My Trip to Fair Oaks Farm Pig Farm #RealPigFarming

Yes, you read that title right. I recently went on a trip with the Kansas Pork Association and KS Soybeans. I went with a group of bloggers, dietitians and pork farmers. It was such a good trip for me and really taught me a lot about the farming process.

First we kicked off the trip with some time in Chicago. We explored the city, visiting the bean and getting a rooftop garden tour along with a chef talk at the Hotel Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. They actually plant their own vegetables that they use to serve their guest. It was pretty fascinating to see the rooftop garden and hear from the chefs.

We ended our first night with dinner at Shaw’s Crab House and some very informational conversations. I really enjoyed getting to talk to other bloggers, the dietitians and of course the Kansas farmers about their everyday lives and roles in our food system.

The next morning we said goodbye to the windy city and headed to Indiana where we visited Fair Oaks farm. I have never in my life been to a pig farm so this was very eye opening for me and actually quite informative. If you want to learn about the pig farming process I highly recommend you go to Fair Oaks farm. To make it an easy comparison, this is basically the Disneyland of pig farms.

We saw it all. Literally the babies to the mommas and everything in between, including a baby calf being born. It was really interesting to me how all of it worked. Being able to talk to the farmers that were with us on the tour really helped me understand how the entire food process works from farm to table. I take such comfort in the fact that the Kansas farmers on our trip truly care about their pigs. They were very adamant that no harm is ever done to their pigs and they truly are just trying to feed America.

Here are some pictures of my time touring the Fair Oaks Pig Farm. They are working on a few new additions that will take this experience and make it even better. If you’ve ever thought about visiting they talked about how they will soon have a hotel for you to stay!

Our final day we went to a Soybean Farm. I never knew how many things soy beans are actually used to make. While, most are used to feed animals soybeans are used to create soy milk, soy flour, soy protein, tofu and many more retail food products. Soybeans are also used in many non-food (industrial) products, even to make crayons.

We got the chance to learn from Farmer Dave as he filled us in on what life is like as a soybean farmer. It’s truly amazing to me how the farm industry works. Everything from pig farming to soybean farming is essential in the way our world works. As our population grows these farmers are doing everything they can to make sure America will be fed. It is comforting for me to have gone on this trip and actually met the people behind the world of farming. I can truly say I feel more informed than ever and happy to report that these farmers really are working for you and your families.