This fourth-generation Iowa farmer is committed to raising pigs “the old way” with room to roam and no antibiotics.
Fifth-Generation Farmer Revives a Family Tradition
Caleb Banowetz found a way to keep humane, family hog farming alive.
We’re Ignoring a Major Public Health Crisis—Farmer Mental Health
Major mental health organizations across the U.S. have support programs designed to address rural and agricultural health, but few focus specifically on farmer mental health.
Family Farmer Finds a Connection to Eaters Through Livestock
“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.
Family Farmers Are the Future. Let’s Celebrate Them!
Family farmers produce more than 80 percent of the world’s food value, but face significant hurdles from land access to market access.
A Young Farmer Makes the Business Case for Humane Hog Farming
The family’s farm shows how smaller-scale, humane hog farming can be both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Revitalizing Rural Communities Means Supporting Small Farms
Between 1935 and 2023, the number of farms in the U.S. decreased by 72 percent, while the average farm size nearly tripled.
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.
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.
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.
From Farm to Planet, Lessons on Building Multigenerational Farming and Food Systems
Conversations with family farmers, retailers, food producers, journalists, chefs, and advocates serve as a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting farmers.
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 Farmers’ Network Offers Sound Business Advice—and Community
After inheriting his family’s deep respect for the land and animals, Jake Beeler faced financial hardship and struggled to maintain his farm. But a network of family farmers has helped him develop a sustainable business.
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.
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.
