Mmm, bacon: manna to Homer Simpson and the downfall of many a well-meaning vegetarian. But not all strips are created (or raised and butchered) equally, as you’ll learn this September — by becoming a “student” at Newman Ranch University. Participants in the three-day event get up close and personal with every aspect of sustainable animal husbandry on a Heritage Berkshire Pork farm in Southern Missouri. Sign up soon: Chef "professors" such as Del Posto’s Mark Ladner and The Tasting Room’s Colin Alevras add to the once in a lifetime curriculum, as do electives like bluegrass music, hearty feasts, and swimming in the Ozarks.

Runs Sept. 26-28. For more information, go to heritagefoodsusa.com.

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