Clear Creek Organic Farm: Exceptional Pasture-Raised Pork

When you think of pasture-raised pork, what comes to mind? For many, it's pigs with access to the outdoors. But at Clear Creek Organic Farm, pasture-raised pork takes on an entirely new meaning, one that encompasses sustainable farming practices, animal husbandry, and a dedication to producing the highest quality pork possible.

A Holistic Approach to Pasture-Raised Pork

Clear Creek Organic Farm isn't just a pork producer, it's a comprehensive ecosystem where sustainable agriculture practices create exceptional pasture-raised pork. Located three hours west of Omaha, this 1300-acre family farm stands in stark contrast to the industrial farming landscape that dominates the region.

After driving through thousands of acres of conventional corn and soy fields, turning onto 499th Ave reveals a different world. The monoculture gives way to lush greenery, rolling hills, and the natural beauty of Clear Creek, where Robert "Bob" Bernt and his family have established a model for what pasture-raised pork production should be. 

A Family-Run Operation

What sets Clear Creek's pasture-raised pork apart begins with the people behind it. Bob Bernt – easily recognized by his Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, and belt buckle proudly declaring "Father of 12" – has created a true family farm where each child plays an essential role in the operation.

This isn't corporate farming; it's generational stewardship. The Bernt family has maintained this land since acquiring it through the Homestead Act of 1862, fighting to preserve their sustainable approach to raising pasture-raised pork and other farm products against the pressures of industrial agriculture. Bob speaks of himself as an artisan and someone always trying to perfect his craft, whether it be dairy or hogs.

Integrated Farming 

What makes Clear Creek's pasture-raised pork truly exceptional is their integrated farming approach. The farm doesn't just raise hogs – it's also a dairy operation producing raw cheese, butter, and ice cream from jersey cows.

The magic happens in the connection between these operations. When making cheese, whey is left as a byproduct – but at Clear Creek, nothing goes to waste. This nutrient-rich liquid becomes a key component in feeding their pasture-raised pork, promoting better digestion, muscle development, and intermuscular marbling that creates the exceptional flavor profile their pork is known for.

Freedom to Roam and Forage

Unlike conventional operations where pigs are confined to small spaces, Clear Creek's pasture-raised pork comes from animals with acres to explore. The finishing pen offers a glimpse of happy hogs enjoying a special diet of whey, oats, and peas – all grown on their property without chemicals or GMOs.

The true differentiator comes in the heavily wooded areas and expansive paddocks where sows and piglets roam freely across seven to ten acres. These pasture-raised pork animals aren't just "outside" – they're actively foraging in their natural environment, enjoying sunshine, fresh air, and the freedom to express their natural behaviors.

Bob showed us the perfect example of this freedom when calling out "COME PIG, COME PIG!" The animals weren't immediately visible because they were scattered throughout their spacious domain, a testament to the authenticity of this pasture-raised pork operation.

Environmental Benefits of True Pasture-Raised Pork

The environmental contrast between Clear Creek and industrial hog operations couldn't be more clear. There are no toxic runoff ponds or awful "feedlot" smells – just clean air and fresh, flowing creeks. This pasture-raised pork production model works in harmony with nature rather than against it.

By allowing hogs to spread naturally across the land, the Bernts avoid the concentration of waste that creates environmental hazards in conventional operations. Their pasture-raised pork represents a return to farming methods that respect natural cycles and ecological balance.

After spending a day at Clear Creek Organic Farm, it's impossible not to gain a newfound appreciation for truly pasture-raised pork. The care, commitment, and sustainable methods employed by the Bernt family create a product that's not just delicious but also clean, humane, and environmentally responsible.

When you choose pasture-raised pork from operations like Clear Creek, you're supporting farming practices that honor both the animals and the land. You're investing in a healthier product for your family while helping preserve a way of life that has sustained our country for centuries – the humble family farm.

In a world where industrial agriculture dominates, Clear Creek Organic Farm stands as a testament to what pasture-raised pork can and should be – the "Yellowstone of Nebraska" in agricultural form, where tradition and respect for nature create truly exceptional food.