FAQ
We love transparency, and we know you probably have some questions about our farm, our pigs, and how to get your hands on the best Berkshire pork around. Here are the answers to some of our most common questions—answered by us, the farmers!
What do your pigs eat?
Our pigs enjoy a perfectly balanced vegetarian diet formulated by our very own pig nutritionists—yes, they even have a PhD! Their diet consists mainly of corn, grain sorghum, and soybean meal, plus essential vitamins and minerals (think of it like their daily multivitamin) to support their best healthy growth.
We’re proud to say that 100% of the grain our pigs eat is grown right here on our farm. That means we know exactly where our feed comes from and can guarantee its quality from field to feed to fork. Heck, we even mix it ourselves, so we know every pig gets the best possible nutrition.
How do I know Berkshire pork is better?
Because it just is. But if you need proof, check out our page about why Berkshire pork stands out. (Spoiler: It’s all about the marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor!)
Who handles the harvesting/butchering of your animals?
We work with a few different USDA-inspected butchers depending on customer needs, but when you buy R Family Farms' private label pork, it's processed by the Krehbiel family at Krehbiel Specialty Meats in McPherson, Kansas.
This family-run business has been perfecting the art of butchering for three generations and is nationally recognized for their artisanal cuts, sausages, and cured meats. We love that we’re not just working with skilled butchers, but also supporting another small, family-owned business in Kansas.
How are your pigs raised?
At R Family Farms, our pigs' health and happiness come first.
They live outdoors for most of their lives in deep-bedded hoop barns with access to a large paddock. They get plenty of activity, fresh air, and all the food and water they need.
Our motto? Fat & Happy.
New moms and babies spend some time in our climate-controlled maternity barn for the best possible care—this protects them from Kansas’ unpredictable weather while ensuring they get a strong start.
We use fresh straw year-round, provide cooling misters in the summer, and add extra bedding in the winter to keep our pigs comfy no matter the season.
Every pig is personally checked on at least twice a day to ensure they’re healthy and thriving.
Happy pigs = better pork. That’s a fact.
Do you practice sustainable farming?
Absolutely! Sustainability is at the core of everything we do.
We grow what we feed. Most of the grain we feed our pigs is grown right here or by neighboring farms.
We give back to the land. The manure and compost from our pigs fertilize our fields, nourishing the soil that grows the crops we feed them.
We protect our land for the future. We use no-till farming and cover cropping to improve soil health, preserve moisture, and ensure our farm thrives for generations to come.
Sustainable farming isn’t just good for our pigs—it’s good for our land, our family, and our community.
Who am I talking to when I reach out via email, phone, or social media?
95% of the time - You’re talking to us—Kaden and Emily!
Unlike most specialty meat businesses, we don’t have a call center or a customer service team—it’s just the two of us, juggling farm life and running our business.
So, if we don’t reply immediately, just know we’re probably feeding pigs, checking on newborns, or chasing a toddler—but we always get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks for your patience!
Are all of your shipping materials recyclable?
Yes! We are proud to use 100% recyclable and compostable packaging.
Our insulation is GreenCell Foam, made from cornstarch—it’s biodegradable and can even be dissolved in water!
The plastic and cardboard are easily recyclable.
Say goodbye to styrofoam coolers—we’re keeping it green! 🌱
Why is there a minimum order amount in your cart?
We set a minimum order amount to ensure that we can ship your order in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way possible. Shipping frozen meat requires specialized packaging to keep it safe and fresh, and we want to make sure every order meets those standards without unnecessary waste.
By setting a minimum, we can keep our shipping process efficient, affordable, and sustainable—all while delivering the highest quality Berkshire pork right to your door!
Where else can I buy your pork?
Besides ordering online, you can find R Family Farms Berkshire pork locally at Main Street Mercantile in Lebanon, Kansas! We stock a selection of our farm-raised pork in the meat section, so you can shop local and enjoy the best pork around without waiting for delivery.
How does shipping work?
We ship our products nationwide using insulated packaging to keep everything frozen and fresh.
Orders are shipped weekly to ensure the highest quality.
You'll receive tracking information as soon as your order is on the way.
We use GreenCell Foam insulation, so your box is 100% recyclable and compostable.
If you ever have a question about an order, reach out to us directly—we’re happy to help!
What if I need to change or cancel my order?
If you need to make a change, contact us as soon as possible! Since we ship frozen meat, we have limited flexibility once an order is packed and in transit. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes before your order ships.
How is my meat packaged?
All of our Berkshire pork is vacuum-sealed and frozen at peak freshness, ensuring it arrives in the best condition possible.
Our bacon, ground pork, and sausages come in vacuum-sealed packs for easy storage.
Our premium cuts, like chops and roasts, are individually sealed so you can thaw only what you need.
Everything is packed in environmentally friendly insulation that keeps it frozen during shipping.
Once your box arrives, just pop it in the freezer (or fridge, if you’re planning to cook it soon).
Why does my pork sometimes have slight variations in size?
Just like people, every pig is unique! While we aim for consistency, slight differences in size and shape can occur naturally. Unlike mass-produced supermarket meat, our pork comes from real, farm-raised animals, meaning no two chops, roasts, or slabs of bacon are exactly alike. But one thing’s for sure—they’ll all taste amazing.
Do you offer bulk discounts or wholesale pricing?
Yes! If you’re interested in ordering in bulk, whether for personal use, restaurants, or specialty stores, reach out to us and we’ll be happy to discuss pricing and availability.
What’s the best way to cook Berkshire pork?
Berkshire pork is known for its incredible marbling and flavor, which means you don’t need to overcomplicate things!
For chops & steaks: Cook over medium heat and aim for an internal temp of 145°F for juicy perfection.
For bacon: Low and slow wins the race—Berkshire bacon is rich and flavorful, so it crisps beautifully without high heat.
For roasts: A slow roast or sous vide method works best to bring out tenderness.
For ground pork: Use it in everything from burgers and meatballs to tacos and breakfast sausage.
We love to keep it simple and let the quality of the pork shine. If you ever need recipe inspiration, check out our blog or follow us on social media!
What are the hours for Main Street Mercantile?
Main Street Mercantile is open:
🕘 Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🕘 Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🕘 Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Swing by anytime to grab our farm-fresh pork, groceries, and other local goods!
Can we visit the farm?
We love that people are interested in where their food comes from! While we aren’t set up for daily public tours, we occasionally host farm events and open houses. Follow us on social media for updates, and if you have a special request, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to chat!
Will my friends think I’m the next Gordon Ramsay if I cook your Berkshire pork?
Highly likely. 😏
But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a professional chef to cook our pork—just start with great ingredients, keep it simple, and let the quality speak for itself.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to us anytime—we love talking about our farm, our pigs, and of course, our pork. 😊