Client Spotlight: Pure Country Farms

In the heart of Washington’s Columbia Basin, just outside Ephrata, Pure Country Farms is redefining what it means to run a family farm in the 21st century. Founded nearly five decades ago by Paul Klingeman Sr., the farm has grown from a traditional pig operation into a multi-generational example of sustainable, ethical, and transparent agriculture. Today, Paul Sr.’s son, Paul Jr., partners Karrie and Melissa, and grandsons—Barrett, Nate, and Rowdy—work side by side to carry forward a vision rooted in respect: for the land, the animals, and the people they serve.

A Never‑Ever Philosophy

Paul Sr and grandson Nate checking in on their pigs.

Pure Country Farms holds itself to uncompromising standards—never using antibiotics, added hormones, growth stimulants, or animal by-products. This commitment spans both their pork and beef production, ensuring that every animal is raised in a free-range, pasture-forward environment. Their “Never‑Ever” pledge represents a level of quality and purity that has become increasingly rare in industrial meat production.

Pigs are raised in spacious hoop houses with constant access to fresh water, clean bedding, and non-GMO grains milled on-site. Meanwhile, cattle spend their days grazing on more than 100 acres of rotational pasture, drawing nourishment directly from the land before being grain-finished at the farm with certified non-GMO feed. This balanced approach supports animal health, environmental stewardship, and exceptional flavor.

But Pure Country didn’t stop at ethical practices—they set out to lead. In 2007, they became the first sustainable hog operation in the United States to earn Food Alliance certification and soon followed with Non-GMO Project verification. These third-party credentials reflect their integrity and offer customers peace of mind that their food is produced with care for animals, people, and the planet.

“Working with Food Alliance affirms the values our family has upheld for generations. Their certification helps us communicate our commitments clearly to customers who care about how their food is raised,” says Pure Country owner Karrie Klingeman. 

In 2015, the farm took another significant step by acquiring a USDA-inspected processing facility in nearby Moses Lake. This move brought the entire production process under one roof, providing full oversight of quality, food safety, traceability, and care from start to finish.

Proud to Partner

Pure Country Farms exemplifies the values that define Food Alliance: ethical animal treatment, stewardship of the land, transparent supply chains, and rigorous, verifiable standards. “Their story demonstrates that small, family-run farms can lead the way toward a more responsible and resilient food system,” says Shaila Cook, Food Alliance Certification Program Director.

By sharing their story, Food Alliance encourages consumers to support producers who prioritize integrity and flavor in equal measure. Pure Country Farms offers a compelling vision for the future of agriculture—one where every step of the process is guided by care, and every cut of meat reflects a deep commitment to doing what’s right.