Why Small Scale Farms Matter

Why Small-Scale Farms Matter

While large-scale poultry production plays a necessary role in meeting consumer demand—and its economies of scale make poultry more affordable for most Americans—it often lacks the level of care and quality you receive from buying directly from a local farm that raises animals in small batches. Local farms raise animals in smaller groups, which allows for close observation and personalized care. If an animal gets sick, swift action can be taken—such as removing it from the program if the farm has pledged to avoid antibiotics or medications. Farmers can also monitor eating habits and spot signs of nutritional deficiencies, adjusting care as needed. Smaller farms can also implement practices that aren’t practical at an industrial level—like rotating animals onto fresh pasture daily. This labor-intensive approach supports healthier animals by encouraging natural foraging behaviors and promoting a well-balanced gut microbiome.

Pasture-raised poultry has also been shown to offer superior nutritional benefits. Compared to conventionally raised birds, pasture-raised chicken contains a healthier ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, 21% less total fat, and 30% less saturated fat. It's also typically higher in iron and significantly richer in antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

When you support small farms, you help increase demand for these more humane and sustainable farming methods. That demand plays a crucial role in advocating for legislative changes—particularly in the area of processing. For example, at our farm, we drive 2–3 hours to reach a processing facility. Other small farms often travel 5–6 hours. There are simply not enough small-scale processing options, and starting new ones involves heavy legal red tape and significant cost. This is one of the greatest challenges small producers face today.

Supporting local farms also boosts your local economy. Farmers, processors, and their families reinvest into the community—supporting fundraisers, charities, schools, and local organizations.

And unlike the grocery store, we don’t rely on flashy labels or marketing gimmicks. Our food is exactly what we say it is.

Misleading Labels at the Grocery Store

Did you know that chicken labeled “organic” or “pasture-raised” at the grocery store might not mean what you think? In many cases, these birds spend little or no time on actual pasture—sometimes only having "access" to a small dirt lot for a limited time each day.

Let’s break down some of the most common labels:

Cage-Free / Free-Range
These terms often sound ideal—but in industrial settings, they usually mean chickens live in large barns with minimal outdoor access. That “range” might just be a bare dirt patch outside a door they rarely use.

Organic
While this label means the birds were fed organic feed and raised without antibiotics or GMOs, it doesn’t guarantee outdoor access or humane conditions. Organic birds can also still be vaccinated and processed using chlorine washes.

Organic Vegetarian-Fed
This term is often misunderstood. It simply means the birds weren’t fed animal byproducts. But chickens are not vegetarians by nature—they thrive on bugs, worms, and greens. If a chicken was “vegetarian-fed,” it likely wasn’t raised on true pasture.

What Makes Us Different

At Buckeye Valley Beef Cooperative, we’re hands-on with our animals every day. When you buy from us, you're not just getting flavorful, responsibly raised chicken—you’re supporting real families, ethical farming, and a healthier food system.

We believe in transparency and integrity. No gimmicks. No misleading labels. Just honest food raised the right way.

Vote with your food dollars.
Choose local. Choose pasture-raised.
Choose food with integrity.