What's Really in a Name?

Did you know that the chicken labeled “organic” or “pasture-raised” at the grocery store might not be what you think? Many of these birds spend little to no time on actual pasture—sometimes just having “access” to a dirt lot for a short window during the day.

If you’re looking for truly pasture-raised chicken, the kind that forages on grass, bugs, and sunshine—your best bet is buying directly from a trusted local farm or an online source that specializes in pasture-raised poultry.

Let’s Break Down the Labels:

“Cage-Free” or “Free-Range”
Sounds great—but in many commercial settings, it just means chickens have minimal outdoor access. That “range” might be a bare dirt lot.

Organic
While this means no antibiotics, GMOs, or synthetic hormones (and organic feed), it doesn’t guarantee outdoor access or humane living conditions. Plus, organic birds can still be washed in a bleach bath during processing and receive vaccines.

“Organic Vegetarian-Fed”
This label is often misunderstood. It simply means the birds weren’t fed animal byproducts—once a common practice. But here’s the kicker: chickens are not vegetarians by nature. Truly pasture-raised birds eat bugs, worms, and greens—so a bird labeled "vegetarian-fed" probably didn’t spend much time outdoors.

“Product of the USA”
This label only means the meat was processed in the U.S. It can still be raised and slaughtered in another country.

Know Your Farmer. Know Your Food.

The truth is, labels can be misleading. That’s why we believe in full transparency.

At Buckeye Valley Beef Cooperative, we’re with our animals every step of the way. When you buy from us, you’re not just getting flavorful, ethically raised chicken—you’re supporting real families, sustainable agriculture, and a better food system.

Don’t be fooled by marketing gimmicks. Vote with your food dollars. Choose local. Choose pasture-raised. Choose food with integrity.