The 22nd Annual Niman Ranch Hog Farmer Appreciation Celebration: Event Recordings

For the first time, Niman Ranch opened up the barn doors and invited the public to join the Annual Hog Farmer Appreciation Ceremony. 

This annual event is a special gathering that provides the unique opportunity for the Niman Ranch community, from farm to table, to meet in person, shake hands and get to know each other. The Hog Farmer Appreciation Dinner started simply but has grown over the years to a larger event spanning many days and featuring educational panel discussions, farm tours, farmer awards, scholarship announcements and an unforgettable meal prepared by some of the country’s most celebrated chefs.

While COVID-19 made it unsafe for the Niman Ranch community to gather together in person, the event carried on…but virtually!

Watch recordings of the Hog Farmer Appreciation events via the links below.

Panel: The Future of Restaurants

Speakers: Jeff Amoscato (Shake Shack), Chef Stephen Jones (The Larder + The Delta), Chef Mary Sue Milliken (Socalo, Border Grill restaurants and catering, and BBQ Mexicana), Bruce Reinstein (Kinetic 12)

Moderator: Kat Johnson (Heritage Radio Network)

Panel: The Future of Grocery Retail

Speakers: Chris DuBois (IRI), Marc Jonna (Plum Market), Kevin Kelley (Shook Kelley), Michael Salguero (ButcherBox)

Moderator: Joe Fassler (The Counter)

Panel: Improving Farm Animal Welfare – Levers for Change

Panelists: Celize Christy (Practical Farmers of Iowa), Rachel Dreskin (Compassion in World Farming), Maisie Ganzler (Bon Appetit Management Company), John Gilbert (Niman Ranch)

Moderator: Naomi Starkman (Civil Eats)

Virtual Class: Build Your Own Charcuterie Board 

Instructor: Chef Kelly Whitaker (Id Est Hospitality Group)

Moderator: Sara Brito (Good Food 100)

Chef Panel: Restaurant Resilience

Panelists:  Chef Anita Cartagena (Protea – Yountville), Elizabeth Falkner (chef, author, artist), Chef Niven Patel (Ghee – Miami), Chef Rachel Yang (Joule, Revel – Seattle)

Moderator: Katherine Miller (James Beard Foundation)

Panel: Resilience vs Efficiency – Finding a Balance in the Food Sector

Panelists: Michael Pollan (author), Paul Willis (Niman Ranch), Dawn Sherman (Native American Natural Foods, Tanka)

Moderator: Danielle Nierenberg (Food Tank)

Niman Ranch Farmer Panel

Panelists: David Borrowman (Pastvina Acres), Ron Mardesen (A Frame Acres), Lesly Christensen (AC Squared), April Wilson (Seven W Farm), Joel Gindo (Free Happy Farm)

Moderator: Delaney Howell (Global Ag Network)

Virtual Hog Farmer Appreciation Dinner

Instructor: Chef Thomas Keller (Thomas Keller Restaurant Group)