Verlinda and Dave Waters, River Ridge Farms |
"In '97, Verlinda had colon cancer. I guess that was the real wake up call that we gotta look at what we're doing," explained her husband, "We just started reading and learning more." Despite the typical oncologist's cautions to avoid red meat, the Waters eventually took another approach. They learned about the benefits of nutrient-dense, naturally raised farm products through an educational group called the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Red Devon bull |
Verlinda says what she learned after her cancer diagnosis led her to believe it's not red meat that's the problem, it's where it comes from. "There's cancer-fighting properties in good red meat that's grown on grass." So she eats naturally raised beef and pork, in moderation, and provides a personal testimonial for customers.
Hogs are raised on grass with barn or shed shelter available |
The Waters are striving to bring back the wholesome quality of farm products that their grandparents were accustomed to, when nutrient rich soil, more natural growing methods and smaller farms were the norm. The couple admits the life they've now chosen is not easy. But they're determined. They spend twice the average price for hog feed, buying only organic grains such as barley, corn, field peas and alfalfa pellets, hoping for healthier hogs and a better product for consumers. They try to only breed hogs for new litters during the warmer months, so there's no need for enclosed farrowing houses. They mob graze the cattle on a variety of nutrient rich grasses, moving them from field to field.
Organically grown hog feed |
*Thanks to River Ridge for the samples of grass-fed beef.
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So glad you posted this. I am of course not versed on this but it seems intuitive that we can feed the world this way.
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