Discover Our Pasture-Raised Chicken
Our pasture-raised local chicken is raised on grass in mobile shelters moved daily, fed non-GMO feed, and processed right here on the farm.
What Does Pasture-Raised Chicken Mean?
Pasture-Raised vs. Store-Bought Chicken
“Pasture-raised” is not a label we borrowed — it describes exactly where our birds spend their lives. Our chickens live out on grass in shelters we move every single day, so they are always on fresh pasture, foraging for the seeds and bugs that are supposed to be part of a chicken’s diet. Their feed is a non-GMO organic ration milled in Lancaster County. No antibiotics. No hormones. No confinement.
Here is what that means compared to what is in the cooler at the grocery store.
| Mountain View Acres | Typical supermarket chicken | |
|---|---|---|
| Where they live | Outdoors on grass in mobile shelters we move every day | Indoor houses; “free-range” only requires access to the outdoors, not time on pasture |
| What they eat | Non-GMO organic ration from a Lancaster County mill, plus all the grass, seeds and bugs they can find | Commodity feed, typically corn and soy based |
| Antibiotics or hormones | Never | Varies by brand |
| Breed | Cornish Cross — the same familiar bird, raised differently | Cornish Cross |
| Processing | By our own family, here on the farm — never shipped to a plant | Large centralized processing plants |
| Before you get it | Wet-aged in the cooler 24 hours to lock in flavor, then picked up at the farm | Shipped, warehoused, then trucked to the store |
| Size | 5–6 lb finish weight, sold whole or in cuts | Varies |
| Who you buy from | Steve — by name, at the farm, Saturdays 10–4 | Unknown farm, unknown state |
Is pasture-raised the same as free-range?
No. “Free-range” only means the birds have access to the outdoors — it says nothing about whether they ever use it, or whether there is grass out there. Our chickens do not have access to pasture; they live on it, and we move their shelters daily so the pasture is always fresh.
Is pasture-raised the same as organic?
They answer different questions. “Organic” is about what goes into the feed. “Pasture-raised” is about how the animal lives. Our birds get both: an organic, non-GMO ration from a Lancaster County mill, and a life outdoors on grass.
Why does it cost more than the supermarket?
Because it takes land, daily labor and better feed. We move shelters by hand every day, we buy organic non-GMO grain, and we process the birds ourselves rather than sending them to a plant. You are paying for a bird raised the slow way by a family you can drive out and meet on a Saturday.
Connecting with Local Food: Discover Pasture-Raised Chicken
Have you been interested in sourcing local food? Do you want to develop a one on one relationship with a farmer and not sure where to start? Have you heard of "pasture raised" or “grass fed" animals and not sure what that means? The easiest way to start is by checking out our broilers or meat chickens.
Fresh Pastured Chicken
Delicious, high-quality pastured chicken raised with care.
Better than Sustainable Practices
Committed to regenerative farming for a healthier planet.
Generational Values
A family farm where tradition meets innovation and hard work.
Flavorful Results: Wet Aging for Tender Chicken
The final finish weight of our broilers is 5-6lbs. The processed broilers are left in the cooler for 24hr (wet age) to lock in their flavor and await on-farm pick up.
After pick up, they can be safely stored in your freezer for the next time you want to prepare tender, juicy, nutritious chicken dinner for your family!
Chicken Tractors: The Ultimate Foraging Experience
Our mobile shelters or what we like to call, Chicken Tractors.
These simple shelters keep the predators and harsh weather out, while allowing the chickens to forage for bugs, grass, and weeds. They are moved twice a day for a fresh "salad bar"
The Process:
How we care for your Pastured Chickens
Pastured Broiler Chicken - Whole or Cuts
Indulge in the rich, savory flavor of our pasture-raised chicken, perfect for health-conscious families seeking quality and sustainability. Raised in the open air on lush green pastures, our chickens enjoy a natural, organic diet free from GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics. Ideal for those who value ethical farming practices, each bite promises tenderness and juiciness that elevates any meal. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, our chicken not only nourishes but also supports local agriculture. Taste the difference and feel good about what you serve your loved ones!