Las Vegas Livestock: Community-based Solution to Organic Waste

Fresh Growth

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Sarah Stallard is a 7th generation farmer who came to work with her uncles on a new farm near Las Vegas Nevada raising hogs. The farm is in partnership with the local waste and recycling company Republic Services. They lease the land from Republic Services and use food waste to feed the hogs.

She says the partnership was formed “to help find a solution to organic waste." The family had always fed food scraps as pigs “are not picky about what food scraps” they eat.

Sarah describes the process of collecting, sorting, and feeding tons of mixed rations from casino kitchens and buffets, facilities such as an ice cream factory, and grocery stores.

What the farm produces is marketed locally, and they do face challenges due to the lack of an USDA processing plant for meat in Nevada. The family’s dream is to “complete the circle” through having their locally produced food offered in the casinos.

She also describes how the hogs are housed and raised sustainably and humanely.

There is a lot of attention paid to what they are doing to reduce food waste, and they are “willing to help and network with other farmers,” including hosting many tours.

About this work, Sarah says, “I can feel really good about what I’m doing; it’s good to know that I’m making a difference daily.”

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