Jenni Harris, a fifth-generation farmer at White Oak Pastures, explains the difference between pastured hogs and industrial hogs.

“Our pastured hogs are primarily Berkshire hogs,” Harris says. “We really like raising them because they are nature’s land clearers. You’ll notice their snouts are shaped like shovels. That’s from a history of evolving and rooting through the dirt.”

The hogs at White Oak Pastures are allowed to graze throughout the farm, foraging for their food.

“Hogs will eat pretty much anything,” Harris says. “They are really interesting grazers.”

But industrial hogs have a much different life.

“They are raised inside,” Harris says. “And oftentimes, they are confined to a farrowing crate.”

The difference between pastured pork and commodity pork

There is also a distinct difference between the appearance of pastured pork and commodity pork.

Industrial hogs are usually pink because they are raised inside, while pastured hogs are usually darker because they have been out in the sun all day.

So, pastured pork is often darker than commodity pork. And not every chop is always the same size.

“It’s important to know that consistency is only produced in a controlled environment,” Harris says. “You can take a look at this pasture and see hogs spanning from different sizes to different shapes. Farmers don’t have much control over any of their environment. Pigs were born to root and wallow, and we’ll do anything we can to provide a good environment where they can do that.”

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