Doug Metzger Obituary, Member Of Heritage Foods USA Has Died

Doug Metzger Obituary, Death- “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doug Metzger, a revered founding farmer for Heritage Foods. Doug’s journey with us began in 2003, only our second year in business, when he embarked on raising heritage turkeys. Over the course of 15 years, he, along with his devoted wife Betty and the Good Shepherd Ranch team, continued to nurture rare and cherished fowl.

Doug’s passion for heritage breed poultry can be traced back to the 1940s when he, alongside his father, took the first steps into this world. His father, who lived to the remarkable age of 104, once found his name etched in history as Life Magazine acknowledged him for having more living descendants than any other American. This legacy of family and farming ran deep in Doug’s veins.

Doug’s legacy extended beyond turkeys. He was one of the first two farmers to raise heritage breed pigs for our growing wholesale and mail order program. His commitment to purebred Berkshires and Tamworths made him a pioneer of the heritage breed movement in the United States. He introduced us to Paradise Locker Meats in 2005, which quickly became the nation’s foremost processor for heritage breeds. Doug was not just a farmer; he was a storyteller and a connector of people.

Doug possessed a keen awareness of the ever-evolving agricultural landscape, adapting his diversified 1500-acre farm to the times. He firmly believed that chemicals were not a necessity in farming, emphasizing the ingenuity of good farmers in finding alternatives. His wisdom transcended mere farming; he was a guardian of agricultural secrets, successfully cultivating a wide array of foods.

As a pivotal pig supplier for Heritage Foods, Doug extended us the vital credit that enabled our business to take root and thrive. Without his generosity and vision, our company would not be what it is today.

Doug Metzger’s legacy lives on in the fields he cultivated, the stories he shared, and the connections he fostered. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and express our gratitude for his immense contributions to our mission and to the wider world of sustainable farming.”

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