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The pigs at Sasquatch Family Farms in Toledo have it better than many other swine, according to a nonprofit organization that identifies, audits, certifies and promotes practical and sustainable farming systems.
A Greener World (AGW) last February announced the pigs at Sasquatch Family Farm are now certified animal welfare approved.
“This certification and food label lets consumers know these animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S. and Canada, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm,” AGW stated in a news release. “It is acknowledged by Consumer Reports as the only ‘excellent’ food label for animal welfare and verification. Like other certified animal welfare approved by AGW farmers across the country, Shauna Perez recognizes the growing consumer interest in how animals are raised on farms. Managing animals outdoors on pasture or range has known benefits for animals, consumers and the environment.”
According to the nonprofit, the Berkshire pigs at Sasquatch Family Farm are raised outdoors on pasture or range where they are free to root and forage as pigs naturally do. The farm uses rotational management practices and sustainable farming techniques, which results in lower environmental impact and a higher quality product, according to the news release.
“It’s our goal to bring our customers the tastiest and most nutrient-dense products we can — meat that’s good for people, animals and the land we all share,” Perez stated.
She said all the hard work is worthwhile.
AGW Executive Director Emily Moose said the organization is proud to certify farms such as Sasquatch Family Farms that have “demonstrated their commitment to transparency and verified, high-welfare, farming practices.”
“These stewards are quite literally building a greener world while producing delicious food, and we’re honored to help consumers find them — and in doing so choose products that match their values,” Moose said.
Pork from Sasquatch Family Farms is available direct from the farm through online orders with deliveries to King, Lewis, Pierce and Thurston counties.
For more information, visit sasquatchfamilyfarms.com, follow the farm on Facebook and Instagram or get in touch at sasquatchfamilyfarms@gmail.com and 253-732-8726.
The farm is planning to hold more community events this year, beginning with Easter egg hunts over the weekend.
According to the farm’s website, the daily farming operation is “producing local hay and raising pasture-fed pigs and lambs for our community that are USDA-processed from the farm to your local table.”
“The farm is part of the historical Herren Homestead,” the farm states online. “Farming has been a part of the history of the land for the last 140 years. It has traditionally hosted events like the Toledo Threshing Bee. If you spend an afternoon in our pasture, you will laugh at the antics of the pigs and lambs while watching skydivers from Toledo Skydive, RC airplanes from the Lewis County RC Club, and aircraft taking off and landing at the Toledo Airport. The farm has territorial mountain views of both Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.”
