Press Release: Niman Ranch 22nd Annual Hog Farmer Appreciation Celebration Features All-Star Lineup in First Ever Virtual Dinner, Panels, Awards, Farm Tour

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Author Michael Pollan, Chef Thomas Keller and renowned animal welfare expert Dr. Temple Grandin headline with other luminaries to honor family farmers and support the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation

Niman Ranch, the premier sustainable and humane meat leader, will be celebrating their network of independent family farmers and the sustainable agriculture community with a series of virtual events from August 5^th to September 11^th. Highlights of the event series include:

• A keynote panel featuring Michael Pollan, celebrated author of the Omnivore’s Dilemma, in conversation with Paul Willis, Niman Ranch’s founding hog farmer, Dawn Sherman, CEO of Native American Natural Foods, and Danielle Nierenberg, co-founder and president of Food Tank.
• A virtual cooking class with seven Michelin Star-recognized chef Thomas Keller.
• Remarks from renowned animal-welfare expert Dr. Temple Grandin.
• A series of educational panels featuring some of the country’s leading thinkers on food and farming systems and what we can expect in our uncertain future.
• An awards ceremony for Niman Ranch farmers, including the announcement of scholarships granted to young farmers from Niman Ranch’s Next Generation Foundation.

Niman Ranch has held an annual celebration of its hog farmer community for the past 22 years. What started as a small dinner among farmers and friends has grown over the years to a larger event in Des Moines, IA spanning several days and featuring educational panel discussions, farm tours, farmer awards, scholarship announcements and an unforgettable multi-course meal prepared by some of the country’s most celebrated chefs.

“This annual celebration is truly a highlight for the Niman Ranch community and it’s important that we honor our farmers after a year like no other,” said Paul Willis. “This spring, all of us were especially thankful for the Niman Ranch model as we watched the industrial agriculture system struggle due to COVID-19 disruptions. We remained resilient and provided important stability and reassurance for our farmers. During these tumultuous times, we are grateful for the community of farmers, customers, partners and friends who together encapsulate the values of Niman Ranch.”

With the transition of the annual event to a virtual experience, for the first time ever, the general public is invited to participate in this special event. All programming is at no cost to participants except for the Culinary Experiences, which include a meal box shipped directly to doorsteps. All proceeds go to support the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, which provides scholarships to the children of Niman Ranch farmers and ranchers to help them return to the farm and continue traditional and sustainable farming practices. Since its establishment in 2006, the Next Generation Foundation has awarded 273 scholarships to young farmers and future sustainable agriculture leaders.

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Niman Ranch is a community of more than 750 independent family farmers and ranchers who raise pork, beef and lamb traditionally, humanely and sustainably to deliver the Finest-Tasting Meat in the World®. Niman Ranch is the largest farmer and rancher network in North America to be Certified Humane®.  The protein of choice for America’s most celebrated chefs, Niman Ranch is also the premier option for discerning home cooks looking for meats Raised with Care®, with no antibiotics or added hormones—ever. Follow Niman Ranch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.