Young Farmers Bring Small-scale, Humane Hog Farming Back to Iowa

Neighbors love to drive by and see a young family raising hogs outdoors again—a rare sight in Erik and Mikala Boors’ part of Iowa.

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.

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.

A New Hog Farming Model for the Next Generation

Steven and Alaina Imhoff knew they wanted to expand their hog farming at Triple Creek Farms in southeast Iowa. And they were convinced that the industrial route wasn’t going to suit them. In 2019, they connected with Niman Ranch, which…

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. 

Beyond Humane: Raising Pigs to “Express Their Piggyness” at Pastvina Acres

David and Christy Borrowman knew their farm needed to be different from the ones they grew up with.

For a Sustainable Hog Farmer, “There’s Not One Right Way of Farming”

This family farmer believes that all farms can work on implementing practices that support healthy environments.

Finding the “Missing Piece of the Puzzle” for a Sustainable Hog Farmer

After joining a network of small farmers and ranchers, Shaun Miller found the resources he needed to build a sustainable farming business.

Lessons From a Young Farmer: “We Need to Be Open to Other Ways of Cultivating the Land”

Ty Schmidt hopes to inspire his peers to farm with future generations in mind.

Food Tank Membership

You have Successfully Subscribed!