The recent Pigs Fly 5K race in Edgerton raised more than $2,000 to support the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, which awards scholarships and grants to young farmers.
While no flying pigs participated in the event, 40 people competed in the race.
The event is an activity that residents in the area look forward to for the competition, the camaraderie, the opportunity to help a great organization, and the chance to enjoy nature at its finest at Pastivina Acres Farm on Little Platte Road in Edgerton.
The course is a 3.1 mile cross-country style, beautiful, single-loop trail that winds through more than 50 acres of blooming wildflowers.
Runners and people who walk the trail have the opportunity to spot wildlife, pollinators, and even some friendly pigs along the 5-kilometer trail that is completely contained on Pastvina Acres Farm.
The race is a self-timed, self-supported, zero-waste event. Water stations were available along the route and participants were asked to bring their own bottles to help reduce waste.
All participants received a T-shirt designed by Aaron Borrowman, and goodie bag, which included a pack of Niman Ranch bacon to take home, along with JBF best bakery winner, Yoli Tortilleria tortillas. Race winners also received home flower pressings donated by Wildbloom Art Company.
For participants, the best part of the Pigs Fly 5k race is that all proceeds from the event go to support the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, which provides college and trade school scholarships for Niman Ranch farm families, as well as material support for young farmers, and farmers who are just beginning their farming careers.
Niman Ranch raises livestock traditionally, humanely and sustainably and is grateful for the support of the 600-plus family farmers and ranchers who help with strengthening the foundation.
Niman Ranch, which began in the early 1970s, is a community of independent family farmers and ranchers who raise pork, beef, and lamb traditionally, humanely, and sustainably, with all-natural feeds. Niman Ranch is the largest farmer and rancher network in North America to be “Certified Humane” and their meat is antibiotic and hormone free.
Whether farmers are raising hogs, cattle, or lamb, they all share Niman Ranch’s commitment to raising livestock under strict protocols and the belief that humane and sustainable methods produce the best possible flavor.
Their many years in the industry have provided them with the expertise to produce great tasting meat, authentically and consciously, by caring for their animals, the land, and their farmers.
This is the second annual Pigs Fly 5k run. The registration for the race was $25 for the 5k run/walk.
The winner of the race for the men’s division was Luke Termorshuizen, who set the course record in 2022 and broke it by 40 seconds this year with a total time of 18.09.
The top runner among women was Margaret Chamas, who is a goat farmer who lives near Pastvina Acres Farm.
“It was a beautiful morning,” Alicia LaPorte, Niman Ranch Communication Director and Executive Director of the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, said. “The pollinator habitat was in full bloom with Black Eyed Susans, coreopsis, and several species of milk weed. There were baby wood ducks in the pond and deer out in the flower fields.”
The Little Platte River Band kicked off the race day with a Jimi Hendrix style National Anthem right outside the hog hoop barn. “The pigs were a little leery at first but then the curiosity got the better of them and they enjoyed the tunes and the entertainment,” LaPorte said. “Tremendous thanks to the race sponsors: Niman Ranch, Heritage Tractor/John Deere, Lewis Hybrids, Robert’s Ag Service, Platte County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA NRCS, Yoli Tortilleria, and Wildbloom Art Company.”
For more information on the foundation or to donate, go to.nimanranchfoundation.org.