When it comes to choosing what to eat, the options that are available out there can be overwhelming. If you are trying to eat nutritious food, it’s important to read beyond the labels and claims and find out where your food is really coming from.
You’ve heard us say that Pederson’s products are vegetarian fed, antibiotic free, and humanely raised, and that we practice regenerative agriculture. But what does all of that really mean? Read on to learn how we uphold our commitment to produce high-quality protein that is good for both our consumers and the environment.
Vegetarian Fed
Our pork is produced from pigs that are fed a diet that is free of animal by-products. This means that the pigs are only fed vegetarian feed, which can help to improve the overall health and well-being of the animals. This pork is generally leaner and has a milder flavor than pork from pigs that are fed a more traditional diet.
Raised Without Antibiotics
Antibiotics are commonly used in pork production to prevent and treat illnesses in animals. But, overusing antibiotics in animal agriculture has led to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be dangerous to both the animal and the consumer.
Pederson's Farms raises its pigs without antibiotics. This helps to lower the risk of antibiotic resistance and to maintain the pigs' good health. If an animal becomes ill or gets injured, it will receive treatment and be removed from the meat supply.
Humanely Raised
Pederson's Farms is committed to the humane treatment of animals, and this is reflected in the way that our pigs are raised. The pigs are given plenty of space to move around and express their natural behaviors, and they are never subjected to harsh treatments or overcrowding.
Regenerative Agriculture
We believe in regenerative agriculture. Regenerative agriculture is a type of farming that focuses on improving the health of the soil and the environment. Regenerative agriculture practices, such as cover cropping and rotational grazing, can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water retention in the soil, and increase biodiversity. Click this link to continue reading about regenerative agriculture.
Non-GMO Pork
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have had their genetic material altered in a way that does not occur naturally. While GMOs are not necessarily harmful, some people prefer to avoid them in their diet. Pederson's offers a selection of non-gmo pork products produced from pigs that are not fed genetically modified feed.
Certified Organic
Pederson's Farms also offers several options that are USDA Certified Organic. Certified Organic pork comes from pigs that are raised according to strict guidelines set by the USDA's National Organic Program. These guidelines cover all aspects of the pigs' lives, including what they are fed, how they are living, and how they are treated.
This gives you a glimpse into what makes Pederson’s Farms different, and why we choose to operate the way we do. If you’re interested in learning more, sign up for our newsletters! Each month we take a deep dive into each of these topics to shed even more light on our process.