You’ve heard the term “pasture-raised Chicken”.  It’s become a popular label in the poultry industry, often seen as a mark of ethical and sustainable farming practices. However, the reality behind the label can vary significantly, leading to confusion and misconceptions. In the grocery business, this is by design.  This blog post aims to clarify what “pasture-raised” chicken should mean and highlight the importance of daily rotation to fresh grass to ensure the highest welfare and environmental standards.

The True Definition of “Pasture-Raised” Chicken

At its core, “pasture-raised” means that chickens are raised and rotated on pasture where they can forage for a significant portion of their diet.

This practice allows chickens to engage in natural behaviors such as pecking, scratching, and hunting for insects. The benefits of this approach are manifold, extending from animal welfare to environmental sustainability and, ultimately, to the quality of the product.

A mobile chicken schooner at Tyner Pond Farm, designed to protect our meat chickens from predators while allowing them to access fresh pasture daily

The Importance of Daily Rotation

To be genuinely pasture-raised, chickens must be moved to fresh grass at least daily. This practice, known as rotational grazing, is essential for several reasons:

1. Animal Health and Welfare: Frequent movement to new pastures ensures that chickens have constant access to fresh forage and clean ground. This reduces the risk of diseases that can thrive in static, heavily used areas. It also keeps the birds active and stimulated, promoting their physical and mental well-being.
2. Environmental Security: Rotational grazing helps maintain the health of the pasture. By moving chickens regularly, farmers prevent overgrazing, which can lead to soil erosion and loss of plant diversity. Instead, this practice encourages the growth of diverse plant species, improving soil health and sequestering carbon.
3. Product Quality: Chickens that are rotated frequently and have access to fresh pasture produce eggs and meat of much higher quality. The varied diet of grasses and insects contributes to better nutrition, richer flavors, and higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.

The Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Chickens

Pasture-raised chickens offer many health benefits, both for the chickens themselves and for you:

• No Need for Antibiotics or Vaccines: In conventional poultry farming, crowded and unsanitary conditions require the use of antibiotics and vaccines to prevent disease outbreaks. However, true pasture-raised chickens, given daily access to clean, fresh pasture and the ability to express natural behaviors, have robust immune systems and are less prone to disease. This eliminates the need for antibiotics and vaccines, resulting in healthier birds and reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Nutrient-Dense Chicken: The diverse diet available in pastures—rich in grasses, insects, and other natural forages—translates into eggs and meat that are higher in essential nutrients. Pasture-raised chicken products typically contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants compared to those from conventionally raised chickens. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and supporting overall health.
• Lower Risk of Contaminants: The natural and varied diet of pasture-raised chickens reduces the likelihood of harmful contaminants, such as pesticides and chemical residues, that are often found in feed given to conventionally raised chickens. This contributes to safer and cleaner food for consumers.

Pasture-raised meat birds at Tyner Pond Farm enjoying fresh grass

Greenwashing in the Chicken Industry

Despite the clear advantages of true pasture-raised farming, the term has been subject to significant greenwashing. Greenwashing is the practice of companies misleading consumers about the environmental and ethical benefits of their products. In the case of “pasture-raised” poultry, some of the largest grocery store brands use the label without adhering to the rigorous standards that it implies.

Many of these brands keep their chickens in large, stationary enclosures with limited access to the outdoors. While the birds might technically have access to real earth, they are often confined to the same area, leading to overgrazed and barren ground. This practice undermines the principles of rotational grazing and fails to deliver the benefits associated with true pasture-raised farming.

How to Identify Real Pasture-Raised Chicken

You are looking to make informed choices so it’s crucial to understand how to identify genuinely pasture-raised products. Here are some tips:

1. Look for Transparency: Trustworthy farms and brands will provide detailed information about their farming practices.

They should clearly state that their birds are moved to fresh pasture daily and explain their rotational grazing methods.

1. Visit Local Farms: Whenever possible, visit local farms to see their practices firsthand. This not only allows you to verify our claims but also supports local agriculture and fosters a closer connection to your food sources.
2. Ask Questions: You shouldn’t  hesitate to ask questions of your local farmers. Inquire about how often the birds are rotated and what their diet consists of.
3. Check for Certifications: While not all certifications guarantee true pasture-raised practices, some, like the American Pasture Poultry Producers Association (APPPA), have stricter requirements that can help guide your choices. (Tyner Pond has this certification)

Tyner Pond Farm’s Commitment to Pasture-Raised Principles

At Tyner Pond Farm, we take pride in adhering to the highest standards of pasture-raised farming. Our chickens are moved to fresh grass daily, ensuring they receive the full benefits of rotational grazing. This commitment not only promotes the health and happiness of our birds but also supports the health of our pastures and the quality of our products.

We understand the importance of transparency and strive to provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions. By choosing truly pasture-raised chicken, you are supporting farming practices that prioritize animal welfare, environmental sustainability, food sovereignty and superior product quality.

Eggs being hand-washed at Tyner Pond Farm’s egg washing station. 

Understanding what “pasture-raised chicken” truly means is essential for making informed choices about the food you eat.  By recognizing the importance of daily rotation to fresh grass and being aware of greenwashing practices, you can support genuinely ethical and sustainable farming. At Tyner Pond Farm, we are dedicated to upholding the true principles of pasture-raised farming, ensuring the best for our animals, our environment, and our customers.

This blog post is not only intended to inform and educate you, but also to build our credibility at Tyner Pond Farm. We invite you to join us in supporting truly pasture-raised poultry and making a positive impact on our food system.