Upscale Pork Markets for Small Scale
Hog Producers
| Contact |
Dr. Charles Talbott, (336) 334-7672, talbottc@ncat.edu |
| Grant Amount |
$250,000.00 |
| Project
Description |
The goal of this project is to assist
small-scale, limited resource tobacco farmers in making a profitable
transition from growing tobacco to producing pork for niche markets.
In 1999, eleven percent of tobacco farmers also sold pork. Prospects
for small-scale producers have been bleak in recent years, but Niman
Ranch, a nationally recognized and successful retailer of specialty
meats, is interested in developing a small-scale hog producer
network to serve their east coast markets. This project will allow
small-scale, and/or part-time farmers to find new markets and higher
profit margins by raising swine in "old-timey" pasturing
ways that enhance the flavor of the pork and protect the
environment. Funds will be used to assist in developing market
access for small-scale producers and for research in producing
integrated crop/animal systems that utilize hog waste to enhance
soil productivity and preserve water quality. |
| Service Area |
 Statewide
(except for Mecklenburg, Forsyth, Guilford, Cumberland, New Hanover,
Durham, Wake, Gaston,
|
Related Press Releases:
Pigs in the pasture. |
Pigs
in the woods
|
Pigs
with shelter
|
|
click
on images for larger view |
|
Interested
in the Pork Project, click here to download an application
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