Why Our Meat Chickens Are the Best Choice for Juicy and Flavorful Meat

Are there advantages to buying meat from a nearby farmer? Initially, it might not seem worthwhile since store-bought organic chicken is cheaper. But do you understand how that organic chicken was raised? Are you receiving the nutritional benefits that you are paying for? What sets farm-raised apart from commercially-raised white meat chickens in stores, and why does it matter? Despite being labeled as organic and free-range, I'll outline some significant differences between how we raise our birds and how commercial birds are raised.

No GMO's Used

Broiler Feed Mix

When it comes to raising commercially bred broilers, the feed they receive is determined by the contracting or paying company. These companies prioritize reducing the cost of raising the broilers to increase profits, often at the expense of the birds' health. Cheaper feeds may include soy or genetically modified grains.

At our farm, we place a strong emphasis on the quality of the feed we provide to our broilers. We firmly believe that a healthy body starts with a nutritious diet. We never include soy in our feed and exclusively source from local, GMO-free grains.

Our top priority is providing our broilers with the highest quality feed available.

Our Meat Chickens Are Raised On Grass

Regarding meat labeled as "organic," it's important to understand that this only guarantees the broiler was fed a certified organic diet and had access to the outdoors. However, this does not necessarily mean that the bird ventured outside. Many conventionally raised broilers are kept in warehouses with limited access to the outside, and there is no requirement for them to actually be outside. There is also no need for them to want to go outside when food and water are readily available inside. Broilers tend to be sedentary and may not move outside unless kept in a movable chicken tractor. There are also no regulations specifying the size of the outdoor area, which could be as small as a 1-foot square, and broilers kept inside the barn would still be considered organic and free-range. Additionally, these warehouses are typically only cleaned out once a year on average.

At Sunrise Hollow, we take a different approach. Our broilers are placed on fresh grass twice a day at three weeks old. Our grass is naturally managed

without pesticides or herbicides, which have been

linked to serious health concerns such as lymphoma, leukemia, kidney disease, breast cancer, and birth defects. We believe in keeping harmful chemicals off of our plates, and this sentiment is backed up by President Obama's Cancer Panel report from 2010, which definitively linked exposure to pesticides to various cancer types. Our farm practices regenerative farming to produce the cleanest food possible.

As Fresh As You Can Get

When buying chicken from stores, it often comes with a freeze-by or sell-by date but no processing date. It's important to know when the chicken was processed, what it was soaked in for preservation, and if it was thawed during transport. Although I'm not implying that store-bought chicken is spoiled, it's not as fresh as buying directly from a local farm. It also leaves too many questions unanswered.

Our broilers, on the other hand, are available for fresh at pickup on the same day as processing. We use halal butchering methods to ensure the meat is tender, and each broiler is wrapped in BPA/BPS-free wrap made in the USA to prevent freezer burn. We work with small quantities at a time, ensuring every package is handled safely and properly.

Raised Without Antibiotics

When it comes to commercial poultry farming, the main focus is on profits. As a result, broilers are often packed into overcrowded warehouses, leading to an increased risk of salmonella infection. To prevent deaths, antibiotics are routinely given to the broilers, which also helps them gain weight faster. However, this practice leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant viruses and bacteria. Shockingly, a clinical study found that almost one-third of meat and poultry samples were contaminated with antibiotic-resistant salmonella. Although cooking chicken to the proper temperature can kill salmonella, the risk remains.

Instead, our small farm is dedicated to providing a healthier and disease-free environment for our broilers. We practice pasture fortification, maintain sanitary conditions, and provide high-quality feed to ensure the best possible outcome. Our broilers are raised in a stress-free environment, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy product. When you buy from us, you're not only getting a superior product but also supporting a farm dedicated to preserving the environment through regenerative farming.

When it comes to buying food, the decision is ultimately yours. However, it's important to keep in mind that your health is directly affected by what you consume. Opting for healthy options will undoubtedly lead to a healthier lifestyle. It's true that our broilers may be pricier than those found in stores, but purchasing from us guarantees fresh, nutritious meat that will not only satisfy your hunger but provide your family with the necessary nourishment they need. Should you have any comments or inquiries, please don't hesitate to share them with us below. To stay up-to-date on the availability of our organic, pasture-raised broilers, sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook. Always look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions in the comments down below.