Russ Kremer, president of Missouri Farmers Union and chief operating officer of Heritage Acres Pork Cooperative, almost let a hog get the best of him. After a relatively minor bite became infected with staphylococcal bacteria and his leg swelled to twice its normal size, Kremer discovered that the boar hog had been fed a steady diet of antibiotics throughout its life cycle. This had led, in turn, to a strong antibiotic-resistant strain of staph. Kremer almost lost his life before some second- generation antibiotics brought him back to good health.
That was the turning point. Kremer decided he would raise antibiotic-free animals, with no exceptions. He made a study of alternative methods of hog-rearing such as feeding them probiotics, and replaced his hogs with heirloom breeds. He even discovered an oregano oil-based supplement that would help his hogs battle infections naturally.
Now that he had made all these healthy changes, Kremer needed to find a market for his healthy, humanely raised animals. With the help of Missouri Farmers Union and a USDA Sustainable Ag grant, he formed a cooperative which now involves 52 farmers who raise hogs using sustainable methods. They market their hogs through the Heritage Acres brand which is now available at Sappington Farmers Market, 8400 Watson Road.
The farmers involved in Heritage Acres are all diversified small family farmers who
do most of the work on the farm themselves, with the help of their families. These farmers all agree that Heritage Acres has enabled their children to remain on the farm by providing a decent living in healthful surroundings.
Because these farmers do not use antibiotics to keep their hogs healthy, they have learned to use good breeding techniques to obtain stronger, more vigorous animals. Many of the farmers raise Berkshire hogs. This heirloom breed was discovered 300 years ago when Oliver Cromwell’s army swept through the county of Berkshire in England. After centuries of nurture, Berkshire meat is well-known for its marbling, moisture, and tenderness. This, in turn, commands a higher return for the hard-working farmers and their families.
In addition to breeding and diet, Heritage Acres farmers raise their hogs in comfortable, airy surroundings with plenty of room for “families” and “friends” to socialize. In fact, Heritage Acres is Certified Humanely Raised. The farmers pride themselves on giving their hogs good and “happy” lives.
For more information please call 314-843-7848 or visit online at www.sappingtonfarmersmkt.com.