Pastured Pork Production

The United States has a long history of inequality in agriculture and not much has changed. Black farmers, especially, continue to lose ground. It’s estimated the number of black-owned farms has been drastically reduced by an estimated 98% over the past century. This loss of farms in underserved communities negatively impacts their economy, food security and overall quality of life.

To build a fair food system, Heifer USA provides education opportunities, mentorship and invests in socially and economically disadvantaged farmers looking to start or grow a profitable farm business. Our Pastured Pork Production project specifically focuses on these farmers and is in its third year in Mississippi. Our farmers raise pork in their natural habitat to meet the market demand of our market development partner, Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative. Pigs thrive in a natural environment, making our pork more delicious and nutritious; it’s also more sustainable. Each farm we add to the producer base is another farmer able to earn a living wage from ethical, sustainable small-scale production.

Getting livestock production going requires strong support. Heifer USA provides financial support, such as feeders and fencing, direct support to local cooperatives, feed sourcing, livestock sourcing and connections to livestock processors. We also stand alongside our farmers to help get the job done. Whether we help install water lines, build a feeder, or put in fencing, our farmers know they are not alone; they are part of the team.