Click here to join NC Choices. NC Choices is currently working with pork producers and invites participation from farmers who use—or are interested in using—the following practices and/or marketing claims: Hogs Raised without Antibiotics Farmers must have a commitment to raising pigs without the use of prophylactic antibiotics. If antibiotics are needed to ensure animal welfare, they may be administered but pork from treated animals cannot be sold under this label. Humanely Raised Farmers must have a commitment to raising their hogs within a production system that enables animals to engage in innate behaviors, such as rooting, wallowing and nesting. This marketing claim is best supported by following standards developed by organizations such as the Animal Welfare Institute. Natural or Pasture-Raised Hogs must be raised in alternative housing such as deep-bedded hoop houses, barns or on pasture. We are developing guidelines and the best management practices for conservation in outdoor and pasture-raised hog production systems. We work with farmers to develop a farm plan that addresses water and soil quality protection and incorporation of practices that maintain maximum ground cover, including management of stocking density, animal movement and rotation patterns.   USDA Organically Certified Pork The USDA Organic program has specific requirements concerning production practices, animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/NOPhome.html. NC Choices participants have access to: Technical Assistance — On-site visits and phone consultations from staff and its network of specialists and partners regarding site selection, feed and nutrition programs, animal health, access to processing facilities, marketing advice, financial planning and more. Market Information & Connections – Direct to consumer, retail, and wholesale marketing materials and advice. NC Choices’ farmers are profiled on our web-site and promoted to local, statewide and national media. NC Choices can also help develop web profiles and marketing logos. Processing Updates – Local and/or regional opportunities for slaughter, processing and creation of value-added products are explored and researched. Educational Opportunities – Hands-on workshops designed specifically for extension agents and farmers using alternative farming methods; newsletters and Web-posting of educational materials. Promotion & Media Exposure – Farmers highlighted and encouraged to participate in consumer and media outreach efforts (newspaper articles); advocacy arenas (policy briefings) and special events (festivals, workshops). Organizational Participation - Farmers are asked to to help determine the direction for future work. NC Choices participants are asked to: Maintain Records - Farmers must keep good records concerning the care of their animals, as well as financial and production information regarding their farm enterprise. This information (including financial data) may be shared with project leaders and other participants, though individual farm records are strictly confidential. Research data (including fecal and blood samples, pasture measurements, etc.) may be collected from farms. Farmers may also be asked to participate in survey questionnaires. Participate in Educational Events & Field Days - Farmers may be asked to host a field day at their farm to help educate project partners and the broader community. Mentor New Farmers - Experienced farmers may be asked to serve as mentors to help new farmers. Promote NC Choices – Farmers are asked to promote NC Choices as appropriate, for example linking to our website and displaying NC Choices literature. Maintain a Meat Handler’s License - All participating farmers who direct market their products must have their meat handler’s license. Fill out the on-line application. Please direct all questions to Lee Menius at (919) 515-2390 or lee@ncchoices.com.