What is pasture-raised poultry? Pasture-raised poultry in its simplest form means poultry raised on grass. You may have heard of it or maybe this idea is new to you.
Why raise chickens, turkeys, ducks or any poultry in this manner? Hasn't poultry been raised in large building with no exposure to the outdoors for decades? Yes, that is the way things have been done…but is it the correct way to raise poultry?
Pasture-raised or pastured poultry is not new, but it is something new to the modern market. Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about meat production. People are wondering if a chicken can really do things a chicken was designed to do if it is crowded in a confinement house with thousands of other chickens.
Chickens and all poultry were designed by God to exercise by scratching, digging and chasing bugs. To be healthy they need this exercise plus plenty of fresh air, sunshine, green grass and protein such as bugs or grains.
In the pastured poultry model chickens are rotated to a fresh section of pasture every day. This is not only good for the bird, it is good for the soil. Chickens consume grass and bugs and deposit them right back into the soil. Manure is no longer a problem, but an asset which builds soil health and wildlife ecology.
Most pastured poultry flocks are smaller in size so they receive higher quality care and healthier feed rations. Medications are not needed because of the cleaner growing conditions.
What about the taste? The texture is firmer because of the exercise. The meat has a great taste with a fuller, richer flavor than conventionally raised poultry.
Are there any nutritional benefits?
Higher in iron
Higher in Omega 3
Lower Omega 6:3 ratio
Higher in antioxidants (Vitamin E, for example) [1]
A bonus to pasture-raised poultry that is rarely considered is the local farmers and their families who raise this special product. These people are not part of big corporations. They are active members of the local community who also support local businesses. When you support a local farmer, you are helping to put money back into the local community. It's a beautiful cycle that many Americans no longer give thought to.
Thank you to each and every person who has purchased our pasture-raised poultry over the years. You support us and our mission of regenerative agriculture, giving back to the soil that has given us so much. We love providing your families with the best food we are able to grow for your health and future.
Thank you!