A Family Tradition
Father, Howard Gibson and son,
John Gibson not only share a last name and family; they share a business and a
passion for niche pork production. Tucked in the north central portion of the
state near Union Grove, Ala. is Gibson’s Farm Fresh Sausage and Barbecue.
The Gibson’s 400 acre farm, meat
production and barbecue facility is managed by Howard and John as well as two
sisters, Mary and Shirley. With about 20 sows, they are able to produce 250-300
hogs per year. The Gibsons have learned to diversify. Not only do they
raise niche pork, but they also plant corn, soybeans and occasionally wheat.
“Niche production is very
satisfying for us,” said Howard. “People like niche pork better, because it is
reassuring to know where it came from and what they were fed. There are no
antibiotics in the feed and many of our pigs are raised in pastures. Niche
production is not only more appealing to consumers, but it is more convenient
for us as producers.”
For the last 38 years, the
Gibson’s Farm Fresh Sausage and Barbecue has been producing and marketing their
specialty, fresh sausage. They process all their own meat, including pork chops
and whole hogs. The Gibson family also started barbequing six years ago. They
now have the capacity to barbecue ribs, Boston butts, and many other cuts in
their own barbecue pit.
Unlike many producers, Gibson's
Farm Fresh Sausage and Barbecue does not advertise in typical ways. Their main
source of getting the message across is by word of mouth.
“Our customers do a great job of
promoting our product. The sausage is extremely popular, and we have more
business than we can take care of,” Howard said.
The Gibson’s have learned how to
be successful in the industry during the last four decades. “Putting out a good
product each and every time is one of our main goals. It is always a challenge,
but consistency is important.” By using Duroc boars and producing high quality
pork, Gibson’s Farm Fresh Sausage and Barbecue looks forward to continuing
successful niche pork production.
If you would like more information
about the Gibson Farm Fresh Sausage and Barbecue, please call (256) 753-6618 or
email
gibsonfarms@earthlink.net.
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If you are a niche pork producer and would like to have your contact
information listed on the Niche Pork Web site, call the Checkoff’s Producer
Service Center at 1-800-456-PORK.
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