Probably one of the best things to come out of 2020 for me, and something I’ve talked about doing for a while. Supporting local farms costs more and is a longer drive, but it’s definitely worth it. Recent blog post from one of the farms I get meat from.



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 way s 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.
Theirs: Fed drugs like Paylean to promote lean muscle growth.

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 hyridized 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.

I ****ed a pig once

all summer/fall i was buying my meat and veggies from my local farms

I do.

All my neighbors are farmers lol. I even support them with my own free physical labor (after the hurricanes for example).

But man local is expensive.

Agreed OP. We buy our meat from a local farm. Used to do veggies as well. Quality stuff is great and the people are cool.

Yeah, but I think it’s worth it. Bacon and eggs are comparable to store prices, and bacon is 50x better from a small farm. Great deals on organ meats but everything else is at least twice as pricey as supermarket costs. I still buy some meat from the big chain grocers, but try to get a big haul from a local farm once/month.

I agree. For me though, there are also moral and ethical reasons that make the cost difference worth it.

Normally I would be hesitant to say that, but all the coal rollers and factory farm supporters are crying right now.

I used to a subscription box for local veggies, but ho lee fukk was it expensive.

Same here. Reducing the number of animals living in those horrible conditions is a no-brainer way to lessen suffering in the world.



I still get all fruits and vegetables from the supermarket but have been tossing around the idea of starting a garden. Might try to make that a goal for next year.

id love to have a small farm in a few years

Local farms are unfortunately more expensive than the grocery and its a gateway many people cant get past even though you're likely getting a much better product