Karrie explained that they are  Food Alliance certified.  This is the same third party which inspects our supplier, Country Natural Beef, and others for the sustainable ranching practices and humane care for the animals, land and people.   They are also  Non GMO Project Verified, PQA Plus, and USDA Organic certified  (which they only raise a few for customers who order in advance).

I was impressed that this farm does not use genetically modified feeds, and are certified non-GMO.

 On the tour, I saw the farrowing (birthing) huts. Unlike the standard industry hog farm, these sows are free to roam, and choose their own farrowing A-frame.  The pigs have toys, bowling balls and huge rubber balls they play with, plus chains on the fence which they love to tug on.
 
I did learn one thing I never expected. Paul explained to me why pigs eat coal.  I have always made the joke that our pigs at my uncle’s farm were steam powered.  However, there is a real reason.  Pigs use coal and charcoal as an aid for their digestive system.
 
My favorite memory of the place I call the submersible pigs.  They have a deep bedding of straw, which comes off the fields where their grain is grown.  When temperatures drop, they burrow down into the straw only showing their ears and snouts above the straw.  It really is cute, but there is a practical side to this (besides keeping the hogs warm): the straw ends up with manure in it, which is then put in compost piles.  This method means that, unlike the standard pig farm which uses water to flush the pens and then gathers the manure in a sewage pond, there is less smell and water usage.
 
We will be carrying Pure Country Pork bacon, hams, some sausages, plus the boneless pork chops, and some of their bone-in products.  This is an excellent line; I am happy to be able to offer it to you.