pasture. Here are some highlights that show you some of the differences between our pasture-raised pork and that produced from industrial systems which make up more than 90% of pork consumed in the U.S. 

Here are some truths explaining what goes on with industrial pork production and grocery store pork and how it is different from Evermore Farm Pasture-Raised Pork!

This is how we believe hogs should be raised. ON GRASS. This is the life we choose for our hogs on our farm, but this is not how 90% of hogs in the U.S. are able to live.

Hogs raised on pasture are healthier and produce a better product that consumers are seeking. 

Here are 10 ways that our hogs live a different life than conventionally-raised hogs.

• Ours: Mother pigs live and birth naturally and are never confined to crates.

• Theirs: Mother pigs confined to crates for the entirety of adult life.

   

• Ours: Raised in an outdoor immune-building environment.

• Theirs: Raised in sterile environments promoting weak immune systems.

   

• Ours: Strong immune systems that negate the need for medications. 

• Theirs: Weak immune systems that require drugs and antibiotics for survival.

   

• Ours: Allowed to grow naturally and accumulate healthy body fat through simple, natural, whole grain, feed supplements.

• Theirs: Fed drugs like Paylean and other growth promotants to promote lean muscle growth.

   

• Ours: Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air daily.

• Theirs: Subjected to artificial lighting most of their life.

   

• Ours: Raised in smaller groups outdoors.

• Theirs: Raised in large building housing a few THOUSAND pigs at a time.

   

• Ours: Natural breeding when they are ready.

• Theirs: Planned artificial insemination in crates or gestation pens.

   

• Ours: Time tested hardy Heritage genetics.

• Theirs: Fragile hybridized industrial genetics.

   

• Ours: Regenerative mindset: Happier – Slower – Better Health

• Theirs: Industrial mindset: Fatter – Faster – Bigger – Cheaper

   

• Ours: 200+ square feet of rotated pasture space per pig.

• Theirs: 7.5 square feet of concrete floor space per pig.

To see some of the differences take a look at these photos:

Overall Protocols

Here’s an overview of how all animals on Evermore Farm are raised:

Grass-Fed

The diet of our grass-fed animals consists of freshly grazed pasture and stored grasses (hay or grass silage.) Free-choice mineral supplements may also be given as needed.

No Hormones or Steroids

Hormones or steroids never administered to animals. (The FDA does not allow the use hormones or antibiotics in the production of pork or poultry.)

Never Fed Drugs or Antibiotics*

* Our natural production practices eliminate the need for sub therapeutic (daily fed low level dose) medications that are commonly used in confinement production systems. However, in certain cases to prevent animals from death or suffering we do allow for limited use of therapeutic (spot treatment) medication. In such cases the prescribed withdrawal period is doubled before animals are ever harvested. These animals will be sold off the farm and not processed for sale here. We feel that this exception is only practical to ensure wise stewardship practices and ethical treatment of our livestock.

Pasture-Raised

As the seasons allow, animals are raised in the open pasture or field.

Seasonally Accommodated

When you see this protocol associated with our products, it simply means that during the winter our animals are provided with a shelter or barn to keep warm as needed for protection from harsh weather. Larger animals such as cattle and hogs generally only require simple windbreaks or huts to keep warm. However small animals generally require an enclosed area such as a deep-bedded greenhouse that provides natural heat and light.

No Animal By-Products

Raised without feeding any animal by-products.

Nitrite/Nitrate Free

Processed without added synthetic Nitrites or Nitrate.

Certified Organic

We are not certified organic. While our farm is not technically “certified” organic by the USDA, we do adhere to organic farming principles and practices. Some of our practices go beyond “organic” standards, like requiring that most of our ruminant animal products are 100% grass-fed and produced without grain or grain by-products.

At the end of the day, we would encourage you to put your trust in our family and our farm rather than in a USDA stamp that relies on costly inspections and government regulators. To get a better idea about our farming practices, here’re a few claims we make that are verified by our customers:

• Grass-Fed protocol for ruminant animals.
• No hormones, steroids, or antibiotics
• Nitrate free
• Pasture-Raised
• No Animal By-Products in our feed.

We believe that the very best form of producer-to-consumer accountability and transparency exists when consumers take an active responsibility to develop a connection and relationship with the farmer who produces their food!