Why Niman Ranch supports independent family farms and ranchesNiman Ranch works with traditional and sustainable U.S. farms and ranches. Our Farmers are dedicated to the welfare of their farm animals.
We believe that supporting America's independant farmers and ranchers is vital to our nation's future. People who own the land they're working and living on have a greater stake in protecting the long term health of their land and the welfare of their animals than absentee industrial operators.
By working with family farms and ranches, we are helping to strengthen rural America and reverse the destructive trend of industrial agriculture. In addition to providing a market for livestock, the Niman Ranch network provides a mechanism for farmers and ranchers to communicate and learn from one another about best practices for their animals and land.
We are inspired by and proud of the families that are part of Niman Ranch - many of whom are second generation partners in our network. Family farmers and ranchers are the keepers of traditional farming knowledge, information that is vital to protect and pass on to future generations.
Meet Niman Ranch family farmer Tim Roseland
Iowa
Tim Roseland is a fourth generation Iowa farmer from central Iowa. He and his family raised pigs in a conventional system for many years. Then in 2004, he found out about
Niman Ranch through a
Des Moines Register article and decided to attend one of our local meetings. After much consideration, Tim and his wife,
Deleana, decided that if they wanted to keep raising pigs on the family farm, they needed to make some changes. They felt they could no longer remain competitive in the conventional market.
That spring, construction began and Tim started converting his farm into a
Niman Ranch compliant farm. He began filling in the pits, removing the slatted floors and crates, and replacing them with deep-bedding and outdoor access, in an environment similar to that of Swedish Deep-bedded barns. The finished project was inspiring and earned Tim the honor of the
Niman Ranch Farmer of the Year at our 2006 Farmer Appreciation Dinner. The Roselands serve as a good example to other farmers who are trying to add value to their hog operation. They have had several opportunities to share the story of their remodeling project and educate others at various conventions and seminars in Iowa.
Using Berkshire boars on his nearly 300 sows, the Roselands are quickly becoming one of Niman Ranch's largest farmers raising superior quality pork.
The pig operation has truly become a family business as well. Tim and Deleana's two youngest children each have their own farrowing pens to maintain and keep clean and they use their pigs as 4-H projects.
Since converting their farm, the Roselands have noticed a big difference in the demeanor of their hogs. They are more at ease and simpler to work with. They really enjoy working in the fresh air and know their neighbors appreciate it, too!