Great River Maple
“We like our sap to stay extremely fresh – if the sap clouds over it affects the flavor, so we like to keep our sap clear as water,”
Garnavillo, IA
Type: Farmer Cooperative
Produces: Berkshire Pork
Location: Des Moines, IA
Miles from Coop: 108
When a small collection of Berkshire pork farmers began selling their high-quality pork out of the trunks of their cars in State Center, IA, they had no idea they would become the world's top 100% heirloom Berkshire producer.
Now based out of Des Moines, Berkwood Farms has grown into a farmer-owned cooperative of over 100 family farms across Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
"Our mission is to ethically raise and produce premium-quality, humanely treated Berkshire pork, while prioritizing environmental stewardship and community well-being."
Berkwood Farms' cooperative model has expanded the reach of small family-owned farms.
Berkwood Farms now serves the entire United States, as well as Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Columbia, and the Caribbean.
Berkwood Farms partner farmers allow their pigs to be "happy & healthy" - no confiment hogs here.
Farmers work to minimize stress on their animals by providing adequate room to roam, and antibiotic-free and hormone-free feed.
"We believe in fostering a transparent and responsible food production system that not only meets the highest standards of quality but also promotes a healthier, more compassionate world for generations to come."
Raising pigs on a family farm means all hands on deck.
That means chores, of course, but also taking time for snuggles and treats from the apple tree.
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“We like our sap to stay extremely fresh – if the sap clouds over it affects the flavor, so we like to keep our sap clear as water,”
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