Pork
Compassionately Raised Pork
Raising animals compassionately began with the generations before us. Our petite Grandma Freida would help our Grandpa Cyril move pigs from one barn building to another by waving her apron and squeaking out 'suey' as they meandered through the barnyard. Our hogs still enjoy a deeply bedded barn with the addition of a modern facility that is both heated and cooled. They have constant access to feed, water, and fresh air. Their diet consists of our custom mixed feed. We create their fresh food on our farm utilizing corn we grow. We add soybean protein, minerals, nutrients, and essential oils designed specifically for their holistic dietary needs.
Healthy Herd
We value our animals' health and employ many preventative measures, which include the thoroughly researched method of utilizing essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics. We also practice Biosecurity on our farm to keep our hogs happy and healthy. Just as Covid 19 brought this practice to the forefront for people (social distancing and masking), we have been practicing this on our farm for many years. Farm visits are not permitted as a measure to keep our herd healthy and safe.
Our brother, Nick Kleaving, oversees the day-to-day operations, along with help from his dad and brothers when needed. Another way he protects the hogs and minimizes antibiotic use is by thoroughly washing and disinfecting the facility when new animals arrive at the building. The disinfectant used is entirely biodegradable and natural.
With these preventions in place, it minimizes the need to use antibiotics. When it is warranted, we do so with the veterinarian's oversight. We don't practice herd inoculation and never give our animals growth hormones. We not only produce pork for your family, but it also feeds our family, and we want what is best for our children.
Breed
We raise a Landrace-Large White bred with Duroc boar. We have been pleased with this breed for many reasons. This combination allows for lean pork, long loins, large hams, and less fat.
Nutrition and Flavor
Chances are you have heard the catchphrase, "Pork the other white meat." It is true. When it comes to nutrition, according to pork.org "Today's pork is 16 percent leaner and 27 percent lower in saturated fat compared to 29 years ago." It's also packed with nutrition. According to the same website, "Pork is an excellent source of nutrients important to our health such as thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6, phosphorus and protein and a good source of zinc, riboflavin, and potassium."
Size
Our pork usually weighs between 260-300 lbs. About 57% of the pig makes it to your pan. You can have it cut and processed into many options: bacon, ham, chops, roasts, etc. Many of our partnered processors have various sausage flavors - country, Italian, Polish, smoked, and more, plus bologna and summer sausage. You can also request organ meat, soup bones, and other specialty items from the butcher shop.
Pricing
We have implemented flat fee pricing to expedite and simplify the payment process. We have experimented with many forms of payments and weighing measures. (live weight, hanging weight, or carcass weight) We have found that our customers prefer our one-payment option. We are electing to price our pork at one flat fee. This means you are the winner with this form of pricing. We have based our cost on our smaller animal. If the animal is larger - you win - you'll have more meat in your freezer. One other word on pricing, we don't pretend to compete with big box stores on price or quality. One taste and you will experience the difference.
Learn More
If you have additional questions about our pork, please contact Nick - our pork-producing brother. You can leave a message via phone, text, or email. He will get back to you as soon as he is finished with his work on the farm.