Have you hugged your farmer today?

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Greg Gunthorp from Gunthorp Farms the other day. I consider Greg to be a pioneer in the industry of pasture based poultry and pigs at scale.  When I say "pasture based" I mean Gunthorp Farms actually raises their animals outside on pastures and in woodlots.  He designed and built his own, on farm, USDA inspected, processing facility with his own hands.  He transformed a conventional (confinement) hog farm to pasture successfully and now raises chickens, ducks, and turkeys on pasture as well.  Greg grows much of the Non-GMO grains that the animals are supplemented with while on pasture on his farm.  In short Greg is THE MAN!  He is the kind of farmer we need to celebrate and support in this country!

As we here at Native Pantry and The Grass Feather Farm continue to learn how to raise animals on pasture, Greg has always been supportive and helpful.  He grew a business large and successful enough that his kids have chosen to stay and work on the farm.  This is vital for the long term sustainability of the enterprise and for all of us to be able to continue to have access to healthy, pasture raised food.  

Kara, his daughter, told me that in her agriculture major at Purdue University she was THE ONLY ONE that she knew of that was able to go back and work on the family farm and not have to go work for some big, corporate, agricultural conglomerate.  Think about that!  Out of a large, major university she was the only one!  What does that say for the future of family farms if we do not support them?  She handles the marketing while her brother, Evan runs day to day operations and their Mom takes care of the books.  Evan is always energized and has a great attitude whenever I have the opportunity to see him.  

Greg and his family are always innovating and looking for new ways to grow their business in an environment that is very susceptible to deceptive marketing.  Have you ever wondered how overnight all the major brands now have "pasture raised", "grass -fed" , and "humanely raised" products?  Put a picture of a pig on pasture on a package and the product inside must be pasture raised, right?  WRONG!  Know your farmer, know your food.  Gunthorp farm is legit and they do it right.

We feel fortunate to have forged a meaningful relationship with Gunthorp farms and source their products because we know and trust them and what they stand for.  When you buy from Native Pantry, you help us support Greg and his family so we all will be able to enjoy healthy pork, chicken, duck, and turkey for many years to come.  Who knows what innovative products Greg and family will come up with next?  Whatever they are we will have them for you here at Native Pantry. 

 Thanks again Greg, Kara, Evan Gunthorp and family for your efforts in producing HEALTHY, HUMANELY RAISED, PASTURE BASED PRODUCTS THAT TASTE AMAZING!