Thank You to Nutritional Therapy Association for Sponsoring This Episode
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On this episode of the Modern Farm Girls Podcast, we talk with Mark Baker about his legal battle over the Mangoletsi pigs he raises on his farm in Michigan, and the future of Baker’s Green Acres becoming a Veterans transitional farm.
Mentioned in this Episode
Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund
80 acre farm in Michigan
Inspired by Joel Salatin model of farming
Cows & rotational grazing
Mangoletsi pig breed from Hungary
Holistic farming
Characteristics of conventional Pigs versus Mangoletsi pigs
Wooly pigs, good in northern climates, foragers
Designed for acorns
In 2011 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued an invasive species order outlawing feral pigs
Michigan deemed Mark’s pigs feral, creating a costly legal battle
December 2015 the state police returned
Looking for “adulterated” meat
Ongoing legal battle
Shifting farms focus to employ veterans
Veterans transitional farm
Future of farms and veterans
Communication in the civilian world
Mark’s new mission in life
Stop assuming food is going to arrive safely at your door step
People need to become more political
Industrial agricultural is on race to the bottom
Family farms will return
I live in Michigan. Right now I buy my meat (pork & beef) from my landlords by the 1/2, but it has been my dream to buy some of Mark’s meat. Now it looks like I will never get the chance. Our govt. spends way too much time catering to big business with big money and selling out the people it is supposed to be protecting.
Thanks Diana (and Liz) for doing this interview. When I first heard about Mark Baker’s DNR problems two years ago, it inspired me to join the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. Everyone listening to this podcast and gives a rip about the food they eat, should sign up or renew.
Mark “the Trucker” Lopiccola
Madison Heights, Michigan
Thanks for your feedback! I agree completely.
According to wiki the pig breed is spelled The Mangalica (sometimes spelled Mangalitsa (UK) or Mangalitza (USA)).