“Livestock changes the focus of everything,” says third-generation farmer Randy Hutton, Jr. “It completes the loop.”
Sustainability Means ‘Freedom to Really Farm How We Should Be Farming’
Farmer Trisha Zachman is hopeful for the future, seeing more companies looking to source responsibly raised ingredients.
Easy and ‘Modern’ Isn’t Always the Best Way: The Promise of Sustainable, Humane Pig Farming
Kody McCleary, a 24 year old producer, says that maintaining the family farm for the next generation is his number one goal.
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 Eric 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.
On Sperfslage Farm, Success Means Preserving a Way of Living
Cousins Mark and Mikeal Sperfslage are working to promote sustainable livestock practices while narrowing the gap between eaters and farmers.
Advocating for Family Farmers: “Spend Just One Day with Me on the Farm”
Darby Knoll wants everyone to see the passion and care farmers show their animals and the land they tend.
Multigenerational Farming on Mineral Valley Farms
Farmer Brendan Kleiboeker reflects on his experience as a 6th generation farmer, his commitment to farming and agriculture, and the ways that Niman Ranch supports him and his farm.
Bigger Is Not Always Better: Farming and Sustainability with Niman Ranch
A Niman Ranch farmer for 20 years, Dale Koestler explains what the network means to him and how it has allowed him to continue his sustainable practices even as the farming landscape changes around him.
More Than a Farmer Network, Niman Ranch Is a Family
In the 20 years since Penny and Dean Janousek became a part of the Niman Ranch network, their commitment to sustainable farming has never wavered.
Niman Ranch Farmers Raise Family to be Stewards of the Land
Niman Ranch family farmers, Brice and Melanie Hundling, offer insight into their sustainable farming.
A Grandson Continues the Family Legacy at Palmquist Farms
Austin Palmquist discusses his role as a young farmer with Niman Ranch and motivation for sustainably raising 400 hogs annually in this week’s Farmer Friday feature.
