September 27, 2007

US meat producer phases out sow stalls

Denver-based Maverick Ranch Natural and Organic Meats has announced its plan to phase out sow stalls.

The move follows that of major producers like Smithfield and Maple Leaf.

To achieve its aim, the company developed a pig farm protocol that it would use in partnership with several regional farmer co-operatives.

The company's Welfare Considerate Farming system eliminates gestation and farrowing crates and provides for extra bedding and living space. It also prohibits the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and pesticides.

The company had stated earlier in the year it would be offering only 100 percent organic meat and poultry by 2011.

Maverick Ranch Natural Meats prides itself on being a family-owned business providing natural meat products free of antibiotics, steroids and pesticides since 1985.

The company provides meat to an estimated 2,000 grocery stores in the US.