Our free-range chickens are raised on family farms located in Harriston, Ontario. Unlike conventional chicken farming, our chickens are allowed to roam freely outside in the fresh air and sunlight. When the weather is too hot or cold, they can go inside large climate-controlled barns. We never use cages or cramped conditions – our chickens always have ample space to walk around, spread their wings, and exhibit natural behaviours. Their free-range environment ensures they grow strong, healthy and relaxed. Raising chickens in their natural habitat results in a better life for the birds and more nutritious, delicious meat for consumers. Our farmers take great pride in providing ethical, sustainable chicken farming practices.
Diet and Nutrition
The chickens at our farm are fed a wholesome vegetarian diet consisting of grains and minerals. This diet provides the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
The chickens have constant access to fresh, clean water. Hydration is extremely important for their health and wellbeing. We ensure ample drinking water is available at all times.
Our chickens are also raised without the use of added hormones or antibiotics. We don’t believe in using these artificial additives routinely. Our chickens are healthy and strong without relying on hormones or antibiotics.
Breed
The chickens at our farm are the White Rock breed. This breed originated in the Northeastern United States and was first recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874.
White Rock chickens are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are raised for both their meat and eggs. They are a hardy bird that is well-suited for free-range environments.
The White Rock breed is known for its bright white plumage and red combs and wattles. The chickens have broad, meaty breasts and produce large brown eggs.
This breed thrives in free-range conditions where they can roam and forage. At our farm, the White Rock chickens are able to express their natural behaviours outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine.
Air Chilled
After processing, the chickens are air chilled rather than water chilled. Air chilling helps retain flavour and provides a superior taste.
The chickens are chilled by hanging them in a cold room with constant air flow for several hours. This allows the chicken’s body heat to slowly dissipate while preventing cross-contamination from shared water baths. Air chilling is a gentler process that helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
Many mass market chickens are chilled in communal water baths. This can lead to cross-contamination as bacteria spreads from bird to bird. It also causes the chicken to absorb extra water weight.
Air chilling requires more time but results in higher quality chicken with better texture and purer flavour. The chickens retain their natural juices rather than absorbing excess water. This provides a firmer, juicier meat with more pronounced chicken taste.
Animal Welfare
The chickens at our farms are able to freely move around and express their natural behaviours. They have ample space in climate-controlled barns and access to the outdoors. We do not use cages on our farms, as we believe chickens should not be confined in small enclosures.
Our free-range farming practices allow the chickens to move about as they wish. They can perch, dust bathe, forage, and socialize. We provide enrichment materials like straw bales for them to peck and scratch. The chickens are able to go outside into secure outdoor areas. They can feel the sun on their backs and breathe the fresh air. We ensure they always have adequate space for exercising their wings and legs.
By not caging the chickens, we allow them to grow strong while engaging in natural activities like perching, foraging, and dust bathing. They get to satisfy their curiosity exploring their environment. We give them the freedom to behave like chickens.
Health and Safety
The chickens at our farms are raised in a safe, clean environment designed to promote health and prevent disease. We never use added hormones or antibiotics.
Hormones are sometimes given to chickens to accelerate growth. However, we don’t believe in manipulating chickens in this way. Our chickens grow at a natural rate on a balanced diet.
Antibiotics are occasionally used in some farms to reduce illness and disease. But we take a different approach by focusing on prevention through high-quality housing, ample space, and good nutrition. We don’t rely on antibiotics as a crutch for raising healthy chickens.
Our chickens live in climate-controlled barns with plenty of room to move around. The barns have good ventilation and are regularly cleaned. We also have strict biosecurity measures to prevent germs from entering the farm.
By avoiding hormones and antibiotics, we let the chickens develop a strong natural immunity. Our chickens grow strong while living in low-stress, sanitary conditions. This results in healthy, high-quality chickens that are nutritious and delicious.
Taste
The chickens are raised on a vegetarian diet of grains and minerals from the farm’s pastures. This natural, pasture-raised diet enhances the flavour of the meat, producing a rich and delicious taste.
In addition, after processing the chickens are air chilled rather than water chilled. Air chilling allows the meat to retain more of its natural juices and freshness. The result is exceptionally tender, juicy chicken with a wonderful aroma.
When cooking the chicken, the rich flavour really shines through. The pasture-raised diet gives the meat a deeper, more savoury taste compared to conventional chicken. The air-chilled freshness also comes through in every bite. Overall, the flavour is robust, natural, and mouth-wateringly good.
Cooking
Free-range chicken is versatile and can be prepared in many ways. Here are some cooking methods to try:
Roast
Roasting whole chickens or pieces at 350-375°F produces moist, tender meat with crispy skin. Brush with oil or rub on spices before roasting. Roast breasts for 30-40 minutes or legs/thighs for 40-50 minutes. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Grill
Grilling imparts delicious smoky flavour. Grill bone-in pieces over direct medium heat for 8-12 minutes per side with the lid closed. Grill boneless breasts 4-6 minutes per side. Baste with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes.
Sauté
Cut chicken into strips to sauté in a pan with oil over medium-high heat. Cook through in 8-10 minutes. Add diced veggies, cook 3-5 more minutes. Season with salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
Bake
Bake boneless breasts or tenders in a casserole dish at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until no longer pink inside. Coat with breadcrumbs or sauce before baking for more flavour.
Stir Fry
Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Stir fry in oil over high heat just until cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Add veggies and sauce, cook 1-2 more minutes. Serve over rice.
Soup
Simmer boneless breasts, thighs or shredded chicken in broth with vegetables and seasonings for homemade soup. Cook gently for 15-20 minutes to infuse flavour.
Marinating chicken for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking adds lots of flavour. Try marinades with olive oil, herbs, garlic, citrus, soy sauce, yogurt, wine or spice rubs.
Nutrition
Free-range chickens from Harriston, Ontario are an excellent source of lean protein and important vitamins and minerals.
In addition to being high in protein and low in fat, free-range chicken contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus. Free-range chicken also contains some zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins.
Consuming free-range chicken as part of a balanced diet supports overall health. The high-quality protein helps preserve muscle mass, while the vitamins and minerals support processes like metabolism, bone health, immune function, and energy production.
With its stellar nutrition profile, free-range chicken from Harriston, Ontario is a smart choice for health-conscious consumers looking to add more lean protein and essential nutrients to their diet.
