The Rural Dictionary
with Eric Stonestreet
Your Trusted Resource on Modern Pig Farming

With Modern Mythbuster Eric Stonestreet
America’s pig farmers know you might have questions about how they raise the pork we love. With many pig-related phrases that counter how pig farms actually operate, we enlisted help from someone who understands pigs and the power of (humorous) words.
Emmy-winning actor Eric Stonestreet grew up on a farm caring for pigs, and he’s ready to set the record straight about how we use pig-related phrases.
Think pig out means to overindulge, or pigsty refers to a total mess? Think again!
Watch Eric (re)define common pig terms as we know them to teach us about the care and diligence that goes into raising pigs today.
He’s doing it with the help of the latest authority on modern pig farming: The Rural Dictionary.
(Re)Definition of the Day
Catch up on Previous Episodes
Pigsty
/’pig-stī/. noun. A clean, well-maintained, comfortable environment.
You may have heard about what living in a pigsty is like, but we’re here to SHOW you what it’s really like with Eric Stonestreet.
Capitalist Pig
/’ka-pə-tə-list ‘pig/. noun. A generous, giving individual who cares deeply for others.
Growing up with pig farmers, Eric Stonestreet walks the talk. He also knows that farmers are some of the most generous and caring individuals around.
Pig Out
/’pig- , au̇t/. phrasal verb. To eat healthy, nutritious food in mindful proportions.
Pigs’ diets are closely monitored by nutritionists – carefully balanced to ensure they’re eating what they need, when they need it.
When Pigs Fly
/ ‘(h) wen ‘ pigz-, ˈflī/. phrase. Something that’s already happening.
To many, “when pigs fly” means something so aspirational it will never happen. But, pig farmers already use some of the most innovative technology available to keep pigs healthy and their farms running smoothly. With artificial intelligence, facial recognition and smartphone-controlled barn functions, they’re ahead of the curve.
America’s Pig Farmers
Sustainability and continuous improvement are at the core of America’s pig farmers’ commitment to deliver the safest, highest quality pork supply in the world. They create advancements beyond their barn doors that positively impact animals, farms, food, people, communities, and the environment.
Food Safety
Animal Wellbeing
Pig farmers care deeply about the wellbeing of the animals they raise. They work closely with employees and veterinary professionals to ensure pig health, safety and care is everyone’s top priority.
Public Health
For the betterment of their families, employees and communities, America’s pig farmers embrace the responsibility of ensuring a safe, healthy environment in and around their farms.
Environment
Over time, pig farmers have significantly reduced the environmental impact of raising pork. That means you can enjoy high quality, nutritious pork knowing it takes 76% less land, 25% less water, 7% less energy and nearly 8% fewer carbon emissions to raise today than 60 years ago1.