Wild Pastures operates on a clear and transparent sourcing model that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and supporting local economies. Rather than working with large, industrial feedlots, the company partners with a network of highly principled, small family farms located exclusively within the United States. This approach ensures a hands-on relationship with producers who adhere to strict regenerative and animal welfare standards.
The Role of Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture is the cornerstone of Wild Pastures' sourcing philosophy. Unlike conventional farming that can deplete soil health, this method focuses on restoring and revitalizing the land. This is achieved through practices that mimic natural ecosystems, such as rotational grazing, which enriches the soil, improves biodiversity, and sequesters carbon. By focusing on soil health, the need for synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is eliminated, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for both the animals and the planet. The nutrient-dense forage that grows in this healthy soil, in turn, provides superior nutrition for the livestock.
How Wild Pastures Sources Its Different Meats
Wild Pastures' sourcing practices differ slightly depending on the type of protein, but all adhere to the same foundational principles of ethical, pasture-centric raising.
- Beef: The company sources 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. This means cattle are raised on lush, green pastures and never receive a grain-based diet. Farmers use rotational grazing, ensuring the cows are regularly moved to fresh plots of land. This prevents overgrazing and allows the pasture to regenerate naturally, providing the cattle with a more nutrient-rich diet. The beef is raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
- Pork: All pork is sourced from pigs that are pasture-raised. These animals are allowed to roam freely and forage outdoors, exercising naturally. Their diet is supplemented with a non-GMO feed, which can include things like apples and squash. The pigs are never confined to indoor pens.
- Chicken: Chickens are raised in small flocks on pasture, with access to fresh forage, bugs, and a non-GMO diet. They are housed in movable shelters to protect them from predators and bad weather, but spend the majority of their daylight hours foraging outside. Like the other meats, the chicken is raised without antibiotics or hormones.
- Seafood: For its seafood, Wild Pastures sources wild-caught species. This includes sustainably harvested salmon from the pristine waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska.
Ethical Sourcing and Animal Welfare
Wild Pastures' commitment to ethical sourcing goes beyond simply stating that their meat is pasture-raised. They partner with farms that prioritize humane animal treatment, allowing animals to live and forage in natural environments. This contrasts sharply with the confinement common in industrial animal farming. By working exclusively with American family farmers, the company also ensures that no part of the sourcing process is outsourced to industrial suppliers with questionable practices.
Wild Pastures vs. Conventional Meat Sourcing
| Feature | Wild Pastures Sourcing | Conventional Meat Sourcing |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Exclusively American family farms | Often sourced from large, industrial farms globally |
| Farming Method | Regenerative agriculture with rotational grazing | Industrial, often mono-crop-based farming |
| Animal Diet | 100% grass-fed beef; pasture-raised chicken and pork foraging naturally | Grain-finished beef; confined pork and poultry on commercial feed |
| Chemical Use | No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides on pastures | Frequent use of chemicals to manage large-scale operations |
| Antibiotics/Hormones | No added hormones or antibiotics | Routine use common in some sectors |
| Animal Confinement | Animals roam freely on pastures | Often confined to feedlots or indoor pens |
Conclusion
In summary, Wild Pastures sources its meat from a network of trusted family farmers across the United States. Their beef is 100% grass-fed and finished, while their pork and chicken are truly pasture-raised in humane, regenerative systems. This sourcing model ensures that all products are free from antibiotics and added hormones. By prioritizing US-based, family-owned operations and environmentally restorative practices, Wild Pastures provides a high-quality product that aligns with ethical and sustainable consumer values, offering a clear alternative to the industrial food system. The company's emphasis on transparency about its farming methods, even if specific farm names are not listed on every package, builds consumer confidence in the journey from farm to table. For more information on regenerative agriculture's positive environmental impact, see the Alliance Bioversity International's story on sustainable livestock farming practices.
Regenerative Sourcing: A Deeper Look
Wild Pastures' commitment to regenerative farming is a key differentiator. Rotational grazing not only improves the health of the pasture but also benefits the overall ecosystem. This practice increases soil fertility, enhances water retention, and improves the habitat for wildlife, which can reduce the need for pest control. This holistic approach is better for the animals, the environment, and ultimately, the consumer who receives a product free of chemical residues. This is part of Wild Pastures' broader mission to transform the meat industry by offering a more beneficial model for American farmers and the planet.