What is Carlton Farms’ philosophy?
This is our guiding principal: deliver only the highest quality handcrafted meats to our customers. That means our fresh pork has no artificial ingredients, no artificial coloring, no chemical preservatives and no added moisture. We believe in raising livestock in a healthy, humane and sustainable way. We believe in keeping our customers happy and treating our employees well. We believe in being good citizens of our community. And, says president John Duyn, whose family founded Carlton Farms in 1956, “I will only deliver the same products to our customers that I would serve to my family and friends.”
How is Carlton Farms pork different than pork normally found in supermarkets?
For starters, we buy only high quality pork that is antibiotic-free. We also hand-select only the hogs that meet our rigid standards, and inspect the meat numerous times before it arrives in your grocer’s case or a chef’s kitchen. Another difference is our dedication to craftsmanship. Sure, we could rush the process like others do, but you’d be able to taste the difference. It’s what sets Carlton Farms apart from our competitors. And it’s the difference that you’ll taste with every bite of Carlton Farms.
Does your pork receive a USDA grade like beef?
The majority of hogs today are graded and sold on a lean-to-fat ratio established by individual processors. Carlton Farms has set its own high standards for pork to ensure that our products are consistently marbled to produce the most tender and flavorful cuts possible. The USDA does have strict standards for pork processing when it comes to cleanliness, and we constantly exceed these guidelines. In fact, Carlton Farms was one of the first USDA Total Quality Control meatpacking facilities in the United States.
Where are your hogs raised?
No matter where our hogs are raised, they come from proud growers – some who we’ve known for multiple generations -- who follow our strict standards for quality and practice sustainable farming. We would love to purchase only hogs grown in Yamhill County. Unfortunately, pork production is very limited in our immediate area. We source what we can from a small group of farmers here in the Willamette Valley, and a handpicked group of farms and ranches in the Pacific Northwest that we’ve certified. It’s our way of ensuring that every package of Carlton Farms meat you serve will be the best you can buy.
Is your pork antibiotic- and growth hormone-free?
Yes. Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in pork production. And, our quality standards mandate that every hog we process is antibiotic-free when it arrives from our growers’ farms. We constantly test and inspect the hogs we buy to ensure that these strict standards are followed.
Are your products natural? Organic?
As demand for natural and organic products has increased, so has the confusion over what constitutes “natural” or “organic.” Something called “natural” might actually contain preservatives, and a product labeled “organic” might only mean that one ingredient is grown that way. The USDA is currently developing guidelines that will help consumers know exactly what they’re buying. Until then, here’s a clear description of what you get when you purchase Carlton Farms Fresh pork: high quality meat that is antibiotic-free, grown by a hand-picked team of farmers who respect their animals and the environment. For those products that are minimally processed (bacon, hams, etc.), we use only our own Natural ingredients when curing or smoking.
What type of feed do your growers use?
Our growers use a strictly grain-based vegetarian diet. Other than the natural nursing process in which newborn piglets engage, no animal byproducts are fed to hogs purchased by Carlton Farms.
What methods do you use to ensure that Carlton Farms pork is raised
and slaughtered humanely?
We brought in Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the nation’s leading experts on humane animal handling practices, to design a leading-edge harvesting system and training program for our employees. This included the design and construction of a circular loading chute, more light and nipple watering system in larger holding areas so hogs could move around more comfortably while awaiting processing. In addition, a USDA inspector is on-site monitoring our system whenever we harvest hogs.
How do you ensure that your growers follow these standards?
We have a Grower Certification Program that includes several key points that must be met by our farmers in order for us to buy their pigs. These requirements ensure that hogs are raised in a sustainable manner, fed vegetarian diets, delivered to us antibiotic-free, and are of the size and fat-to-lean ratio that ensures every Carlton Farms fresh product is the best tasting natural pork you can buy. A copy of our guidelines is available at carltonfarms.com.
Can I make Carlton Farms pork part of a healthy diet?
Some cuts of pork, such as the tenderloin, are leaner than many meats, including chicken. With care in trimming and preparation, pork is a smart addition to a well-balanced diet.
Why is it important to buy local products, such as Carlton Farms pork?
Beyond the obvious economic benefits of supporting local farmers and businesses, eating local has many positive outcomes. First, you get the peace of mind of knowing where your food comes from, and that someone has made it their passion to bring it to you. Second, it helps sustain the environment by cutting down on transportation, packaging and waste. Finally, it means you are eating fresh foods that are free from preservatives and excess processing, something that leads to good taste and good health.
Where can I buy Carlton Farms products?
Finer grocers, restaurants and custom meat shops in the Pacific Northwest sell Carlton Farms as their pork of choice. For a current list of retail locations, go to the “
Where to Buy” section of carltonfarms.com
Where are you located?
Carlton Farms is located in the foothills of Oregon’s coast range, a few miles outside of Carlton at 10600 N.W. Westside Road. From downtown Carlton, head west on Main Street from Highway 47 (Main Street becomes Meadowlake Road). At the intersection of Meadowlake Road and Westside Road, turn left and you’re here.
