New Pi is a “Natural” Match for Iowa Farm Families
Stephanie Catlett, eCatalyst Editor

If there’s one thing the great state of Iowa is known for, it’s pork. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association, in 2008 there were 8,300 hog operations in Iowa that produced 37 million hogs for market. No doubt that’s big bacony abundance, but many factory farms confine pigs to 2-feet wide gestation and farrowing (birthing) crates with no access to sunlight or bedding.

How can concerned shoppers feel confident that their pork was raised out of confinement in a humane manner?

By shopping at the Co-op, of course! New Pioneer has partnered with Iowa Farm Families to ensure that the pork you purchase under the “New Pi Natural” brand comes from pigs raised naturally on Iowa family farms. New Pi Natural pork comes from a cooperative of forty farm families who pledge to use no antibiotics or hormones on their animals.

Iowa Farm Family pigs are raised in hoop buildings—round, open air structures with straw bedding and plenty of fresh air and sunlight. Steve McNeal, Director of Sales and Marketing for Iowa Farm Families explains, “Raising [the pigs] in this way takes the stress off the hogs and makes the meat tender and juicy … if they’re happy and they’re healthy, the meat is so much better.”

By sourcing directly from Iowa Farm Families, the New Pi Natural brand is noticeably lower in price. Now is the time to stock up on premium pork chops and tenderloins for your grill, and support small farmers raising happy pigs with every purchase.

www.iowafarmfamilies.com