In 1997, Jude's first organic certified crops were grown and sold in the U. S. organic marketplace. Two years later, the first breeding stock was obtained, and USDA certified organic pigs were soon being raised on the farm in Iowa. A small beginning with six sows led to finding markets in a few West Coast restaurants then ahead of their time with the serving of certified organic pork.
In the twenty-first century, the Becker farm now has multiple employees and using organic feeds coupled with pasture raising produces "many" pigs each year from traditional Chester White and Berkshire breeds.
Our goal is to maximize the morality of our process. Morality is kind of tongue-in-cheek, but it's the best word - our goal is to improve the health and wellness of our animals, staff and the environment. Those who share in our philosophy of artisan agriculture will be provided with truly nutritious food. This extends our effort of health giving to our customers.
One of Becker Lane Organic Farm’s founding principles is the practice of good animal welfare. It therefore follows that pigs raised for organic meat must have access to the outside world and able to participate in their natural behaviors such as nesting. Our farm's vision is to create an entity which produces and sustains its needs from within, and therefore our goal is to grow all feed on the farm that is needed to feed our animals. Currently we are growing about half the feed our animals require on our families land, and working toward increasing this by transitioning more land near our farm to organic production. We believe our products are good for nature, good for animal welfare, good for the economy and ultimately better tasting and safe to eat for the consumer.
Words from a Friend
Jude: Whenever I hear that Becker Lane pork is available anywhere in the Bay Area, I go out of my way to get some of it. I know of lots of people raising organic pork the way it should be done --from heritage breeds that live most of their lives outdoors-- but few get results quite as delicious as yours. I don't know if it's the diet or the genetics or the lifestyle, but the proof is in the pork, which is as good as any I've tasted. Thanks! --Michael Pollan
Learn more about our Organic and Animal Welfare Choices
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