The Niman Difference
Why do Niman Ranch Products taste better?
Niman Products taste better because of the expertise of their farmers and ranchers, who select their animals for superior flavor and eating quality and use traditional farming and ranching methods.
How does Niman Ranch define traditional farming and ranching?
Until a few decades ago, it would have been unthinkable to raise pigs crowded together ina factory setting, artificially boosting weight by giving them a daily ration of antibiotics or collecting liquefied manure in polluting waste lagoons. Unfortunately, today this is the norm.
Niman Ranch farmers and ranchers raise their cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry by using traditional methods that allow the animals to live according to their natural instincts. Our farmers and ranchers act as stewards of the land, preserving it for future generations. The traditional methods we use result in superior meats.
Do animals need antibiotics?
Traditionally raised animals rarely need antibiotics. The need for antibiotics increases in crowded, unsanitary or stressful conditions. Antibiotics are also used by some companies to artificially accelerate growth. Actually, giving antibiotics to cattle can negatively impact the marbling and flavor of beef. Niman Ranch animals never receive antibiotics - ever.
What if an animal gets sick?
Occasionally, a Niman Ranch animal becomes sick and cannot get well without antibiotics. As a result, the animal is removed from the Niman Ranch program, treated and then sold into the conventional market. It is never sold as a "Niman Ranch" product.
Why are Niman Ranch products more expensive than other brands?
At Niman Ranch, the focus is on quality - everything else is secondary. It is more expensive to raise animals according to the Niman protocols, but the results are worth it. Remember that over 35% of households in the U.S. make up the gourmet natural market and are willing to pay more for superior products.
How can anyone be sure that all Niman Ranch farmers and ranchers are adhering to the Niman protocols?
Niman Ranch takes several steps to ensure full compliance with the animal husbandry protocols. First, all Niman farmers and ranchers sign an affidavit agreeing to follow all of the protocols.
Secondly, before any farm or ranch is accepted into the Niman program, Niman officials visit it to make sure it meets our standards. In addition, we have field agents located throughout the country that regularly visit and inspect the farms and ranches in the network.
Finally, the majority of farmers and ranchers were already raising their livestock in a similar way when they first joined the program. Therefore, only minor changes were needed to meet the Niman standards. In other words, they are true believers who share Niman Ranch's values and vision.
→ Click here to read Dr. Temple Grandlin's 21 Core Standards on Animal Well-Being and Sustainable Farming and Ranching, the basis of the Niman Ranch Program
The following 21 core standards are the basis of this program and must be followed by all farmers and ranchers receiving certification, regardless of what species of livestock (hogs, cattle, and lamb) they produce. For more specific details, please refer to each species’ individual protocols which are available upon request.
- There must always be a dry area where all animals can lay down at the same time without becoming soiled on the belly
- Provisions must be taken to protect animals from regional climate extremes. For cattle and sheep in feedlots, shades or misters are needed in hot southern climates, and windbreaks are needed in cooler northern climates. In the case of swine, sufficient shelter must be provided so that all hogs can lie down at the same time without being on top of each other while being protected from snow, rain or sun.
- Air quality, including ammonia levels inside buildings, must at all times enable animals to breathe comfortably. It must not pose a risk of injury or health problems in animals or their caretakers. Ammonia levels are to be tested and have a measured result of no greater than 25ppm. Levels below 10ppm are the goal. Auditing note: Ammonia levels will be recorded and evaluated.
- Animals must be given the opportunity to care for, interact with, and nurture their young. In the case of swine, farrowing crates are not allowed.
- Sufficient space must be allowed for animals to exercise and socialize with herd mates. Animals must be given ample space to be able to lie down on their sides comfortably with legs extended and without being on top of each other (please refer to each species’ individual protocols for requirements on stocking density). Close confinement where an animal is not allowed to turn around, will only be allowed temporarily for necessary procedures such as vaccinations or veterinary care. Gestation crates and tethers are not allowed.
- Pasture and/or bedding are the preferred environments. To qualify as pasture, 75% or more of the land occupied by livestock in this program must have vegetation with a root system. In regards to each species:
- If hogs do not have continuous access to pasture, then clean, dry bedding shall be provided in quantities sufficient to give the hogs material in which to play, forage, explore and root and build nests during farrowing. Sufficient bedding material must be provided to prevent transfer of manure and other soil onto the animals so that they remain clean on the belly.
- Cattle must be given access to pasture for the first six months of life. A feed or forage source must always be provided with an adequate amount of fiber to allow rumination.
- Sheep must be given access to pasture for the first three months of life. Exception will be given in the case of severe drought. A feed or forage source must always be provided with an adequate amount of fiber to allow rumination
- Animals must be fed a 100% vegetarian diet and have a feeding plan that will guarantee a sufficient, well-balanced diet to appropriately meet their nutritional needs at their stage in life and maintain required Body Condition Scores. Animals shall have access to their feed as long as is necessary for them to satisfy their nutrient requirements. Auditing note: Body condition scores will be evaluated.
- Animals must be given free access to clean drinking water
- Every effort must be taken to minimize competition among the animals during feedings and socialization. Auditing note: Body condition scores and bite wounds will be evaluated.
- The non-therapeutic use of antibiotics to control or mask disease or promote growth is prohibited. Animals that have been administered antibiotics may not be marketed as “Dr. Grandin Certified” and must be marked and/or segregated. Additionally, growth-promoting hormones and beta-agonists, and ionophores, are prohibited.
- Animals that are sick or injured will be tended to and given immediate care to ensure reduced suffering, and/or mortality and lack of possible pathogen transmission. Antibiotics must be administered to individual animals to treat disease if necessary, even though it will disqualify them from the program. Animal welfare is top priority of our producers and they will be suspended or be de-listed for failure to treat sick animals.
- Every effort must be made to limit lameness. This includes, but is not limited to, genetic selection, facility design and maintenance. Auditing note: Lameness scores will be evaluated.
- Parasites must be effectively managed. Regular pasture rotations and proper bedding management and removal should be the primary method of preventing parasitical infestations. In cases where prevention has not been effective, medicinal regimens must be implemented to effectively control worms, lice, and mange. Organophosphates are prohibited, however, other pharmalogical agents are allowed.
- Procedures and alterations to animals should be limited as much as possible, unless necessary to maintain animal health and comfort as well as maintain sustainability of the water and the land. For specific details on tail docking, teeth clipping, branding, dehorning, artificial insemination and castration, please refer to each species’ individual protocols.
- Strict regulations will be followed regarding handling and transport. Audits will be performed at packing plants to watch truckers unload and check for downers, frostbite, and signs of abuse. Additionally, packing plants slaughtering animals raised under Dr. Grandin’s certified program must undergo annual husbandry audits to verify their compliance with AMI guidelines.
- Priority shall be given to a family farm or ranch, that is, a farm or ranch on which a family or individual owns and makes on site management decisions regarding the animals and the operation.
- Only breeds or genetics suitable for thriving in outdoor production systems shall be allowed. Auditing note: Backfat will be evaluated as well as thermoregulatory laying positions (i.e.: pigs may pile up in the winter as a sign of discomfort)
- Practices must be implemented that prevent soil loss or degradation in production areas, minimizes unacceptable or unintended poor air quality for family, workers, and neighbors, and prevents water quality degradation of surface and groundwater resources.
- Totally slatted facilities without bedding are prohibited. Each animal’s square footage requirements must be met on solid flooring. For square footage requirements, refer to each species’ individual protocols.
- Certified farmers and ranchers must raise animals in a manner that protects or enhances the quality of the environment, animal health and public health. This includes, but is not limited to manure management practices, stocking densities, and methods for disposal of mortalities, which must meet all county, state and federal standards
- Any farmer or rancher who intends to simultaneously maintain a system that does not meet the Dr. Grandin’s standards while marketing livestock from a fully compliant portion will be given lowest priority. Animals in the non-compliant system must be marked and segregated. This does not exclude farmers or ranchers who are committed to transitioning to a fully-compliant farm or ranch within 24 months and have a written and approved transition plan.
