The family’s farm shows how smaller-scale, humane hog farming can be both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Animals
Cream Co. Meats Is Reshaping the Meat Industry One Farm at a Time
By sourcing meat locally, the company is working to promote resilience, reduce reliance on centralized production methods, and empower small farmers.
Bringing Youth Back to the Farm in Rural America
The Breakfast Club teaches youth how to raise hogs, making the knowledge accessible to those who don’t necessarily come from a farming family, and helping first-generation farmers pursue a career in agriculture.
Field to Plate: Walla Walla Community College’s Hands-On Approach
Uncover a hands-on culinary journey at Walla Walla CC, where students learn the art of sustainable cooking and agriculture in the heart of Washington’s renowned wine region.
Op-Ed | California Crate-Free Law Offers Hog Farmers Economic Opportunity
Both Prop 12 and Question 3 passed with sweeping voter support, indicating approval for better animal welfare practices.
Finding Balance as a Sixth-Generation Pig Farmer
Family farmer Aaron Williams is committed to raising hogs sustainably. Now, he’s traveling across the country to explain why.
Marketing that Matters: Audubon Seal Connects Ranchers and Consumers
The Audubon Society’s bird-friendly seal was developed to help eaters choose meat products produced in way that conserves grasslands.
Nurturing a Path to Success for Small, Sustainable Sheepherders
Family farmer Levi Wahl hopes to build a business that he can pass on for his children to enjoy as much as he does.
Leather Companies Can Play a Critical Role in Stopping Deforestation
Tanneries are starting pilot projects that are intended to improve traceability and help end deforestation.
The Farm is Central at Wild Kid Acres
Wild Kid Acres re-centers the role of farms in communities, working to bring nature-mimicking agriculture, education, and a vibrant hub of connection to the heart of their local area.
World’s First Vaccine for Deadly African Swine Fever Approved for Commercial Use
While African Swine Fever has a near 100 percent mortality rate, top scientists are hopeful that the African Swine Fever vaccine will soon be made available around the world.
USDA Organic Livestock Standards Set to Improve Animal Welfare and Public Health
The proposed rule has the potential to increase animal welfare for livestock raised in the United States.
New Research Shows Animal Agriculture Is Making UTIs Worse. Factory Farms Could Make Them Untreatable
This is more than just a foodborne illness problem—it’s a factory farming problem.
World’s First Vaccine to Save Honeybees from Deadly Disease Approved by USDA
The USDA recently approved the first-ever vaccine to address the global decline of the honeybee population.
Diversified Pastured Poultry Models Can Reduce Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Shifting away from an industrialized model of poultry production can help reduce the risk of disease and protect animals.
A Network for Independent Family Farmers: “It’s Like a Family”
Niman Ranch’s network allows farmers to maintain their independence while receiving critical resources and support.
‘Raw Deal’ Tells All in U.S. Big Meat Exposé
A new book shows the U.S. meat industry, as it currently exists, cannot survive.
Climate Agreement Aims to Cut Emissions with Food System Reform
The COP27 Climate Agreement on Food and Farming says plant-based diets and sustainable farming are crucial for GHG emissions reduction.
A Market for Small-Scale Hog Farmers to Thrive
In central Iowa, small-scale hog farmer Travis Flaherty takes pride in raising his animals more sustainably, allowing them to exhibit their natural behaviors.
With a Guaranteed Market for their Hogs, Farmers Don’t Need to “Get Big or Get Out”
When fifth generation farmer Joe Mickelson transitioned to small-scale diversification, he discovered that raising pigs in the open air was a new—and much more enjoyable—experience.
