Pig Out in Chicago
By Chris Birky
VALPARAISO, IN--We are a small family farm in northwest Indiana. We raise our own pork products and sell them in a country store. We feed no antibiotics, steroids, hormones, animal by-products or Paylean*. Birky Farms is only 50 miles from Chicago and close to 100 miles from Indy. This is a great idea.
*Alisa says: Another good reason to know your farmer! I had never heard of Paylean until now. Turns out the active ingredient is Ractopamine hydrochloride, and here's what the manufacturer says about it in the fine print: "May increase the number of injured and/or fatigued pigs during marketing." And on the human side: "Individuals with cardiovascular disease should avoid exposure. Not for use in humans. Keep out of the reach of children. . . . When mixing and handling Paylean, use protective clothing, impervious gloves, protective eyewear, and a NIOSH-approved dust mask."
