On-Site Experience
Learn how Steve runs his operation and his diversification of his business model which helped him remain one of the few independent hog farmers in the United States.
WE BELIEVE IN BREEDING HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOGS
Steve naturally breeds and cross-breeds five types of hogs: Hampshire, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Belted, and Durocks. By allowing natural insemination, the hogs are not modified by human manipulation. His hogs have access to the outdoors 24/7 because fresh air and sunshine are important to Steve.
1984The Baker family purchased the land where the current processing center is built.
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2015The processing center is completely built and is open for business.
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After watching the market turn to vertical integration, Steve recognized the need to diversify his business. In 1980 there were 750,000 pork farms across the country. Today there are only 50,000 and many are not independently owned. In 1999 he was the first to use direct marketing. He reached out to a local USDA facility to have proper labeling. By 2010 Steve saw the need for processing centers on-site and created a business plan in conjunction with a JMU Master's student in 2010. By the end of 2011 the blueprints were complete and construction began.
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