As we move past 50, nutrition starts to feel a lot more personal. It’s not just about eating to get through the day—it’s about fueling our bodies to live well, for as long as possible. Now that I’m 64, I’ve learned just how much of a difference the right foods can make. And as a farmer who started this journey at 50, I’m grateful every day to have discovered the real differences between true pasture-raised meats and what’s found in the grocery store.

For me, raising chickens on pasture is about more than just providing food for others. It’s about eating better myself and offering a product I know is good for health, longevity, and quality of life.

Nutrition begins in the soil, and when chickens are raised outdoors on pasture, the result is meat that’s naturally packed with the nutrients we need as we age.

Nutrition Starts in the Soil

The more I’ve learned about farming, the more I’ve come to appreciate how everything—our food, our health, and even our energy—starts with the soil. Healthy soil is alive with microbes, minerals, and organic matter, forming the foundation for nutrient-dense food. Pasture-raised chickens are part of this cycle, foraging on grass, insects, and soil organisms to absorb the diverse nutrients they pass on to us.

Contrast this with industrially raised chickens, confined indoors and fed grain grown on chemically treated, depleted soils. The nutrients are simply not there. That’s why industrial chicken can’t compare to pasture-raised chicken when it comes to the quality of what it offers our bodies.

The Nutritional Edge of Pasture-Raised Chicken

Here’s why the way we raise our chickens matters, especially for people 50 and over:

Protein to Stay Strong

Protein is essential for maintaining strength and supporting our bodies as we age. Pasture-raised chicken provides high-quality protein, naturally packaged with the nutrients needed to fuel activity and help us recover from the day-to-day demands of life.

Omega-3s for Heart and Joint Health

Pasture-raised chicken has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. These healthy fats are critical for maintaining mobility and overall well-being.

Vitamin B12 for Energy and Clarity

By the time we hit 50, absorbing B12 from food becomes harder. What sets pasture-raised chicken apart is the bioavailability of its B12. Unlike supplements, which isolate nutrients in less absorbable forms, the B12 in pasture-raised chicken is natural and easily processed by the body. This gives me confidence that I’m supporting my energy and clarity with every meal.

Iron for Vitality

Iron is vital for carrying oxygen through the blood, helping us avoid fatigue and maintain stamina. Pasture-raised chicken provides heme iron, the form your body absorbs most efficiently, making it an excellent choice for staying energized.

Vitamin A for Immune Support and Vision

Pasture-raised chickens forage on grass rich in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in their meat. This helps support immune function and vision—two things I pay a lot more attention to now than I did in my 30s.

Choline for Brain and Liver Health

Choline is another nutrient that’s often overlooked but plays a big role in brain and liver function. Pasture-raised chicken provides a natural source of choline, which I rely on to support cognitive clarity and overall resilience.

Collagen for Joint and Skin Health

I always make broth from our chicken bones. It’s rich in collagen, which supports joint health and skin elasticity—two areas I’ve come to value more as I get older.

Why We Do Things Differently

When I started farming, I wanted to do things in a way that felt right—for the land, for the animals, and for the people who eat our food. Our chickens live outdoors, moving to fresh grass daily. They’re never confined or treated with unnecessary medications. This system not only respects the animals but also results in meat that’s nutrient-dense and better for our health.

Industrial farming takes the opposite approach, prioritizing speed and cost over quality. Chickens are crowded into barns, fed grain-heavy diets, and often require antibiotics to cope with the stress of confinement. It might be convenient for the system, but it doesn’t provide the kind of nutrition I want for myself or for you.

A Better Way to Eat for Healthspan

For me, eating isn’t just about getting through the day. It’s about fueling my body with food that supports how I want to live—not just longer, but better. I’m grateful to have discovered the difference pasture-raised chicken makes. Whether it’s a roasted chicken, shredded meat for meals, or a rich bone broth for added collagen, it’s become a foundation of how I eat to support my healthspan.

If you’re over 50 and starting to think more seriously about nutrition, I’d encourage you to try our pasture-raised chicken. It’s food that’s connected to the soil, raised with care, and packed with the nutrients our bodies need to thrive. And if you have questions about how we raise it, well, you can ask the farmer—you’re talking to him.