Grass fed Pork - Free Range Pork
Pork labelling and welfare is a very confusing subject, it may surprise you to know that only about 1% to 2% of British pigs are totally free range, according to the National Pig Association (NPA). Even within this elite 2% the vast majority of 'free range' pork will still receive routine preventative medicine, regular anti-biotic use and very little grass or other forage, most pork animals will be finished on cereals.
Free range Pork - These pigs are born outside, in fields and remain outside until they are sent for slaughter. They are provided with food, water and shelter and are free to roam within defined boundaries. Pigs have generous minimum space allowances, which are worked out according to the soil conditions and rotation practices of the farm. Breeding sows are also kept outside, in fields for their productive life. Most free range pork will have been 'finished' on cereals and are reared in a system which is permitted to freely use anti-biotic's and routine medicines.
Outdoor bred Pork - These pigs are born outside, in fields where they are kept until they are weaned 4 weeks later when they are usually housed and 'finished' on cereals. Breeding sows are kept in fields for their productive lives.
Where soil types and climate might be problematic, pregnant sows can be housed for a defined and limited period in groups on straw bedding. They are provided with food, water and shelter with minimum space allowances. Pork animals will have been 'finished' on cereals and are reared in a system which is permitted to freely use anti-biotic's and routine medicines.
Outdoor reared Pork - These pigs are born outside in fields, where they are kept for about half their lives, the 'finishing' is generally done indoors on cereals.
Breeding sows are kept outside in fields for their productive lives. They are provided with food, water and shelter and minimum space allowances. Pork animals will have been 'finished' on cereals and are reared in a system which is permitted to freely use anti-biotic's and routine medicines.
Rare Breed Pork - This term refers to the breed of the pig only, there are very good reasons to preserve rare breeds however the term offers NO assurances regarding diet or lifestyle of the pigs.
Organic Pork - Offers a very high assurance of welfare, the pigs have to have access to the outdoors in order to express themselves naturally. No in-organic fertilisers are used on the farm and medicines are reduced and monitored with higher withdrawal periods than is required. Fodder crops or grass are always on offer. Pigs are likely to be finished mainly on organic cereals.
OUR PORK - Reared to organic standards and better, will be finished on fodder crops and grass. Virtually no use of medicine including anti-biotics. The land will be managed for nature conservation and will receive no in-organic fertilisers or use pesticides. The pigs will be reared to the very highest welfare standards and allowed to express all their natural rooting instincts. The system has a low carbon footprint, is less reliant on water and supports the use of rare breeds.
Free range Pork - These pigs are born outside, in fields and remain outside until they are sent for slaughter. They are provided with food, water and shelter and are free to roam within defined boundaries. Pigs have generous minimum space allowances, which are worked out according to the soil conditions and rotation practices of the farm. Breeding sows are also kept outside, in fields for their productive life. Most free range pork will have been 'finished' on cereals and are reared in a system which is permitted to freely use anti-biotic's and routine medicines.
Outdoor bred Pork - These pigs are born outside, in fields where they are kept until they are weaned 4 weeks later when they are usually housed and 'finished' on cereals. Breeding sows are kept in fields for their productive lives.
Where soil types and climate might be problematic, pregnant sows can be housed for a defined and limited period in groups on straw bedding. They are provided with food, water and shelter with minimum space allowances. Pork animals will have been 'finished' on cereals and are reared in a system which is permitted to freely use anti-biotic's and routine medicines.
Outdoor reared Pork - These pigs are born outside in fields, where they are kept for about half their lives, the 'finishing' is generally done indoors on cereals.
Breeding sows are kept outside in fields for their productive lives. They are provided with food, water and shelter and minimum space allowances. Pork animals will have been 'finished' on cereals and are reared in a system which is permitted to freely use anti-biotic's and routine medicines.
Rare Breed Pork - This term refers to the breed of the pig only, there are very good reasons to preserve rare breeds however the term offers NO assurances regarding diet or lifestyle of the pigs.
Organic Pork - Offers a very high assurance of welfare, the pigs have to have access to the outdoors in order to express themselves naturally. No in-organic fertilisers are used on the farm and medicines are reduced and monitored with higher withdrawal periods than is required. Fodder crops or grass are always on offer. Pigs are likely to be finished mainly on organic cereals.
OUR PORK - Reared to organic standards and better, will be finished on fodder crops and grass. Virtually no use of medicine including anti-biotics. The land will be managed for nature conservation and will receive no in-organic fertilisers or use pesticides. The pigs will be reared to the very highest welfare standards and allowed to express all their natural rooting instincts. The system has a low carbon footprint, is less reliant on water and supports the use of rare breeds.