For this week’s edition, we wanted to highlight an article that shows you some of the differences between our pasture-raised pork and that produced from industrial systems which make up more than 90% of pork consumed in the U.S. We originally published this article on our blog about a year ago. Enjoy!
Today we come to you with some truths explaining what goes on with industrial pork production and grocery store pork and how it is different from Watson Farms Pasture-Raised Pork!
This is how we believe hogs should be raised. ON GRASS. This is the life we choose for our hogs on our farm, but this is not how 90% of hogs in the U.S. are able to live.
Hogs raised on pasture are healthier and produce a better product that consumers are seeking.
Here are 10 ways that our hogs live a different life than conventionally-raised hogs.
Ours: Mother pigs live and birth naturally and are never confined to crates.
Theirs: Mother pigs confined to crates for the entirety of adult life.
Ours: Raised in an outdoor immune-building environment.
Theirs: Raised in sterile environments promoting weak immune systems.
Ours: Strong immune systems that negate the need for medications.
Theirs: Weak immune systems that require drugs and antibiotics for survival.
Ours: Allowed to grow naturally and accumulate healthy body fat through simple, natural, whole grain, non-GMO feed supplements.
Theirs: Fed drugs like Paylean and other growth promotants to promote lean muscle growth. Industrial feed rations are largely made from genetically modified (Roundup Ready®) grains.
Ours: Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air daily.
Theirs: Subjected to artificial lighting most of their life.
Ours: Raised in smaller groups outdoors.
Theirs: Raised in large building housing a few THOUSAND pigs at a time.
Ours: Natural breeding when they are ready.
Theirs: Planned artificial insemination in crates or gestation pens.
Ours: Time tested hardy Heritage genetics.
Theirs: Fragile hybridized industrial genetics.
Ours: Regenerative mindset: Happier – Slower – Better Health
Theirs: Industrial mindset: Fatter – Faster – Bigger – Cheaper
Ours: 200+ square feet of rotated pasture space per pig.
Theirs: 7.5 square feet of concrete floor space per pig.
To see some of the differences take a look at the photos below.
Our cattle are raised differently as well! Take a look at a video Kelly shot this week. Pay close attention to all the birds that follow our cow herd all around the farm. These birds are excellent fly control and allow our cattle to be free from insecticides. This kind of wild bird population only happens when the cows are in a large tightly-grazed herd where the birds can feed more efficiently.
Product Spotlight
We have an excellent category for those who are flexible with their culinary endeavors. It’s called “Get Creative” and it features products that move a little slower than the staples do. But moving these products is crucial to our profitability like we discussed above.
For example, we placed a new flock of pullets a few weeks ago and they are really starting to lay now. The only problem is when pullets begin to lay, their eggs are kind of small as their bodies get used to the new routine. Help us move these medium eggs so they don’t lay in vain! You can get these at a great price as well. (Just hit the dropdown menu to select Medium. If they happen to be sold out just check back in a day or two since we are getting plenty each day!)
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Backs and Necks$17.96 -
Bulk Eggs (flats)$37.50 – $83.85 -
Bag of Beef Bones$10.00
You can see ALL of our ON SALE products with the button below.
Farm Day!
Get ready for Farm Day on October 23 from 10am – 2pm! Vendors that will be on site are:
- Stephen Woody – Woodworking
- Carmichael Creations – Soaps, scrubs and more
- Eunice Calderon – Pottery, weaving, and more
- And more!
We are offering FREE hay ride farm tours at the top of each hour. (Arrive at about 9:45am if you want to be on the 10am tour.) Our store will also be open for your shopping needs.
We hope to see you then!
We re-use packaging!
We’ve seen a good response to our efforts in re-using packaging! Thanks and keep it up.
You can help us reduce our carbon footprint by returning your CLEAN egg cartons and meat boxes.
The main reason that we switched to plastic egg cartons a while back was because they are so much more durable than paper which could only be used once. They also protect the eggs much better!
So if you have some egg cartons or boxes to return, you can just place them on your porch on your home delivery day. Farm pickup customers can, of course, drop them off when you come to pick up your new order.
Thanks for helping us re-use our packaging!
Referral Program
If you enjoy our products please consider passing the word along to your neighbors, friends and family! We don’t spend a lot of money of advertising but rather depend on customers like yourself to advertise for us if they are amazed by our products and customer service.
All you have to do is refer someone to us and when they place an order for the first time they will get a link to a form where they can say who referred them. You and the new customer will receive a $15 credit! So make sure they tell us your name. Hit the button for more info!
Order Deadlines and Store Hours
Order Deadlines
Charleston: 12 noon Mondays
GSP: 12 noon on Wednesdays
Charlotte/Rock Hill: 12 noon Fridays
Farm Pickup: Please wait until you receive an email stating that your order is ready to be picked up (usually 1 business day from when you place your order). Farm pickup is done during store hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Closed Sunday and Wednesday
Produce Box Ordering Deadlines
Sundays at 9pm for Charleston or Columbia Home Deliveries
Tuesdays at 9pm for GSP and CLT/Local Home Deliveries
Did you know that we have a webpage that displays all the reviews we have received?
Check it out!
Check out this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review:
“I salute Watson Farms for all the hard work in creating and maintaining a healthy living space for your farm animals.“
We would greatly appreciate it if you would be kind enough to leave us a review. It helps first-time customers purchase with confidence.
Thanks again for being partners in this endeavor of local, pasture-raised proteins that has truly transformed our farm. We look forward to continuing this transition while serving you long into the future.
Sincerely,
The Watsons
Pasture Posts is written by Matt Watson.