Farmers that raise Pastured Poultry for Harvest Moon Food pride themselves in growing them on grass. The result is that a pastured chicken far surpasses any factory farmed birds. The flavor of these birds grown in the fresh air and sunshine will leave you to wonder what you have been eating up until now. Pastured Poultry is seasonal and generally only available in the late fall/early winter, every year. Pre-booking is suggested.

“Pastured poultry” is the term coined by a group of farmers who would like to abandon the mass produced factory farm system. We believe in raising our chickens, turkeys and other poultry on lush, fresh growing grasses and legumes in an environment that allows these fantastic efficient birds to express their unique characteristics such as scratching, foraging and hunting for insects. Besides providing us with a GREAT tasting, environmentally balanced and socially responsible product these birds also help us to be better farmers by fertilizing our pastures responsibly and helping us control weeds and insect pests without the use of hazardous chemicals.

“Pastured poultry” are typically provided shelters in which they are protected from extreme weather and hungry predators, these shelters are moved often usually at least once per day which ensures a clean area on which to dine under the great blue Prairie sky in fresh air and natural sunlight. Along with their fresh greens and other pasture treats the birds also get a diet of local grains that depending on the farm may include peas, barley, non-GM corn, wheat, hemp meal, flax, oats and some soy meal.
The taste of chicken and turkey is dependant on:

1.    Breed – most chickens and turkeys raised today are Cornish crosses and Broad Breasted White turkeys. We are also using these breeds but continue to experiment with slower growing heritage breeds which are increasingly rare but are more flavorful and important for preserving genetic diversity.

2.    Age – you might be surprised that your average grocery bought bird is only 39 or 42 days old! This is accomplished through intensive feeding, lighting programs and the use of sub-therapeutic antibiotic use – “Pastured poultry” farmers DO NOT follow any of these practices and we raise our birds longer so they get the chance to build more complex muscle fibers for a firm, flavorful and healthy meal!

3.    Feed – We don’t use intensive feeding programs and we certainly DO NOT use any antibiotics in our feed!

These birds are seriously tasty and sell out fast year after year. It is a taste which is worlds apart from the grocery bought factory farmed birds which many people can attest to.

We hope you will try one…you won’t be disappointed.

What you get:
•    Healthy chicken and turkey raised on family farms by farmers who care about the food you eat!
•    Chicken and turkey raised under big blue prairie sky on lush pastures with natural sunlight and fresh air!
•    Chickens and turkeys that are encouraged to display their natural behavior in a low stress environment.
•    Meat that is healthy, firm and flavorful with its own unique taste and texture.
•    Poultry that is raised in an environmentally conscious way in a system designed to promote environmental health which we believe is linked to our own health.
•    Chicken and turkey that rewards farmers for taking care of their animals and their land.

What you won’t get:
•    Pale, soft meat that lacks taste or texture.
•    Chicken and turkey that is raised in factory styled industrial barns.
•    Chicken and turkey fed antibiotics under euphemistic terms like “antimicrobials” or “coccidiostats”.
•    Chickens and turkeys that are crowded into high stress, fast paced surroundings that reward mass production and lax regard for the environment or animal welfare.