Russ Kremer

Known as the “Pope of Pork,” Russ Kremer is a fifth-generation diversified pork producer and a driving force in the movement for more sustainably-raised, antibiotic-free livestock. After a near-death experience with an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection Russ contracted from his pigs in 1989, he realized the dangers of conventional production methods and made immediate changes to his operation. Russ decided to start over and raise pigs the natural, old-fashioned way – free-roaming, pasture-raised and most importantly, without drugs. Russ leads a thriving 52-member Ozark Mountain Pork Cooperative, empowering producers to make similar sustainable conversions and profitably raise healthy pigs without antibiotics. He has cultivated influential relationships for his co-op’s brands Heritage Acres and Fork in the Road with major buyers including Whole Foods, Chipotle, Costco and La Quercia.

Russ is NRDC’s 2013 Growing Green Award winner in the Food Producer category.