Robin's Nest from American Humane

Episode: Family Values in Farming: A Conversation with Coleman All Natural Meats
Host: Dr. Robin Ganzert
Guest: Mel Coleman Jr.
Release Date: April 7, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Robin's Nest, host Dr. Robin Ganzert welcomes Mel Coleman Jr., a stalwart in humane animal farming practices and the co-founder of Coleman Natural Foods. With a legacy spanning nearly 150 years, Coleman Natural Foods exemplifies responsible farming through their commitment to crate-free pork raised without antibiotics. The conversation delves into Mel's personal journey, the family's enduring traditions, and their impactful initiatives aimed at fostering a more humane future for animals and consumers alike.

Legacy and Family History of Coleman All Natural Meats

00:01 – 06:05

Mel Coleman Jr. opens up about the rich history of Coleman Natural Foods, tracing back to their ranching beginnings in 1875, predating Colorado's statehood by a year. This longstanding tradition underscores the family's deep-rooted values in animal welfare.

• Mel Coleman Jr. shares, “We started ranching in 1875, so it was a year before Colorado became a state.” [01:14]

Dr. Robin Ganzert highlights the parallel founding years of Coleman Natural Foods and American Humane, emphasizing the intertwined legacies that champion humane treatment of animals.

• Robin: “When I think about, you know, the founding of Coleman, I think the founding also of American Humane because we're right there at the same time.” [01:22]

Commitment to Animal Welfare

06:05 – 14:54

Mel recounts how a pivotal family dinner in the late 1970s steered the company towards antibiotic-free and hormone-free farming practices. Faced with low cattle markets and high interest rates, the Colemans pivoted to cater to a growing consumer demand for natural beef, leading to the establishment of standards that prioritized animal welfare over mere efficiency.

• Mel: “We just had to say, you know, this is what we do, this is how we do it.” [05:21]

A significant moment in their journey was collaborating with Dr. Temple Grandin in the mid-80s to enhance animal welfare practices across their operations, ensuring humane handling from ranching to processing.

• Mel: “We started working with Temple Grandin... what we were doing at processing plants and also at feedlots or where animals are fed, that we were and trucked and handled, that we were doing things in the right way.” [12:43]

American Humane Certification and Consumer Trust

09:42 – 16:20

Coleman Natural Foods pioneered a crate-free program, rejecting the use of restrictive crates that limit animal movement. This initiative not only improved animal welfare but also set a new industry standard verified by American Humane certification.

• Mel: “We were one of the first ones to use a crate free program. In other words, give hogs more space so that they can move around more naturally, they can nurse the piglets and that kind of thing.” [10:09]

Dr. Ganzert underscores the importance of transparency and third-party certification in building consumer trust. The American Humane logo on packaging serves as a tangible assurance of humane practices, linking consumers directly to detailed standards available online.

• Robin: “...every standard that we hold, the American Humane certified farms and ranches to, are all available online... which goes a long way in assuring consumers have that trust that those animals are well taken care of.” [11:38]

Support for Veterans and Pups for Patriots Program

14:54 – 20:18

A heartfelt segment of the episode focuses on Coleman Natural Foods' support for the Pups for Patriots service dog program. Mel shares personal connections to military service and the profound impact these dogs have on veterans' lives.

• Mel: “The Pups for Patriot program really helps a lot of these vets that come back that have really traumatically been affected by some of the things that they experienced.” [17:10]

Dr. Robin Ganzert highlights the tangible difference made by the program, sharing a poignant story of a veteran regaining his driver's license with the assistance of a service dog.

• Robin: “...she writes how much she loves the dog, but she really wanted me to know that we... gave her her daddy back by sponsoring that service dog for that wounded warrior.” [19:10]

Future Outlook and Industry Impact

20:18 – 24:27

Looking ahead, Mel expresses enthusiasm for expanding their support for veterans and aims to reach a million-dollar milestone in contributions to the Pups for Patriots program.

• Mel: “We're going to make that million dollar mark. We're not a big company. So it's something that I'm excited about...” [23:26]

He also discusses the broader industry impact, noting a positive shift as more companies adopt humane practices inspired by pioneers like Coleman Natural Foods. This collective movement towards better animal welfare practices signifies a transformative era in agriculture.

• Mel: “...some of the big commodity companies that are starting to adopt sounder and better animal welfare practices, that's what's important.” [22:07]

Dr. Ganzert echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the critical role of American farmers and ranchers in maintaining a safe, affordable, and ethical food supply.

• Robin: “America does that best because of our farmers and ranchers. And I certainly love the way that Coleman All Natural Beats has really led the way with innovation and a commitment to animal welfare...” [22:33]

Conclusion

In closing, Dr. Robin Ganzert commends Mel Coleman Jr. for his unwavering dedication to animal welfare, ethical farming, and support for veterans. The episode encapsulates how generational values and forward-thinking practices can lead to meaningful change in agriculture and beyond.

• Robin: “You've been a great supporter for animals. You've been a great voice for animals... thank you for what you do, Mel...” [24:27]

Mel responds with heartfelt gratitude, reaffirming their commitment to doing the right thing and supporting impactful programs.

• Mel: “...if you Google American Humane or you go onto your website, what they'll also recognize that you're not only involved with livestock on ranches, but everywhere...” [15:52]

Key Takeaways

• Heritage and Values: Coleman Natural Foods’ nearly 150-year legacy is built on humane animal treatment and ethical farming practices.
• Innovative Practices: Pioneering crate-free farming and antibiotic-free pork production set industry standards.
• Consumer Trust: American Humane certification and transparent standards foster consumer loyalty and trust.
• Community Support: Significant contributions to veterans through the Pups for Patriots program demonstrate corporate social responsibility.
• Future Impact: Continued advocacy and industry influence aim to enhance animal welfare on a broader scale.

Notable Quotes

• Mel Coleman Jr.: “We started ranching in 1875, so it was a year before Colorado became a state.” [01:14]
• Mel Coleman Jr.: “We just had to say, you know, this is what we do, this is how we do it.” [05:21]
• Mel Coleman Jr.: “We were one of the first ones to use a crate free program...” [10:09]
• Robin Ganzert: “...every standard that we hold, the American Humane certified farms and ranches to, are all available online...” [11:38]
• Mel Coleman Jr.: “The Pups for Patriot program really helps a lot of these vets...” [17:10]
• Robin Ganzert: “America does that best because of our farmers and ranchers...” [22:33]

This episode of Robin's Nest provides a comprehensive look into the intersection of tradition, innovation, and ethical responsibility in modern farming. Mel Coleman Jr.'s insights offer valuable lessons on building a sustainable and humane agricultural legacy that benefits animals, consumers, and the broader community.