Why We’re Hog Wild About Our Pork!
Fun fact: Minnesota is the nation’s second-largest state for hog production.
Funner fact: After beef, pork is the most popular protein in our meat case.
Even funner fact: All of our pork comes from a family-owned Minnesota farm.
Okay, it gets funner: Hagberg’s is the only retailer in Minnesota selling Compart Farms No Antibiotics Ever (NAE), crate-free, premium Duroc pork from Minnesota.
Funnest fact of all: It’s darn delicious!
Okay, enough with the fun facts. In all seriousness, this is a pretty big deal.
You know we go to great lengths to source only the best. Local matters to us, but where our pork comes from is only part of the equation. We look for great genetics, quality feed, minimal processing, humane animal welfare, and sustainable practices.
That’s what led us to our friends at Compart Family Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned farm producing some of the highest-quality Duroc pork in the world.
Here’s what sets Compart Farms Duroc pork apart:
- Superior genetics: Compart has spent decades hand-selecting animals for exceptional meat quality, putting their Duroc program roughly 20 years ahead of other producers.
- Consistent feed: Every Compart hog receives the same carefully formulated diet throughout its growing phase, helping deliver consistent growth and meat quality.
- Premium Duroc genetics: Durocs are known for efficient growth and exceptional meat quality, making them a favorite among chefs, butchers, and restaurants.
And then there’s how these pigs are raised.
The pork we procure from Compart is No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) and crate-free, combining high standards for animal welfare with clean-label production and premium Duroc genetics.
Why does crate-free matter?
It gives sows room to move, turn, socialize, and express more natural behaviors. That freedom can help reduce stress and support better bone, leg, and overall physical health.
And then there’s the part you can actually taste.
- Superior marbling: Higher levels of intramuscular fat help keep Duroc pork moist and juicy.
- Better flavor: Duroc pork is known for a richer, more savory flavor than typical commercial pork.
- Natural tenderness: Duroc genetics and muscle structure contribute to naturally tender, high-quality cuts.
So why does all of this matter?
Because we don’t believe “good enough” is good enough for our meat case. While this pork is available at select restaurants, we’re proud to be the only retailer in Minnesota currently offering Compart Farms NAE crate-free Duroc pork from Minnesota.
From genetics and feed to animal care and processing, every part of the process matters. Great genetics, better animal welfare, No Antibiotics Ever, and a commitment to quality come together to produce pork that’s more tender, juicy, flavorful, and, frankly, just better.
And that brings us back to the most important fun fact of all:
It’s darn delicious.
