Reflection on 2012

At the start of the New Year, we enjoy looking back over the past year and reflecting on what we accomplished. Here are some of our Niman Ranch highlights from 2012:

We reached a milestone – over 700 small U.S. family farmers

Our community of small, independently owned U.S. family farmers has surpassed 700 farms. Over the past five years the number of farmers raising livestock humanely and sustainably for Niman Ranch has grown from 400 to over 700. We are proud to work with farmers and ranchers committed to raising livestock to our strict sustainable and humane animal treatment protocols developed under the direction of animal handling expert and Colorado State University professor Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

Launched the only sustainably and humanely raised ‘never-ever’ natural line of prepared beef entrees on the market

We launched ready-to-eat natural beef entrees to meet consumers demand for artisan-quality meals which they can make at home quickly and easily while feeling confident of the product they are serving to their family. The Pot Roast, Beef Tips and Meatloaf are made from beef raised with NO antibiotics or hormones- EVER, without preservatives or artificial ingredients. Featured in the November edition of Every Day with Rachael Ray.

Celebrated the BIG 4-0

We turned 40 this year and are proud that we are still adding more family farmers to our community!

Added more quick-service restaurants to our list of customers

Chipotle Mexican Grill has featured Niman Ranch pork on their menu for many years. Over the past year, more restaurants are committing to offering humanely and sustainably raised meats on their menus; most recently Burgerville and Au Bon Pain.

Our bacon and sausage has been quite a hit. We are proud to partner with these companies and for them demonstrating high-quality meat can be served in a variety of restaurant settings.

Awarded $36,000 in college scholarships

In September Niman Ranch awarded 18 Next Generation Scholarships, ranging from $1000 to $5000, to children of our Niman Ranch hog farmers who wish to attend college and pursue an education focusing on sustainable or environmental practices and intend to return to the family farm upon graduation.

The Next Generation Scholarship Fund received a substantial contribution from Chipotle Mexican Grill and additional contributions from Whole Foods Market and many members of Niman Ranch’s distributor network, including: Boggeri Sales, Buedel Food Products, DeBragga & Spitler, E & B Natural Way, Old Town Foods, Premier Meat Co., Tri-City Meats and Wasatch Meats. Since 2006 more than $140,000 in scholarships has been awarded to 74 students.

Founding Niman Ranch Hog Farmer Paul Willis Honored by Chefs Collaborative

Paul Willis, Niman Ranch Pork Company founder and manager, was honored at the 2012 Chefs Collaborate Summit with the Pathfinder Sustainability Award. The award recognizes a visionary working in the greater food community who has been a catalyst for positive change within the food system through efforts that go beyond the kitchen.

We look forward to 2013 and continuing to grow our network of small U.S family farmers who raise livestock traditionally, humanely and sustainably to deliver the finest tasting pork, beef, lamb and cage-free eggs.

Thank you for helping to make this possible.

The Niman Ranch Team!