Thank you, Alexis for this articulate and straightforward presentation of the poultry aspect of the industrial food system in this country.
Understanding how the prevailing system deprives consumers of truly nutritious food at almost any price point is key in my mind to educating consumers.
What makes any food more nutritious in terms of how it is produced?
I remember hearing another farmer (Bob Cannard) talking about the care he put into the soil of his farm, and how that contributed to his veggies being vibrant and nutritious.
What makes an egg from a pasture-raised chicken more nutritious than the eggs from birds raised in the other ways? I can see and taste the difference, for sure. I can guess how that makes an egg more nutritious, but I don’t really know. Thank you!
Thank you for asking. Chickens raised on pasture or with full days of outdoor access first and foremost are able to socialize and express their natural movements contributing to the first element of good healthy and vibrancies that all living things need. To move stretch and walk activating their muscles and blood flow. Being outside contributes vitamins D from the sun Chickens also eat grass. Grass is high in protein, carotenoids (beta carotene), iron and vitamin E, B6 and C, and a variety of other minerals. It’s what makes those egg yolks extra rich and orange as well as the bugs or mice which are protein.
Chickens still need chicken feed but nothing can replace the benefits of being outside
All of these component play a part in the health and vibrancy of the chicken as meat or in the quality of the eggs. And by extension directly translates into healthier food for the people who consume them.
The taste of pasture raised eggs is so much better.. and they have a strong shell! Local small scale chicken farmers here sell 12 for $5 here. The ones i buy from aren't concerned about profit so much, just moving so many eggs forward to get additional feed. Largest flock about 60.
Hi Alexis - interesting article but as an organic farmer, I will comment on a statement in the side bar 'Organic only means what the chicken eats. It does not refer to how they are raised'. In fact, food is only one element of organic, there are lots of requirements for raising certified organic chickens. The USDA organic regulations (7 CFR §205) comprise 5 pages of guidance from food and welfare to housing, flock density, access to pasture and soil quality and slaughter, while here in the UK the organic poultry standards are even more demanding with all birds having to have access to pasture with shade in the form of trees and shrubs, other perennial plants and cover crops to encourage the birds to range, forage and exhibit their natural behaviour.
Thank you for your explanation, our food has a cost and is more essential to us that an I-Phone 16 … on another note If nobody eat chicken or pork , nobody will ever feed them anymore and those animals will die and disappear from our world .. the veggie logic is in fact a nonsense
No corn, no soy, no flaxseed, that’s real pasture, organic eggs? Angel acres,, that’s where I get my eggs now from local tastes great . Pullet eggs. 60 bucks 4 dozen
I am grateful for your information, but am so sad with every new or recurring bit of information about animal welfare in the larger farm systems.
I am someone who would categorize myself financially as not much beyond making ends meet. However I have a good brain and a kind, compassionate heart and agree that happier, healthier animals are also more nutritious. So, I prioritize differently and manage to get pasture raised eggs and order my meats from an online company that appealed to me because of their stance on animal welfare and ethics.
I have noticed some slight differences in wording and think that in an effort to stay afloat/competitive they may have begun to take on too many products and compromise just a bit on animal welfare in their sourcing. 🙁 I hope this is not true, or I will have to figure this out again.
We all need to take of the planet and it’s creatures properly if want this to not end dismally for the majority first, and eventually everyone.
I agree with Mary. I always appreciate any and all processing information you and other farmers share with customers. Honestly, it makes me cherish all the quality food the local farmers provide including eggs, meats, olive oil, walnuts, persimmons, flowers, peaches, apricots, fresh preserves, honey, tomatoes, squash, greens … I could go on and on.
After my feeble attempt to grow vegetables on a small plot at Solano Community College years ago, I am in complete awe of farmers/ranchers who continually provide produce for us year after year despite the economic and climate challenges.
And finally, I have to mention that a visit to the local farms is nirvana. What’s not to love about rolling hills, orchards, grazing livestock, birds, flowers, butterflies, bees, clean air and just peace and quiet? Seriously, $10 for eggs is more than worth it!
This is great, Alexis. Well said. We make food falsely cheap, waste most of it, and bury our heads thinking that we’ve progressed.
Thank you, Alexis for this articulate and straightforward presentation of the poultry aspect of the industrial food system in this country.
Understanding how the prevailing system deprives consumers of truly nutritious food at almost any price point is key in my mind to educating consumers.
What makes any food more nutritious in terms of how it is produced?
I remember hearing another farmer (Bob Cannard) talking about the care he put into the soil of his farm, and how that contributed to his veggies being vibrant and nutritious.
What makes an egg from a pasture-raised chicken more nutritious than the eggs from birds raised in the other ways? I can see and taste the difference, for sure. I can guess how that makes an egg more nutritious, but I don’t really know. Thank you!
Hi Mary
Thank you for asking. Chickens raised on pasture or with full days of outdoor access first and foremost are able to socialize and express their natural movements contributing to the first element of good healthy and vibrancies that all living things need. To move stretch and walk activating their muscles and blood flow. Being outside contributes vitamins D from the sun Chickens also eat grass. Grass is high in protein, carotenoids (beta carotene), iron and vitamin E, B6 and C, and a variety of other minerals. It’s what makes those egg yolks extra rich and orange as well as the bugs or mice which are protein.
Chickens still need chicken feed but nothing can replace the benefits of being outside
All of these component play a part in the health and vibrancy of the chicken as meat or in the quality of the eggs. And by extension directly translates into healthier food for the people who consume them.
The taste of pasture raised eggs is so much better.. and they have a strong shell! Local small scale chicken farmers here sell 12 for $5 here. The ones i buy from aren't concerned about profit so much, just moving so many eggs forward to get additional feed. Largest flock about 60.
yes. Pastured eggs are delicious. So glad you have access to good protein
For anyone that hasn’t tried true cage free eggs, you’re missing some good eggs.
Decentralized food systems are a key element. Then study backed nutritional education in our schools.
Hi Alexis - interesting article but as an organic farmer, I will comment on a statement in the side bar 'Organic only means what the chicken eats. It does not refer to how they are raised'. In fact, food is only one element of organic, there are lots of requirements for raising certified organic chickens. The USDA organic regulations (7 CFR §205) comprise 5 pages of guidance from food and welfare to housing, flock density, access to pasture and soil quality and slaughter, while here in the UK the organic poultry standards are even more demanding with all birds having to have access to pasture with shade in the form of trees and shrubs, other perennial plants and cover crops to encourage the birds to range, forage and exhibit their natural behaviour.
Thank you for divulging this. I hope the market opens up for you soon.
Thank you for your explanation, our food has a cost and is more essential to us that an I-Phone 16 … on another note If nobody eat chicken or pork , nobody will ever feed them anymore and those animals will die and disappear from our world .. the veggie logic is in fact a nonsense
No corn, no soy, no flaxseed, that’s real pasture, organic eggs? Angel acres,, that’s where I get my eggs now from local tastes great . Pullet eggs. 60 bucks 4 dozen
I am grateful for your information, but am so sad with every new or recurring bit of information about animal welfare in the larger farm systems.
I am someone who would categorize myself financially as not much beyond making ends meet. However I have a good brain and a kind, compassionate heart and agree that happier, healthier animals are also more nutritious. So, I prioritize differently and manage to get pasture raised eggs and order my meats from an online company that appealed to me because of their stance on animal welfare and ethics.
I have noticed some slight differences in wording and think that in an effort to stay afloat/competitive they may have begun to take on too many products and compromise just a bit on animal welfare in their sourcing. 🙁 I hope this is not true, or I will have to figure this out again.
We all need to take of the planet and it’s creatures properly if want this to not end dismally for the majority first, and eventually everyone.
I agree with Mary. I always appreciate any and all processing information you and other farmers share with customers. Honestly, it makes me cherish all the quality food the local farmers provide including eggs, meats, olive oil, walnuts, persimmons, flowers, peaches, apricots, fresh preserves, honey, tomatoes, squash, greens … I could go on and on.
After my feeble attempt to grow vegetables on a small plot at Solano Community College years ago, I am in complete awe of farmers/ranchers who continually provide produce for us year after year despite the economic and climate challenges.
And finally, I have to mention that a visit to the local farms is nirvana. What’s not to love about rolling hills, orchards, grazing livestock, birds, flowers, butterflies, bees, clean air and just peace and quiet? Seriously, $10 for eggs is more than worth it!