Where to Buy Pastured Chicken Near Me: The Ultimate Guide for Healthy, Ethical Poultry

Are you tired of grocery store chicken that tastes like cardboard? I was too until I discovered the amazing world of pastured chicken. If you’re searching for “where to buy pastured chicken near me,” you’ve come to the right place! I’m going to share everything I’ve learned about finding high-quality, pasture-raised poultry in your local area.

What is Pastured Chicken and Why Should You Care?

Before we dive into where to find it, let’s understand what makes pastured chicken special. Unlike conventional poultry, pastured chickens spend their lives outdoors on fresh pasture, foraging for their natural diet of bugs, seeds, grass, and worms.

Here’s why pastured chicken is worth seeking out:

• Superior Nutrition: Higher in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in saturated fat than conventional chicken
• No Chemicals: Raised without antibiotics, growth hormones, or other pharmaceuticals
• Better Flavor: Rich, delicious taste that makes store-bought chicken seem bland
• Ethical Treatment: Chickens live naturally outdoors with space to move and express natural behaviors
• Environmental Benefits: Rotating chickens on pasture improves soil health and creates a sustainable farming system

As Pete Gasper from Gasper Family Farm puts it, by “working with God’s creation, instead of against it,” these farms “produce food that makes the store stuff taste like cardboard.”

How to Find Pastured Chicken in Your Area

Now for the important part – where can you actually buy this amazing food? Here are the best places to look:

1. Local Farms with Direct Sales

Small family farms like Gasper Family Farm in Kansas offer pastured chicken direct to consumers. These farms often:

• Deliver to drop-off locations in nearby cities
• Offer whole chickens and various cuts
• Provide subscription or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) options
• Sell complementary products like eggs from the same pastured birds

For example Gasper Family Farm delivers their organically fed pastured poultry to drop locations throughout the Kansas City area. They raise slower-growing broiler breeds that take 12-16 weeks to reach butcher weight, resulting in exceptional flavor.

2. Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a gold mine for finding pastured chicken. Here you can

• Talk directly with the farmers about their practices
• Ask specific questions about how the birds are raised
• Build relationships with local producers
• Often find fresher products than anywhere else

Pro tip: Arrive early! The best pastured chicken products often sell out quickly.

3. Food Co-ops and Specialty Grocery Stores

Many natural food stores and co-ops now carry pastured chicken from regional farms. White Oak Pastures is one example of a farm whose products might be available in specialty stores. They offer a variety of pastured poultry products, from whole chickens to boneless, skinless breasts and wings.

4. Online Ordering and Delivery Services

Can’t find pastured chicken locally? Many farms now ship nationwide

• White Oak Pastures offers shipping throughout the country
• Online directories like EatWild.com and LocalHarvest.org can help you find farms that deliver
• Some farms like Wrong Direction Farm provide regional delivery services

5. Butcher Shops

Local butcher shops often source from small farms practicing pasture-based agriculture. They may offer:

• Custom cuts of pastured chicken
• Advice on cooking methods for these different birds
• Information about the specific farms they source from

What to Look For When Buying Pastured Chicken

With the rising popularity of “natural” chicken, many labels can be confusing or misleading. Here’s what to look for when buying truly pastured chicken:

Labels and Certifications

• Pasture-raised: Indicates chickens had access to outdoor pasture
• Organic: Ensures chickens ate certified organic, GMO-free feed
• Animal Welfare Approved: One of the strictest certifications for humane treatment
• Non-GMO: Confirms chickens weren’t fed genetically modified grains

Questions to Ask Your Farmer

Don’t be shy! Farmers who raise pastured poultry are usually passionate about their methods and happy to answer questions:

1. “Are your chickens raised outdoors on pasture?”
2. “What breed of chickens do you raise and why?”
3. “What do you feed your chickens besides what they forage?”
4. “Do you use any antibiotics or medications?”
5. “How often do you move the chickens to fresh pasture?”

The Cost of Pastured Chicken: Is It Worth It?

Let’s be honest – pastured chicken costs more than conventional poultry. At White Oak Pastures, a whole pastured chicken starts at $35.99, while boneless, skinless breasts are $26.99 for a 1-1.5 lb pack.

But there’s good reasons for the price difference:

• Labor intensive: Moving chickens to fresh pasture requires more work
• Slower growth: Pastured chickens take 2-3 times longer to reach market weight
• Better inputs: Organic feed costs more than conventional
• Smaller scale: These farms don’t benefit from industrial economies of scale
• True cost of food: The price reflects the real cost of raising food without cutting corners

As many pastured poultry farmers will tell you, “You can pay your farmer now or pay your doctor later.” The health benefits and superior taste make the investment worthwhile for many families.

Seasonal Availability of Pastured Chicken

Unlike grocery store chicken that’s available year-round, truly pastured chicken may follow seasonal patterns:

• Spring/Summer/Fall: Most farms have fresh chicken available
• Winter: In colder climates, some farms may only offer frozen chicken during winter
• Pre-ordering: Many farms take advance orders for chicken, especially whole birds
• Harvest dates: Some farms butcher on specific days or weeks

Planning ahead is key when buying pastured chicken. Subscribe to farm newsletters or join mailing lists to stay informed about availability.

How to Store and Cook Pastured Chicken

Once you’ve sourced your pastured chicken, you’ll want to handle it properly:

Storage Tips

• Fresh pastured chicken typically lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator
• Freeze what you won’t use within that timeframe
• For best quality, use frozen chicken within 6 months

Cooking Tips for Pastured Chicken

Pastured chicken cooks differently than conventional chicken! Because these birds actually use their muscles and have less fat, you’ll need to adjust:

• Cook at slightly lower temperatures
• Use moisture-preserving methods like brining
• Don’t overcook – pastured chicken can dry out more easily
• Save the bones for making nutrient-rich bone broth

Beyond Chicken: Other Pastured Poultry Products

Many farms that offer pastured chicken also raise other poultry products:

• Eggs: Pastured eggs have bright orange yolks and amazing flavor
• Turkey: Especially popular around Thanksgiving
• Duck: Both meat and eggs are becoming more popular
• Goose: Seasonal availability, usually in spring
• Organ meats: Hearts, livers, and other nutrient-dense parts

For example, Gasper Family Farm offers pastured duck, goose, and duck eggs in addition to their chicken products. White Oak Pastures sells pastured chicken hearts, liver, and feet for those interested in nose-to-tail eating.

Real Customer Experiences

I’ve talked with dozens of people who’ve switched to pastured chicken, and the feedback is almost always the same:

“I can’t believe how much better it tastes!”

“My kids actually ask for seconds now.”

“The broth I make from pastured chicken bones has helped my digestion so much.”

“I feel good knowing exactly how my food was raised.”

Getting Started with Your Pastured Poultry Journey

Ready to find pastured chicken near you? Here’s a simple action plan:

1. Search online for “pastured chicken” plus your city or region
2. Check farmer directories like EatWild.com, LocalHarvest.org, or GetRealChicken
3. Visit your local farmers market and ask vendors about their chicken
4. Ask at natural food stores if they source from pastured poultry farms
5. Join local food groups on social media to get recommendations

FAQ About Buying Pastured Chicken

Is pastured chicken the same as free-range?

No! “Free-range” only means chickens have some access to the outdoors, but doesn’t guarantee they actually go outside or have access to pasture. Truly pastured chickens actively forage on fresh grass and are moved regularly.

Can I find pastured chicken at regular supermarkets?

Generally no. Most pastured chicken is sold directly by farms or through specialty retailers. Some Whole Foods stores carry limited pastured chicken options.

How do I know if a farm is truly raising pastured chickens?

The best way is to visit the farm if possible! Photos of chickens on grass, detailed descriptions of their farming practices, and certifications like Animal Welfare Approved can also provide assurance.

Is organic chicken the same as pastured chicken?

Not necessarily. Organic certification ensures chickens eat organic feed and aren’t given antibiotics, but doesn’t guarantee they live on pasture. Many pastured chickens are raised organically but may not be certified due to the cost.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps to Finding Pastured Chicken

Finding high-quality pastured chicken takes a bit more effort than grabbing a package at the supermarket, but the benefits to your health, the environment, and your taste buds make it worthwhile.

Start by checking out local farms like Gasper Family Farm if you’re in the Kansas City area or White Oak Pastures which ships nationwide. Use online directories to find options specific to your region. And don’t be afraid to ask questions – farmers who raise their animals right are proud of their practices!

Have you tried pastured chicken before? What differences did you notice? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!