Premier natural meat brand Niman Ranch generates more than 50% more economic value for the local economy than the conventional hog industry, per 100,000 hogs sold, a new economic impact analysis revealed. The analysis, conducted by respected regional economist Dave Swenson, also showed that Niman Ranch creates over 150% more jobs than conventional hog production and in 2019, the year studied, generated more than $20 million in added value for the local Iowa economy (the equivalent measurement of gross domestic product).
“Local economies would prosper if more adopted Niman Ranch’s approach instead of conventional production,” said Swenson of his findings. “This is the Main Street effect. The small farmers in Niman’s network hire more people, spend more regionally and their employees also spend their money closer to home.”