Pasture Raised Meat

Last night, Hillside Heritage Farm in Lancaster, KY delivered the whole hog we had ordered from them. I have been buying different cuts of meat from them all summer at the local farmer's market here in Lexington. I really enjoyed the meat we bought from them so this fall I ordered a whole hog. They raise two different kinds of heritage breeds which are known for their lean meat. They also are all pasture raised which also helps with their leanness.

From the research that I have done, pasture raised meat seems to be a good alternative to full vegetarianism for our family. We try to limit our.intake of meat but do enjoy eating it too much to give it up completely. Pasture raised versus coonventionally also raised meat has several benefits for us as well as the enviornment. Here are some of them.

1) Pasture and grass fed meat usually has more omega 3's and are lower in fat and calories than conventionally raised meat. In addition pasture raised pork has a much higher level of vitamin E.

2) Properly pasture raised meat promotes biodiversity and improves soil fertility. Confined feeding operations which raise some conventionally raised meat have many waste-management problems.

3) Pasture-raised animals are allowed to eat what they are naturally inclined to eat. The enjoy clean, spacious environments and are healthier.

4) Farm workers enjoy a healthier environment than those on factory farms. Factory farm workers are exposed to dust, ammonia, and high levels of carbon dioxide which are common problems in confined facilities.

In addition to the above, by buying from Heritage Farms, I am supporting a local farmer who raises heritage breeds. I know that the hogs have been raised humanely. Most of all, I know I am serving my family a better quality meat that is lean and tasty. By buying a whole hog I paid per pound less than I can buy most meat at the grocery store.

In a couple of months as the local markets reopen, check out your local Farmer's Market. If there is someone there selling pasture raised meat or organic meat, give it a try. You will be surprised by the difference in taste. If you like it, think about purchasing a larger quantity. It is a larger outlay of money initially but usually cheaper than you can buy meat per pound in the grocery store.