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Why Pasture-Raised Pork Tastes Better (and Is Better for You)

written by

Maegen Benford

posted on

August 8, 2025

It Starts with How the Pigs Are Raised

Unlike pigs raised in crowded confinement buildings, pasture-raised pigs live outdoors with room to roam, root, and forage. They spend their days exploring grassy fields, digging through soil, and enjoying sunshine and fresh air.

At our farm here in Foley, Alabama, we raise pigs the way nature intended — on pasture. That means they get a diverse diet and a healthy environment, which leads to better meat, plain and simple.

The Flavor Is Richer and More Complex

You’ll notice it right away — pasture-raised pork has a deeper, more savory flavor. That’s because pigs raised on pasture eat a more natural and varied diet: grasses, roots, bugs, and supplemented grains. This gives the meat a well-developed taste and a firmer texture that holds up beautifully in cooking.

Many customers say they didn’t even realize how bland store-bought pork was until they tried ours.

Better for You and Your Family

Pasture-raised pork isn’t just tastier — it’s also more nutritious.

Studies show that pasture-raised pork:

  • Has more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D
  • Contains less saturated fat
  • Has a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, which supports heart health

Plus, pigs raised outdoors are healthier, which means no need for routine antibiotics. And when you support pasture-raised farms, you’re saying “yes” to cleaner food systems and “no” to factory farming.

Better for the Land, Too

Pasture-raised pigs are part of a regenerative cycle. Their rooting and manure help build healthy soil, improve pasture growth, and reduce the need for synthetic inputs. It’s farming that gives back to the land — not just takes from it.

At our farm, we rotate our pigs across fields, letting the land rest and recover. This kind of farming is good for the earth and good for future generations.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

If you’ve never tried pasture-raised pork, now’s the time. Whether it’s a shoulder roast, a pack of bacon, or thick-cut pork chops, you’ll taste the richness and know you’re feeding your family well.

You can order online through our website and then visit our farm to pick up your order right here in Foley. Your support helps us keep raising animals the right way — on pasture, with care.

[Shop Pasture-Raised Pork Now]

From my family to yours,

Maegen

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Is Pastured Poultry the Same as Organic?

Is Pastured Poultry the Same as Organic? (Hint: It’s actually beyond organic!) If you’ve ever picked up a package of chicken at the grocery store labeled organic and wondered how it compares to pasture-raised chicken, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get — and it’s a great one to ask. At first glance, both sound like healthier, more ethical choices — and they are, compared to conventional chicken. But there’s a big difference between organic and pasture-raised poultry, and it comes down to how the birds live, eat, and move. What “Organic” Really Means Organic chicken must meet certain USDA requirements. These birds are fed certified organic feed (which means no GMOs or synthetic pesticides), cannot be given antibiotics, and must have “access to the outdoors.” Sounds great, right? The catch is that “access to the outdoors” can mean as little as a small door leading to a concrete or dirt pad — and many industrial organic chickens never actually step outside. While the feed may be organic, the living conditions can still resemble large-scale confinement barns. What “Pasture-Raised” Means Now, pastured poultry — like what we raise here at Purely Pastured Farm — is a completely different approach. Our chickens actually live on fresh green pasture, where they can scratch, peck, chase bugs, and enjoy the sunshine every single day. They’re moved to fresh grass regularly so they’re always on clean ground and have constant access to natural forage. We supplement their diet with a wholesome grain blend to ensure they get all the nutrients they need, but their main “job” is to live like chickens are meant to live — outside on grass, contributing to a healthier farm ecosystem. “Beyond Organic” Joel Salatin, the farmer who pioneered the modern pastured poultry movement, often says this model is “beyond organic.” And he’s right. Why? Because pastured poultry focuses on the whole system — the health of the bird, the land, and ultimately the people who eat the food. It’s about transparency, soil health, and respecting the natural behaviors of animals, not just checking off boxes on a government label. The Bottom Line So, is pastured poultry the same as organic? Not exactly. In fact, it’s often better. When you choose pasture-raised chicken, you’re choosing nutrient-rich meat from birds that lived the good life — outdoors, on fresh grass, cared for by hand. You’re also supporting regenerative farming that builds soil and strengthens local food systems. That’s why we proudly say our poultry is “beyond organic.” From my family to yours, Maegen Shop pasture raised meats & eggs