Bring on the Berkshire
 When
it comes to Iowa, pork production is certainly a prevalent part of agriculture. A special part of Iowa agriculture can be found near Sioux
City, Iowa at the headquarters of Berkridge Pork. This company produces,
markets and processes a
unique breed of pork that is in high demand,
Berkshires.
Berkridge Pork has been a part of
a booming business since
it began seven years ago. It was a joint venture for packers and producers,
Sioux-Preme and Pro-Pork, when they merged together to produce a high quality
niche pork product. Berkridge’s markets are mainly domestic, but they
also play a part in Japanese exports.
“Getting involved with niche pork
production was a two-fold process,” said Troy Arends, Berkridge director of
sales and marketing. “We first got involved due to the consumer’s desire for
high quality pork. In addition, Japan needed purebred Berkshire pork. Less than
one-tenth of one percent of the swine industry is Berkshire production, so the need for this elegant pork product was great.”
Using a sustainable model,
Berkridge Pork is giving individuals a chance to remain on family farms.
Employees at Berkridge have an understanding for each level of production,
which provides an opportunity for the company to keep up to date and adapt
quickly to the unique, ever-changing atmosphere of the swine industry.
“We have approximately 18 family
farms throughout northwest Iowa that contribute to Berkridge Pork. The fact
that we can allow families to remain on their farms shows that agriculture is
still a viable option for success,” said Troy.
Berkridge Pork has built a
successful organization through niche pork production over the past few years.
The loins and hams are extremely popular, which has helped them to build a
brand of Berkshire pork that consumers all around the world can appreciate.
Members of Berkridge Pork have
taken steps to ensure that they are spreading the message about niche pork
production. They spend time working, training, and educating individuals to
tell their story, and illustrate the differences between the various programs
throughout the pork industry. Employees of Berkridge Pork have familiarized
themselves with the Pork Checkoff niche Web site. Therefore, they have been
able to learn about niche pork production, as well as keep up to date on the
current markets.
“Niche pork, especially
Berkshire, is unique. It is different because it has such an interesting story to tell. Chefs around the world can sell the story which not only keeps consumers
coming back, but helps to support the industry of niche pork production,” said
Troy.
In order to learn more about
Berkridge Pork, visit their website at
www.berkridge.com, call
800-859-6211 or email
tarends@berkridge.com. For more
information contact Sioux-Preme packing
www.siouxpreme.com or Pro-Pork at
www.propork.com.
Sign up
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.
|
