Frequently Asked Questions

Pasture-raised means our pigs are raised outdoors with access to fresh air, sunshine, and pasture. We use rotational grazing practices that allow our pigs to express natural behaviors while helping to improve soil health. Many customers appreciate the rich flavor, beautiful marbling, and quality that pasture-raised pork is known for.

Not all of them -- at least, not yet! As a first-generation farm, we began by purchasing high-quality piglets from trusted local farms and raising them here on our pasture from a young age through market weight. This allowed us to focus on animal care, pasture management, and producing excellent pork while building our breeding herd. We are currently developing our own breeding herd and expect our first litters in late summer 2026. Our goal is for all pork sold by Gibson Farm & Ranch to come from pigs born and raised right here on our farm by 2027. No matter where a piglet was born, every animal we raise is cared for according to our standards, with access to pasture, fresh air, quality feed, and daily hands-on management.

We raise a variety of heritage and heritage-cross pigs, including Duroc, Hampshire, Chester White and Gloucestershire Old Spot genetics. We selected these breeds for their excellent meat quality, rich marbling, growth efficiency, and strong maternal instincts. By combining strengths of multiple heritage breeds, we aim to produce flavorful, well-marbled pork while building a breeding program focused on healthy animals and productive mothers.

Yes. All pork sold through our website is processed at a USDA-inspected facility and individually labeled for retail sale. Gibson Farm & Ranch also maintains all required state and local permits and licenses for the sale of our products. In addition, we hold a Kentucky food establishment permit and have received a 100% score on our health inspection. We are committed to providing safe, high-quality food while meeting or exceeding all applicable regulations.

We never use growth hormones. Our approach focuses on raising pigs on pasture with fresh air, room to roam, nutritious feed, and regenerative farming practices that support overall animal health and well-being. While we do not routinely use antibiotics, the health and welfare of our animals is a top priority. If a pig becomes seriously ill or injured and an antibiotic is necessary to prevent suffering or save its life, we will provide appropriate treatment. In those cases, we strictly follow all veterinary guidance and required withdrawal periods to ensure the animal is safe for the food supply before processing. We believe good farming starts with healthy animals, and our goal is always prevention through proper care rather than routine medication.

All of our pork is professionally vacuum-sealed, labeled, and frozen to maintain freshness and quality. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend enjoying it within 12 months, though properly stored vacuum-sealed pork may remain safe beyond that timeframe. Once thawed, fresh cuts should be kept refrigerated and cooked within 3-5 days, while ground pork and sausage are best used within 1-2 days. Never refreeze pork that has been left at room temperature, and always follow safe-handling practices when preparing raw meats. If you're ever unsure about a package, don't hesitate to reach out -- we're happy to help.

Many customers notice that our pork has a deeper red color than the pale pink pork commonly found in grocery stores. This is largely due to genetics, diet, age at harvest and the active lifestyle of pasture-raised pigs. Heritage breeds such as Duroc, Hampshire and Old Spot naturally tend to produce darker, more richly colored meat with greater marbling. That deeper red color is often a sign of well-developed muscle and higher levels of myoglobin, a natural protein that stores oxygen in the muscle tissue. Along with beautiful marbling, this contributes to the rich flavor, tenderness, and juiciness that heritage pork is renowned for.

Inventory varies throughout the year based on processing schedules and seasonal availability of items such as produce and fresh eggs. Check our online store regularly for current offerings; inventory is updated daily.

Yes. In addition to direct-to-consumer sales, we offer wholesale and bulk purchasing options for qualified customers, including restaurants, food trucks, schools, caterers, small grocers, and other organizations. Bulk pricing is available for larger, recurring orders and is designed to support long-term partnerships rather than one-time purchases. Availability, product selection, minimum order quantities, and pricing may vary throughout the year. If you're interested in carrying Gibson Farm & Ranch pork in your business or organization, please contact us to discuss current availability and wholesale terms.

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