Our 10 Best Stories and Recipes of 2015

We think 2015 was a great year. Some of the coldest days on record were experienced in Iowa, we gave more money than ever before to winners of the Next Generation Scholarship, and the best recipes yet were found to help make your time in the kitchen a little easier.

Here’s a look back at your top favorite stories – and recipes – from 2015.

Spring Catalogs

This delightful story from Sarah Willis reminds us about how harsh winters can get, yet how warm one can feel when looking forward to a prosperous harvest in the coming year. It makes the cold well worth the wait!

Profile of a Female Rancher: Jeannie McCormack

Meet Jeannie McCormack of the McCormack Family Lamb Ranch in California. She worked hard to get to where she is today, from starting off her career in the hustle and bustle of Boston and Africa to moving home in an effort to carry on her family legacy. This empowering story was written in honor of National Women’s History Month.

Eating in Austin, Parts 1 & 2

We took a tour around some of Austin’s best restaurants to bring you a list of our favorite spots to eat in this eclectic city. If you find yourself traveling to Austin in the new year, use this as your guide!

Think Outside the Bun

In this recipe collection, we found 5 tried and true hot dog recipes that help you move away from the traditional bun. You’ll find some great gluten free recipes in here as well!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Farm

The prairie at the Willis Family Dream Farm was spectacular when in bloom this year. See the brilliant colors of their fields and read about Sarah Willis’s favorite memories surrounding summertime in Iowa.

Farmhouse Brownies

Sarah Gilbert of Gibralter Farms shared her world famous (well, family famous) from-scratch brownies with the Niman Ranch team. If you or your family loves brownies, this recipe is a must!

Our 10 Favorite Labor Day Recipes

These recipes are great for any summer occassion, whether you’re entertaining guests or just feel like cooking up a storm! From our twist on Panzanella to gooey Pimento Cheeseburgers, this list will satisfy even the most experienced of foodies.

From Table to Farm: A Story of Giving Back to Farmers

In this heartwarming story, we follow Anthony Scheer – winner of the top Next Generation Scholarship in 2014 – as he travels across the country to raise funds for future scholarship winners. Anthony came to realize just how deep the support for family farming goes in communities coast to coast.

17th Annual Farmer Appreciation Dinner

Every year, we get our partners and farmers together in celebration of all our independent family farmers do throughout the year to bring you the finest tasting pork in the world. Read about this special event, which includes the Next Generation Scholarship Fund awards.

Simple Pleasures

As the year comes to a close, we cycle back around to cold days and warm cocoa! Sarah Willis tells a beautiful story about what it’s like to experience the winter on the Willis Family Dream Farm.

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, prosperous New Year!