Free-range vs free-farmed pigs

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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 7:20p.m.

We've all seen the sow crates, the cages and the trapped, bored and miserable pigs.

We're all being urged to buy free-range pork.

But we were a bit stumped by what, exactly, free-range means in pig farming - even more so, when the only certified free-range pork producer in New Zealand gave us a call a recently.

The only one? What do the others do?

We called two farms given the SPCA tick of approval for their humane farming methods – and saw pigs outdoors, roaming free, with views to quite literally die for.

But what is the difference between free-range and free-farmed?
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Comments

12 Dec 2009 01:15p.m.

Sian wrote:

The ONLY way to stop inhumane practices is to find out where your meat/eggs come from (including EATING OUT), IF THEY ARE NOT FREE RANGE THEN DON'T PURCHASE.

If enough people do this suppliers would have NO CHOICE but to switch to free range produce. They will want to stay in business and if you won’t buy anything but free range then you direct the market.

I'm sure you wouldn't keep your cat/dog in inhumane conditions, I beg you please care enough about the animals you eat to consider their welfare.
And please don't dismiss this by saying the animals don't know what they are missing out on... if they are bred in cages they don't know any better. IT IS NOT TRUE, every instinct in their bodies wants to carry out its natural behaviour. Imagine what you would feel like locked up in a small room like your toilet for your life span. Please do your own research and find out for yourself how animals are treated.

PLEASE DON'T PUT THIS IN THE TOO HARD BASKET, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE.

04 Dec 2009 01:32p.m.

Godfrey Woods wrote:

20% extra cost is nothing when you know you are getting healthier food. It's time the entire farming industry woke up in New Zealand. The people have been poisoned for long enough. Also internationally organic or healthy farming techniques provide a much higher price for produce. Last time I was in England you had to get to the Supermarket before 11am otherwise all the organic produce would be sold out!! You can't trust the New Zealand Government Departments to ensure healthy food, it is up to the Consumers of New Zealand to demand it and stop buying the junk with all the additives etc. Most of what is sold in the Supermarkets cannot really be classed as food, most of the packets just contain manufactured rubbish and in the main are unhealthy additions to the diet.

03 Dec 2009 01:49p.m.

Rex wrote:

John Campbell your a dark horse arent you, a member of SAFE, Mr Kings aligned to, what do we beleive now!!!!

03 Dec 2009 10:45a.m.

Terry wrote:

I note that John Campbell and TV3 are both listed on the SAFE website under about us as Endorsements and sponsorships, which makes me wonder if all these pork storys are just about their own agenda and maybe a bit one sided..

03 Dec 2009 10:34a.m.

AnnaB wrote:

Why don't people just stop eating pork? No one NEEDS to eat it.

03 Dec 2009 07:18a.m.

Shaun wrote:

Hi just like to expand on the comment from Freedom Farms that due to the farming methods there producers use there product costs 20% more than the alternatives. Then how come the farmer that is producing that more costly product (it doesn't cost the butcher or the retailer any more to proccess) is only being paid 5% more than other farming methods. Surely this is just another example of the pig farmer being taken advantage of. I am sure alot more pig farmers would use these farming methods shown on TV last night if they were being paid what it actual cost to produce.

02 Dec 2009 08:01p.m.

simon wrote:

hi there my name is simon hawkins from central free range pork limited we farm pigs on the edge of lake wanaka have been watching your show on the pigs . I cant beleave they class those pigs as free range my pigs have got 100 hectares of freedom to go and do what they please they have forest's and loads of natral bush . I sit in the bottom of the valley and call them every morning . and they all come running like your pet dog for his dinner or some times all they want is a pat . they are very smart and should be left to rome free. Thats what i beleave free range should be . A HAPPY PIG IS A HEALTHY PIG
THANKS SIMON 0272437068

02 Dec 2009 07:46p.m.

Kelly Ann wrote:

Please can you give me the contact details of the Freemans luxury car racing story you ran tonight on Campbell live. Thank you