Thank you for your interest in our pasture-raised heritage pork!
What makes our pork products special? Lots of things, so we decided to assemble all of the information in one place.
Our pork comes from Gunthorp Farms, a multi-generation family farm in LaGrange, Indiana, committed to raising animals the right way, outdoors, on pasture, with care for both the animals and the land.
Gunthorp’s pigs are raised according to the Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) standards through A Greener World, which require:
- Continuous access to pasture and fresh air year-round
- No crates, cages, or confinement
- No antibiotics or growth promotants at any stage
- Non-GMO feed
- Pigs graze pastures without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
- Humane handling and transport practices
- Environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable grazing and soil health
Processing takes place at USDA-inspected facility, which follows strict HACCP and SSOP food safety plans. Their team maintains segregation programs to protect product integrity and uses only validated antimicrobial interventions that meet USDA standards.
What breeds do you raise?
Our farms raise Heritage Breed Duroc Berkshire pigs
Heritage breed pigs foraging on Gunthorp Farm in LaGrange, Indiana
What do they eat?
Pigs are foragers, and most of our pigs are outdoors every day (weather permitting) to forage for bugs, sticks, roots, etc. Since pigs have a single stomach, unlike the four-chambered stomach of cattle, we cannot raise a healthy animal on grass alone, so their diets are supplemented with non-GMO corn, soybeans, alfalfa, a simple vitamin and mineral mixture, and a small amount of oats and fishmeal.
Pastures consist of orchard grass, red and white clover, some alfalfa, birds foot, trefoil, – Pigs are the roughest of animals on the pasture but these pigs are rotationally grazed. Gunthorp uses traditional cover crops. Pigs need exercise, sunlight and a bit of green grass to be happy and healthy.
What about antibiotics & hormones?
No antibiotics or growth hormones are used throughout the life of the animal.
What about nitrites?
It is near-impossible to find pork in grocery stores that does not include some type of nitrites or nitrates. They are usually used in the curing process, and unfortunately have been suggested to be possible carcinogens. Most of the “nitrite-free” pork products are cured with celery salt, however, this is another possible danger, as celery salt contains naturally occurring nitrates. The Weston A. Price Wise Traditions Magazine explored this subject in great depth as related to bacon. While there are countless ways to make bacon – the actual health benefits of this popular product depend on a host of factors, from the raising and processing, down to the cooking process.
The Wise Traditions article suggested that our ancestors had bacon figured out a long time ago. All it takes is a dry rub (we use sea salt) and a cure (ours cures for 2-3 days) then a slow smoke (our bacon is hickory smoked). The end result is deep pork flavor, healthy fat, and a new family favorite.
Sugar-Free Bacon Is One Of Our Most Popular Products
Our Pork Breakfast Sausage is an office-favorite and a staple in our kitchens every morning. This recipe contains only: pork, salt, rubbed sage, ground red pepper, and black pepper. No sugars, sweeteners, nitrates, nitrites, or MSG, and the flavor is amazing! Make sure to check out our Breakfast Favorites category for more wonderful selections like Sugar Free Canadian Pork Bacon Slices.
Sugar-Free Ham Is A Holiday Favorite
A very popular pork offering is the highly sought after Pork Lard. After numerous customer requests and a new kettle purchase, we are able to render pork lard now. Lard is full of healthy fats and a very versatile oil to cook or fry in. We offer the pork lard in a 2-lb pail.
Looking for pork recipe ideas? Not sure how long to cook a ham? Here are some of our favorites pork recipes by some of our favorite chefs:
Easy to Make AIP Breakfast Pork Sausage
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Banh Mi Bowls
Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder Roast
Bacon Jalapeno Burger with Dill Relish & Awesome Sauce
Grilled Bratwurst with Onions Braised in Beer & Mustard
See even more delicious pork recipes on our Discover Blog.
