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 Erik and Mikala Boors’ part of Iowa.
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 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 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.