2024 Natural Grocers Sustainability Report

PLANET

QUALITY

NUTRITION EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

CREW

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM PRICING

PEOPLE

ANIMAL WELFARE

HEALTH

For six generations in Iowa, the Beeler family has produced the highest quality pork, and prioritize humane treatment of their pigs. They define “humanely raised” as raising pigs in a manner that prioritizes animal care, including without the use of gestation crates. These standards are consistently practiced and frequently reviewed. CARING FOR THE SOWS Beeler’s provides special care for sows (mama pigs). Instead of gestation crates, Beeler’s houses sows in large, unrestricted pens that allow for social interaction and freedom to move around. The sows have full access to a food and water court, located away from the bedded area. When it is time to give birth, the mamas are moved to maternity wards that are large enough to allow a sow to stand up, lay down, and turn around unrestricted, while also providing protection for the newborn piglets. HOUSING AND DIET VENDOR PROFILE: “Meat” the Beelers

Beeler’s pigs are very social, and tend to prefer congregating. They have access to indoor and outdoor areas. Barns are naturally- and well ventilated. The indoor bedding areas are regularly maintained with fresh straw or cornstalks to be sure that the pigs are clean, comfortable and happy. The pigs in finishing barns are also given enough space to comfortably lay down and enjoy social interaction. All pigs are fed a non-GMO vegetarian diet that is free of animal byproducts, antibiotics, growth promotants, and additives like ractopamine. 1 1 Ractopamine is used to promote leanness, and is banned or restricted in 160 countries but not the US. (Lawsuit Filed Demanding FDA Respond to Petitions Seeking to Ban Ractopamine, 2024)

BEELER’S PRODUCTS Beeler’s is always looking for new ways to combine modern and old world practices to ensure the best of both worlds for their pigs and caretakers. Beeler’s raises the European “Red” Duroc breed, known for beautiful marbling, texture, and the perfect pH. They offer a wide variety of products including bacon, ham, ribs, sausages, and more. Their products do not contain antibiotics, added nitrites or nitrates, MSG, phosphates, gluten, or any chemical preservatives. With only four or five ingredients in each product, simplicity is their recipe for success. They proudly meet and exceed the USDA’s standard to be considered “minimally processed” which requires that nothing is done to the meat to alter the natural taste. For additional information about Beeler’s and their commitment to humanely raised and minimally processed pork, please visit their website: https://www.beelerspurepork.com Beeler’s pigs are housed in naturally- and well-ventilated barns bedded with straw or corn stalks, and have space to enjoy social interaction and comfortably lay down.

The Beeler’s pigs have access to both indoor and outdoor areas

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FISCAL YEAR | 2024