Iberian Pigs Invade White Oak Pastures

White Oak Pastures’ owner Will Harris and Jaime and Kurt Oriol of Cobacha, LLC in Spain have formed Iberian Pastures LLC to import Iberian hogs into the United States for raising, breeding and slaughtering on Harris’ Bluffton, Georgia, farm. In Spain, these pigs wander the woods and forage for their food, a lifestyle perfectly suited to White Oak Pastures’ commitment to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, locally produced food and quality meat. Prior to 2013, both Spanish and U.S. governments forbade exportation of the live animals. When policies changed in 2013, the Oriols came courting Will Harris, and it was pure pork love at first sight for all parties, including pigs. Genetics, diet and versatility add to the desirability of these 100 percent pure Iberian pigs, which have not been bred with other types of swine as is sometimes done in Spain to keep production costs down. And while their cousins in Spain may munch acorns, Iberian Pastures’ pigs will graze on peanuts and pecans (courtesy of White Oak Pastures’ recently acquired 30-acre pecan orchard), which yield fatty profiles “equal or better to that of the best Spanish boars,” according to Harris. Butchery and curing of Iberian pigs also differ from procedures followed for traditional American pork. But that’s a “tail” for another time as we can’t hog all of the space here raving about these proud pigs. Poke around for more details on the White Oak Pastures blog and shop the White Oak Pastures online store for Iberico pork -- from chorizo and chops to jowls and tails.

Plant Yourself at Farm Star Living Product Harvest 2017, a Farm-to-Everything Showcase on Jan. 26

Farm Star Living digs up the hottest new healthy food products hitting the market, eco-friendly companies and farm-fresh produce, gathering everything in one big sold-out Product Harvest 2017 on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the W Hotel Midtown. Get to know who’s behind your food as well as do some sipping, sampling and collecting some swell swag. Mix and mingle with farm-fresh food experts and folks behind the brand labels while enjoying cocktails and light bites. Participants include: White Oak Pastures, Wonderful Pistachios, Taylor Farms, Mission Produce (Hass avocados), Bland Farms, Del Monte Fresh Produce, WP Rawl, Truly Good Foods, NatureSweet, Southern Specialties, Melon 1, Earth Fresh Organics, Hampton Farms and more. Farm Star Living is a consumer premium website showcasing farmers, fresh food and healthy living through editorial content, recipes and videos to help shoppers have a greater connection to their food sources. 

Georgia Organics Sprouts 20th Anniversary, Celebrates at Annual Conference & Expo Feb. 17-18

The annual Georgia Organics Conference and Expo is a biggie (one of the largest in the Southeast), and this year’s 20^th anniversary event amplifies it even more so. This year’s conference at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park takes place over the weekend of Friday, Feb. 17-Saturday, Feb. 18. More than 1,000 attendees are anticipated to connect with peers, tour farms, hear speakers, cultivate new skills, see innovative food and agriculture-related exhibits and enjoy memorable culinary experiences. Educational topics spread like kudzu, covering edible gardening, foraging in the city, “Microbial Makeover,” “Working Across Differences,” SPIN-farming, whole farm planning, “Vows and Vegetables” for couples, holistic crop rotation, urban agriculture, homestead planning, community health and so many more. Will Harris of White Oak Pastures will be on hand for Saturday’s class covering “Certified B.S. – Livestock Certifications and Consumer Confusion.” Keynote speakers are Barbara Brown Taylor and Matthew Raiford. A new mobile app keeps attendees in the know for this year’s conference. After soaking up the big “20,” Georgia Organics hopes conference goers will return home invigorated to grow the shared vision that all Georgians will be able to eat organic food from local farms, transforming health, the environment and the economy. Register for the conference and related events via cvent.com; see pricing here. Sneak a peek at “Georgia Organics Celebrates 20 Years” on YouTube.

Get out of Dodge and High Tail It to an Afternoon in the Country with Les Dames d’Escoffier International on Nov. 6

Mountain roads are clogged with folks looking for seasonal color. Psst. On Sunday, Nov. 6, you’ll find more vibrant seasoning, appetizing colors, fall flavors, heaps of entertainment and rake in silent auction luxuries at an Afternoon in the Country spreading over Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club in Douglasville. Fork into foods from some of these locals – Bellina Alimentari, Chicken and the Egg, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, Marlow’s Tavern, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Ormsby’s, Seed Kitchen & Bar and White Oak Pastures – and taste fine wines and microbrews. The 16^thannual event hosted by Atlanta Les Dames d’Escoffier International overflows from big-top tents onto the resort’s expansive lawns. Buy tickets online, $125 for adults 21 and over; free parking. No children’s activities this year. Dig up details on our blog.

White Oak Pastures and Savory Institute Farm-to-Table Feast and Movies Ignite Passion to “Eat It, Wear It and Regenerate It” at Ponce City Market Nov. 4

Expect more than simply “dinner and a movie” when White Oak Pastures and Savory Institute are in charge of the evening. Find out why what you eat and wear matters while noshing on fall farm-to-table fare and viewing four short films from Savory Institute at this Ponce City Market event on Friday, Nov. 4 from 6-8 p.m. There’s a whole lot of local going on here: White Oak Pastures is providing its grass-fed meats and pastured poultry for the night’s chef-grillmasters Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow, Andreas Müller of Revival, Tal Baum of Bellina Alimentari, Reid Harrison of White Oak Pastures and Jenn Robbins, and brews flow from Second Self Beer Company (which sources from local farmers). Will Harris will share his White Oak Pastures story and approach to regenerative farming, segueing into the viewing of four globe-spanning films produced by an award-winning documentary crew for Savory Institute’s project, “Eat It, Wear It, Regenerate It: Igniting a Consumer Revolution.” Leave sustained by great food and holistic thoughts prompting conscious actions. White Oak Pastures, named a Savory Global Network Hub in 2015, serves as a center for education and support of regenerative land and animal management for farmers and consumers. Buy tickets online, $35 per person includes food and two alcoholic beverages. Delve into more details on our blog.  

White Oak Pastures Beefs Up Savory Institute Awareness with November 4 Dinner-and-a-Movie Event

Knowledge never tasted so good; just ask White Oak Pastures’ owner Will Harris. His Bluffton, Georgia, farm was named a Savory Institute Training Hub in 2015, and now he is bringing a worldwide event called “Eat It, Wear It, Regenerate It: Igniting a Consumer Revolution” to Atlanta. On Friday, Nov. 4, Harris will host the Southeastern premiere of the Institute’s world broadcast and has assembled a team of top chefs to put the “dinner” in his dinner-and-a-movie evening. 

Chefs Kevin Gillespie and Andreas Müller (Gunshow and Revival), Tal Baum (Bellina Alimentari), Reid Harrison (White Oak Pastures), Terry Koval (Wrecking Bar Brewpub) and Jenn Robbins comprise the talented culinary team behind the food stations. Each chef will highlight a protein from White Oak Pastures for guests to enjoy while mingling, learning more from Harris about his farm’s regenerative farming methods and viewing the four short films. Beer will be provided by Second Self Beer Company. The 6-8 p.m. event takes place at The Shed at Ponce City Market. Purchase $35 tickets online (include food and two alcoholic beverages).

Ever Been to a 150th Anniversary Bash? Carpe Diem: White Oak Pastures 150th Anniversary Celebration is October 15

After 150 years of family farming, there’s no way to keep the anniversary party cooped up. On Saturday, October 15,White Oak Pastures is taking its 150^th Anniversary Celebration off the farm and into Bluffton to coincide with the grand opening of the White Oak Pastures General Store at 101 Church Street. When you’re hungry, buy lunch, supper or chef Reid’s surprise 150^th anniversary burger at the White Oak Pastures food truck and chase it down with wine or beer from the cash bar. Cap the day dancing to live music by the Bo Henry Band, an Albany, Georgia favorite. And that Southern Foodways Symposium we mentioned? Well, you can’t be in Oxford, Mississippi and Bluffton, Georgia at the same time, but you can watch the symposium on live stream in Bluffton. Free admission to all of these events. Farm cabins are available for overnight lodging or guests can opt to sleep under the stars and camp in a nearby field. More details on our blog, plus information on Sunday’s farm brunchin the White Oak Pastures Pavilion.

White Oak Pastures Plows through 150 Years with Anniversary Celebration and General Store Opening October 15

The Harris family has been down on the farm in Bluffton, Georgia for a century and a half. It’s time to party! White Oak Pastures is going large with a 150^th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 15. The free admission event starts with the 9 a.m. grand opening and 11:30 a.m. ribbon cutting for the White Oak Pastures General Store at 101 Church Street, Bluffton. Lunch, supper and chef Reid’s surprise 150^th anniversary signature burger will be available for purchase at the White Oak Pastures food truck. A cash bar will have plenty of wine and beer thirst quenchers. Cut the rug in downtown Bluffton dancing to the Bo Henry Band from Albany, Georgia, performing at the store from 6:30-10 p.m. As an added bonus, White Oak Pastures is excited to show exclusive, live streaming of the Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 111 Broad Street (Methodist church). On Sunday, October 16, head to the farm’s Pavilion for brunch, served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Buy brunch tickets online, $10 per person. 

Bantam + Biddy, Gunshow, Revival, White Oak Pastures Head to Wholesome Wave Georgia Southern Chefs Potluck at Serenbe September 11

Atlanta chefs are potluck pros. When top toques are in charge, all you have to do is show up…and show up hungry. Chef-driven dishes, spirited drinks, forks, spoons and plates are all provided at the Wholesome Wave Georgia Southern Chefs Potluck, spreading out over the grounds of the Inn at Serenbe from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, September 11. Andreas Müller of Revival as well as Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere of Bantam + Biddy are among the area’s top chefs preparing mouthwatering side dishes. White Oak Pastures’ own Jenni Harris will be on hand, along with Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, to provide a mighty amount of meat and main dishes for the family style meal. Mercedes O’Brien of Gunshow and other Atlanta mixologists will shake, stir and pour libations to go with a broad range of wines and craft beers. Feed on theseticket options: $150 for individuals, $300 VIP individual, $600 VIP ticket package or $1500 VIP overnight package (additional small service fee for all online purchases). Work off the meal by raising your paddle at a spirited live auction. The annual Southern Chefs Potluck, now in its seventh year, is the largest fundraiser of the year for Wholesome Wave Georgia. We ladle out more info on the Atlanta Dish blog.

Gather at Serenbe Southern Chefs Potluck for Food, Fellowship and Fundraising Benefitting Wholesome Wave Georgia September 11

The chefs do it all, from fixing sides to mains to desserts, and beverages are turned over to mixologists. Just buy tickets, and show up hungry, thirsty and ready to chow down at the seventh annual Southern Chefs Potluck for Wholesome Wave Georgia taking place from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, September 11, on the pastoral grounds of the Inn at Serenbe. Top Atlanta chefs, including Andreas Müller of Revival, share side dishes with guests at the family style event held under the Inn’s open-air pavilion. The chefs' creations will complement main dishes provided by White Oak Pastures and Jim N' Nicks Bar-B-Q. Mercedes O’Brien of Gunshow and other Atlanta mixologists will shake, stir and pour libations, along with wines and craft beers. New to the table of events this year is the VIP after party where chefs and VIP ticket holders will segue to one of Serenbe’s residential “Farmettes” for live music, cocktails and small bites from chefs not participating in the general Potluck. Buy tickets online: $150/individual; $300/VIP (one ticket for Potluck with VIP chef table seating and VIP after party); $600 VIP Package (VIP privileges above, for two); or VIP Overnight Package ($1500, VIP privileges for two plus one room for the night at the Inn at Serenbe). Additional online service fee added at checkout. The Potluck is one the biggest fundraising events of the year for Wholesome Wave Georgia, whose mission is to increase access to fresh, healthy and locally grown food for all Georgians. Money raised goes right back into the community, helping low-income families eat more healthily and providing income for Georgia farmers.

These Birds are Outstanding in Their Field and Flying to Atlanta Restaurants during Pastured Poultry Week, July 11-18

Imparting superior taste and nutrition, enjoying a humane, less stressful life and leaving a positive environmental footprint are a few of the outstanding characteristics of pastured poultry. Georgia’s fifth-annual Pastured Poultry Week, July 11-18, shines the spotlight on these happy, sustainably raised campers and their poultry prowess. Restaurants across the state are flocking to join in by featuring pastured poultry on their menus. Here in the metro area, wing it to Aria, Bellina Alimentari, Gunshow, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Seed Kitchen & Bar to gobble specialty dishes centered on pastured poultry.

Those hungry to learn more can attend the White Oak Pastures Pastured Poultry class at Bellina Alimentari on Monday, July 11. Bellina’s own chef Gizzy Barton will demo how to break down and cook a whole chicken during the 6:30-8 p.m. class. Buy tickets online. As they say, a pastured bird in the hand is, well, going to be delicious. 

Steady Spoons for Atlanta Food & Wine Festival June 2-5

Music lovers revel in Shaky Knees and Boots. Food and drink lovers, however, dare not jostle shaky spoons or glasses lest they waste coveted tastes of some of the South’s best bites and beverages at this year’s Atlanta Food & Wine Festival(AFWF). The 2016 festival spills out from Midtown June 2-5 and introduces a new Southern spring sport -- Friday Night Bites -- underneath big-top tents in Piedmont Park. For the first time, tasting tents will be open on Friday evening from 3:30-9:30 p.m. as well as on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Key tastemakers include Atlanta chefs Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Kevin Gillespie (Gunshow, Revival, Terminus City), Joey Ward (Gunshow), Matthew Ridgway (Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman) and Reid Harrison of White Oak Pastures. RJ Cooper of Midtown newcomer 5Church Atlanta is chomping to let attendees sample some of his dishes, too. The soon-to-open restaurant is located at 14th and Peachtree streets, pretty much at the AFWF epicenter. Buy Friday Night Bites tickets online and peruse the mouthwatering schedule of other day and class passes and ticket options.

Bald Eagles are a “Soar” Subject at White Oak Pastures Workshop January 16

That bald eagle in your pocket...the one on the quarter? Our national symbol of freedom and strength since 1782. The imprint doesn’t do it justice like seeing this awe-inspiring, majestic bird in action. Here’s your chance. On Saturday, January 16, zip to White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia for an enlightening indoor/outdoor bald eagle workshop led by two eagle experts, Jim Ozier and Brad Alexander. Bundle up for a 10 a.m.-noon farm tour to view these protected birds of prey in their natural habitat. The eagles are on their own for lunch, but workshop participants will dine in the Pavilion before nestling in for the afternoon’s educational workshop. $55 per person. Sign up online, designating CSA pick up to avoid shipping charges. Find more info nuggets on our blog -- and a connecting flight over to the White Oak Pastures eagle album. 

White Oak Pastures Adds Westside CSA Pick-Up Location

The farm just moved a little closer to the house for those on Atlanta’s Westside, thanks to White Oak Pastures. The USDA Certified Organic farm in Bluffton, Georgia is adding Doguroo as a second metro-area pick-up location for weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) deliveries and online farm store orders. Now CSA shareholders can gather their goods on Thursdays at Doguroo, located at 1456 Northside Drive, NW, from 1-7:30 p.m. and at East Atlanta Village Farmers Market from 4-8 p.m. White Oak Pastures adds freedom from shipping charges to its produce, meat and product freebie list of freedoms from GMOs, hormones, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides when shoppers specify delivery to these two locations. A limited number of CSA program memberships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up online to secure your spot.

What’s the Doguroo-White Oak Pastures connection? The West Midtown full-service dog care destination sells White Oak Pastures dehydrated duck and chicken gizzards and lamb and beef liver treats in its store, every day.

The (Bald) Eagles Have Landed at White Oak Pastures Workshop January 16

Sink your talons into an informative indoor/outdoor bald eagle workshop at White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia on Saturday, January 16 that’s flying high under guidance from Jim Ozier and Brad Alexander. Ozier, a retired program manager for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, has monitored bald eagles in our fair state for almost three decades. Alexander is a wildlife biologist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Swoop in for a 10 a.m.-noon farm tour and view these protected birds in their natural habitat. Reptiles, small mammals, fish, chickens -- whatever is handy -- are “fare” game for the regal predators. Workshop guests, however, will alight in the Pavilion for a delicious lunch before settling into the afternoon’s workshop. $55 per person. Sign up online; please choose CSA pick up as the shipping method to sidestep a ghost shipping charge. As this eagle album shows, the 75+ eagles at White Oak Pastures certainly aren’t camera shy.  

Take a Walk on the Savory Side with Will Harris and Savory Institute’s Allan Savory at White Oak Pastures December 12

Walk the walk while the Savory Institute’s Allan Savory and Georgia’s own Will Harris talk the talk about holistic land management at White Oak Pastures on Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m. Already a leader in sustainability practices, educational outreach and a provider of pasture-raised meats and organic produce, the Bluffton, Georgia farm is now a Southeastern U.S. regional Hub for the Savory Institute. Allan Savory also will speak at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia on Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m. Trek over to our blog for more details and tickets ($30 per person/event). 

Savory News: White Oak Pastures is a Regional Hub for Savory Institute, Hosts Allan Savory Talk and Farm Walk December 11-12

It’s official. White Oak Pastures is a Southeastern U.S. regional Hub for the Savory Institute, an international, U.S.-based non-profit committed to holistic land management. As part of the Savory Institute global network, Will Harris and his Bluffton, Georgia farm will continue to pursue holistic ecological, social and financial regeneration and share expertise with Southern ranchers and farmers through educational, training and consulting services. White Oak Pastures, a vertically integrated, multi-species 150-year-old family farm, is a living testimony to how holistic management practices can restore farmlands depleted by poor farming practices.

Several Hub educational opportunities are planned. On Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m., Allan Savory will speak at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia about decision-making tools that maximize profitability and quality of life while simultaneously building up the environment. Cover more ground on Saturday, December 12 during a 1 p.m. “White Oak Pastures Walk” field day with Will Harris and Allan Savory. Find details and buy event tickets here ($30 per person/event). 

Pastured Pooches? Zero Waste White Oak Pastures Turns Out Pet Treats and Chews

White Oak Pastures (WOP), the Bluffton, Georgia farm known for its closed-loop farming practices and zero-waste protocol, has developed a line of pet food and chews reflecting ancestral feeding habits of the pre-kibble era. To put it less delicately, the farm is turning animal blood, bones and eviscerate into pet chews and raw poultry grinds for dogs (coming soon for cats). Rawhide chews, tracheas, cow pizzles, marrow bones and rabbit feet are popular items. With support from The Whole Dog Market, WOP has recently introduced three varieties of raw meat blend, preservative-free pet supplements made from its pastured guinea fowl, duck and chicken. As with all of WOP’s products, pet chews and raw meat blends are made on premises and meet human food standards, including being Certified Humane, Certified Grassfed and Animal Welfare Approved. Purchase these pet products at the farm’s Bluffton store and online store, at Doguroo and The Whole Dog Market locations and at the East Atlanta Village and Peachtree Road farmers markets (chews only).  

Plow Your Way to White Oak Pastures’ Harvest Gathering October 17

Join the White Oak Pastures farm team and reap what they’ve sown, pretty darn close to where they planted it. The Bluffton, Georgia forecast calls for a Harvest Gathering on Saturday, October 17 during the afternoon and evening at Will Harris’ homestead. No picking (they’ve already done that), just grinning over the farm tour, music, tailgating games and a whole hog roast feast and fixings followed by a bonfire and s’mores. Cash bar for beer and wine. $10-$40 per person. Glean details on our blog; buy tickets at the White Oak Pastures online store.

Food, Fellowship and Fall Rendezvous at White Oak Pastures’ Harvest Gathering October 17

Celebrate the harvest season where the harvest is close at hand, down on the farm at White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia. Will Harris and his team are already planning Harvest Gathering activities for Saturday, October 17. Join them for a farm tour, music, tailgating games and a whole hog roast sided by farm-fresh fixings. Toast the harvest with beer and wine from the cash bar. Don’t eat and run, slow down and circle up around the bonfire to make s’mores after dinner. Opt in for a tour and dinner combo ($40), dinner only ($30) or just the tour ($10) when purchasing tickets through the White Oak Pastures online store.