The farming and processing practices behind our pastured chickens
At Two Lilys Farm, our commitment to providing the highest-quality, pastured chickens goes far beyond a simple product. It’s a way of life, driven by a belief in transparency, humane treatment of animals, and a deep respect for the land. Whether you’re a health-conscious cook or someone who cares about ethical sourcing, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our chickens special and why they’re worth every bite.
Life on the Pasture: How Our Chickens are Raised
Our chickens enjoy a life of freedom, with access to fresh air, sunshine, and lush pastures filled with legumes, clover, and grasses. They aren’t confined to small spaces or cages; instead, they’re allowed to roam freely, as nature intended. They also have access to a large, covered area where they can take shelter from the elements or potential predators, whenever they choose. This freedom to choose their environment creates a low-stress life that contributes to their overall well-being.
While our chickens thrive on the pasture, it’s important to note that broiler or meat chickens, like our Freedom Rangers, require more than just grass to meet their nutritional needs. That’s why we supplement their diet with a high-quality, non-GMO feed sourced from a trusted local partner, Rested Acres (https://www.restedacres.com/), located just 49 miles from our farm. This feed gives them the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and strong, without the need for antibiotics, drugs, or growth hormones.
The Freedom Ranger Breed: A Natural Choice
We specifically raise the Freedom Ranger breed because they are slightly slower-growing than the more commonly used Cornish Cross breed. This slower growth allows them to develop more naturally with minimal ailments, experiencing a life that’s closer to what nature intended. By giving them the time to grow at their own pace, we ensure both a healthier, happier chicken while raising a superior quality of meat for your table.
Nutritional Benefits of Pasture-Raised Chickens
Our chickens aren’t just raised differently; they’re also more nutritious. Pasture-raised chicken meat has been shown to contain higher levels of iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants like Vitamin E. Additionally, pasture-raised chickens have a better Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, which is important for supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. When you choose our chickens, you’re not just investing in high-quality protein, but also a product that can contribute positively to your overall health and wellness.
On-Farm Processing: Humane, Local, and Sustainable
One unique aspect of our operation is that we process all of our chickens right here on the farm. This eliminates the need for long-distance transportation in cramped crates, which can be extremely stressful for animals. Our small-batch, monthly processing ensures that every chicken is handled with care and processed quickly and humanely.
By processing our chickens on-site, we also have full control over the quality of each bird that reaches your table. Once processed, our chickens are frozen immediately at peak quality to preserve their nutritional value and ensure freshness. Freezing, contrary to some misconceptions, helps maintain the tenderness, flavor, and water-holding capacity of the meat, meaning your chicken will be just as juicy and delicious when you cook it.
A No-Waste Mentality
Respecting the animals we raise goes beyond how we treat them in life. We adopt a no-waste approach to processing, making sure that as much of the chicken is used as possible. We create nutritious dehydrated dog treats using the heads, necks, feet, and giblets, so even the parts that don’t end up on your dinner plate find a purpose. In the rare event that a bird passes away before processing, we freeze and donate the carcass to local wildlife rescues, ensuring that even in death, the animal can serve the ecosystem.
Why Choose Our Chickens?
When you purchase a chicken from Two Lilys Farm, you’re not just buying food. You’re investing in a system that supports humane treatment, environmental sustainability, and local farmers. Here’s what you get when you choose our pasture-raised chickens:
- Transparency: You know exactly where your food comes from and how it was raised. We invite you to follow us on social media, learn about our practices, and ask questions.
- Superior Nutrition: Our pasture-raised chickens are naturally higher in iron, Omega-3s, and antioxidants, offering a healthier alternative to conventionally raised poultry.
- Humane Practices: Our chickens live in low-stress, open environments and are processed on-site, minimizing their exposure to stressful transportation and ensuring humane treatment.
- Local Support: By sourcing our feed from a nearby farm and processing on-site, we reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the local economy. When you buy from us, you’re supporting a sustainable farming model.
- Better for the Environment: Our local sourcing and processing practices help preserve the land and reduce the overall environmental impact of our farm.
Bringing Quality to Your Table
We take pride in providing chickens that are not only nutritious and delicious but also responsibly raised. Our customers know that when they purchase from us, they’re getting more than just a meal—they’re getting a product they can feel good about.
So the next time you sit down for dinner, think about the journey your food took to get to your plate. At Two Lilys Farm, we believe that the care we put into raising and processing our chickens translates directly into the quality of the meal you enjoy.
References
- APPPA – The Nutrition of Pasture-Raised Chickens and Meats: https://apppa.org/The-Nutrition-of-Pasture-Raised-Chicken-and-Meats#:~:text=Pasture%2Draised%20chicken%20meat%20tends,vitamin%20D%2C%20and%20more%20antioxidants.
- Cornish Cross vs. Freedom Ranger Chickens: https://fromscratchfarmstead.com/cornish-cross-vs-freedom-ranger-chickens/
- USDA Freezing and Food Safety: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety