An integrated system: Why we farm animals

We’ve recently released our next round of free-range pork for sale and wanted to take a moment to give you a bit more information about why we farm animals and sell free-range pork and lamb.

As you know, we’re passionate about fair food, or food that is good for the people who produce it (because it provides supportive jobs that pay fair wages), for the people who eat it (because it is fresh, healthy, and chemical-free), and for the planet (because we practice regenerative farming and sell locally within our community).

Pigs, sheep, and other animals play a critically important role on our farm: they reduce food waste, help to manage weeds and pests, and regenerate soil with their manure. Selling free-range meat also helps us to better utilise our marginal land, diversify our income, and create more jobs for former refugees and young people.

We also just love having them around, roaming through pastures, feasting on leftover produce, rolling in mud, and generally living an idyllic animal life. Their presence also helps us teach people about how we can farm in more ethical, sustainable, and integrated ways.

There’s no question that industrial animal agriculture has incredibly negative impacts on our environment and on the wellbeing of the animals themselves. But we know that by integrating animals into diverse agroecological systems, they can play a hugely positive role in rehabilitating landscapes and creating a more sustainable food system. We’re proud to be demonstrating this on our farm and to be giving ethical omnivores a local meat option.

As veg box customers, we know that you are amongst the people in our community who think deeply about where your food comes from. Thank you for purchasing your produce through Green Connect!

If you’re interested in ordering a 5kg or 10kg pork pack, for pick up from Gwynneville next week (14-18 February), head over to https://green-connect.com.au/free-range-pork-and-lamb/.

If you’d prefer not to hear about sales of free-range meat or other animal products in future, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected].

Enjoy,

Lindsay Burlton
Fair Food Coordinator

In your box:

Note: We sometimes need to make changes to what we pack in your veg box based on the quantity or quality of produce that we can harvest and source. If you have any questions about what is in your box, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Did you know?

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is a member of the mint family with dramatic dark purple, toothed, heart-shaped leaves. It’s bitter, minty flavour is a wonderful compliment to sweet dishes and salads. In Asia, it’s known as shiso and used to flavour and colour many dishes, including sushi and sashimi. Try using perilla as a mint substitute by adding it to cut-up fruit or lemonade. Or you can also try it as a stand-in for red lettuce by adding it to a mixed salad or as a topper on pizza.