“Grown on family farms in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, our exclusive, heritage chickens are grown as promised to the highest animal welfare standards in the industry. They freely roam in pastures and are raised at a slower pace. Our all-natural chickens are also air-chilled instead of being chilled in water with added chemicals. This level of care and attention to every detail guarantees a succulent, tender product that is full of flavor.”
-Mike Charles, founder & 6th generation chicken farmer
Our pasture-raised chicken farms in Central Pennsylvania are all run by local farmers, many of whom are multi-generational Amish and Mennonites who practice old-world farming methods that surpass today’s most modern standards for animal welfare and sustainability.
Our Farms
Our exclusive heritage breed chickens are pasture-raised with access to shade, allowing them to fulfill their natural habits such as foraging for bugs and insects. They are also fed a grain-based diet that is sourced 100% locally. Without ever given antibiotics, our birds are slow-grown for 60+ days (twice as long as a conventional one) resulting in healthier chickens that provide the best quality.
Our Chickens
Our Approach
Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) Level 4 Certified: Our chickens are Level 4 certified by the Global Animal Partnership (the highest in the industry) and third-party auditors verify our full compliance. This meets or exceeds all requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment, which ensures all chickens have access to outdoor shelter, shade, a dust bathing area, and the freedom to forage in the open air.
Better Chicken Project: In combination with our G.A.P. certification, we are one of only three suppliers meeting the over 100+ standards required for the Better Chicken Project. We are also currently implementing multi-stage controlled atmosphere stunning at our facility which will meet the Better Chicken Project’s standards by 2027.
Better Chicken Commitment: We are one of only five suppliers who are part of the Better Chicken Commitment. We are using a higher-welfare breed approved by the Better Chicken Commitment and have verified this through GAP's Better Chicken Project.
Regeneratively Raised*: This is a system in which chickens are fed regeneratively-grown grain grown on managed pasture, and farm and processing waste are composted and returned to the soil to improve its health. This approach underscores our dedication to responsible agriculture and its positive impact on soil health, water management, pasture biodiversity, and carbon reduction. (*Use of the claim “regeneratively raised” on our labels is approved by USDA)
