Have you ever grabbed a package of Springer Mountain Farms chicken at your local grocery store and wondered who’s behind this popular poultry brand? I certainly have! As someone who cares about where my food comes from, I’ve done some digging to uncover the real story behind Springer Mountain Farms ownership. The answer might surprise you – and it’s more complicated than you’d think.
The Family Behind the Farm: Who Actually Owns Springer Mountain Farms?
According to my research Springer Mountain Farms is privately owned and operated by the Weaver family. This family ownership structure has allowed them to maintain direct control over their farming practices and ensure they stick to their high standards for animal welfare and product quality.
However, there’s some conflicting information out there. While researching, I also found that Gus Arrendale serves as the president of Springer Mountain Farms and has been involved with the company for more than 40 years. Arrendale has been recognized for his leadership in humane farming practices, even receiving the American Humane Association’s prestigious National Humanitarian Medal for his dedication to animal welfare.
So what’s the real story? After diving deeper, it seems that both statements contain elements of truth. The company has strong family ties in its leadership, with both the Weaver family and Gus Arrendale playing significant roles in the company’s operation and direction.
The Fascinating History of Springer Mountain Farms
Springer Mountain Farms has an interesting origin story that adds another layer to the ownership question. In fact, the name “Springer Mountain” itself has a somewhat mysterious history.
Food writer Wyatt Williams discovered something surprising while working as a restaurant critic for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2011. He noticed that many trendy restaurants claiming to serve farm-to-table cuisine all sourced their chicken from a place called Springer Mountain Farm – yet nobody seemed to have actually visited this farm.
Williams’ investigation revealed that at that time, the idyllic farm that restaurants were describing didn’t exactly exist as advertised. This raises questions about the company’s early marketing practices and how the brand was initially presented to consumers.
Despite these early marketing discrepancies, today’s Springer Mountain Farms has established itself as a leader in humane chicken production. The company is headquartered in Baldwin, Georgia, and raises its chickens in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Georgia.
What Makes Springer Mountain Farms Different from Other Chicken Producers?
So why should we care who owns Springer Mountain Farms? Because ownership influences how a company operates, especially when it comes to food production. Here’s what makes Springer Mountain Farms stand out:
1. Commitment to Humane Farming Practices
Springer Mountain Farms was the first poultry producer to be American Humane Certified™ for its dedication to animal welfare. This certification means their chickens are raised according to specific standards for space, enrichment, and overall well-being.
Under leadership that includes Gus Arrendale, the company has championed better practices for raising chickens. As Arrendale himself has said, “How you raise an animal directly affects the people who consume it.”
2. Antibiotic-Free Production
The company prides itself on raising chickens that are 100% all natural with no antibiotics, growth stimulants or hormones. Their birds are fed a pesticide-free, vegetarian diet with natural vitamins.
3. Family Ownership Advantages
The private ownership model allows Springer Mountain Farms to prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability without the pressures of quarterly earnings reports and external shareholder demands that publicly traded companies face.
The Benefits of Family Ownership in Food Production
There’s something reassuring about knowing your food comes from a family-owned business rather than a faceless corporation. Here’s why the family ownership of Springer Mountain Farms matters:
- Long-term vision: Family businesses often think in terms of generations, not quarterly profits
- Values-based decisions: The Weaver family can prioritize ethical considerations above short-term financial gains
- Direct accountability: When a family’s name and reputation are on the line, there’s more incentive to maintain quality
- Community connections: Family businesses typically have stronger ties to their local communities
As one farmer put it to me, “When your name’s on the package, you make darn sure what’s inside is something you’d feed your own kids.”
Where Can You Find Springer Mountain Farms Chicken?
If you’re interested in trying Springer Mountain Farms chicken after learning about their ownership and practices, you can find their products at:
- Select grocery stores
- Specialty food stores
- Online retailers
- Some farmers’ markets
They also have a store locator tool on their website to help you find retailers in your area.
Common Questions About Springer Mountain Farms
I get a lot of questions about Springer Mountain Farms from my blog readers. Here are the most frequent ones:
Are Springer Mountain Farms chickens organic?
While Springer Mountain Farms chickens are antibiotic-free and Certified Humane, they are not certified organic. Organic certification requires specific feed and farming practices beyond those currently implemented by the company.
Does Springer Mountain Farms use GMO feed?
Springer Mountain Farms focuses on providing high-quality feed for their chickens. However, their feed may contain ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If you’re looking for completely non-GMO chicken, you should look for products specifically labeled as “non-GMO.”
How does Springer Mountain Farms support local communities?
The company actively supports local communities through job creation, partnerships with local farmers, and charitable contributions. They’re committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and contributing to the economic well-being of the regions where they operate.
The Truth About Family-Owned Businesses in the Food Industry
Let’s be honest – not all family-owned businesses in the food industry are created equal. While Springer Mountain Farms has built a reputation for quality and ethical practices, the “family-owned” label alone doesn’t guarantee superior products.
What matters most is how a company operates, regardless of who owns it. In the case of Springer Mountain Farms, the leadership of Gus Arrendale and the Weaver family appears to have created a company culture that prioritizes animal welfare and product quality.
The Future of Springer Mountain Farms
So what’s next for this family-owned chicken producer? According to my sources, Springer Mountain Farms plans to:
- Continue expanding its product line
- Improve its sustainability practices
- Reach new markets
- Explore innovative technologies to improve farming efficiency
- Reduce their environmental footprint
The company remains committed to providing high-quality, humanely raised chicken while upholding their family values and supporting their community.
Does Family Ownership Affect the Price?
I’ve noticed that Springer Mountain Farms chicken often costs a bit more than conventional chicken brands. This price difference reflects the higher costs associated with their humane farming methods, antibiotic-free production, and sustainable practices.
Many consumers (myself included!) are willing to pay this premium for chicken that aligns with our values. As the saying goes, you vote with your wallet every time you shop.
My Personal Experience with Springer Mountain Farms Chicken
I first tried Springer Mountain Farms chicken about three years ago when my local grocery store started carrying it. The difference in taste was noticeable – it actually tasted like chicken should taste! Since then, it’s become my go-to brand when I can find it.
Knowing that it comes from a family-owned business that prioritizes animal welfare makes me feel better about my purchase. Sure, I pay a little more, but the quality and peace of mind are worth it to me.
The Bottom Line: Who Owns Springer Mountain Farms?
To summarize what we’ve learned:
- Springer Mountain Farms is privately owned and operated by the Weaver family
- Gus Arrendale serves as the president and has been recognized for his leadership in humane farming
- The company is headquartered in Baldwin, Georgia
- They raise their chickens in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Georgia
- Their commitment to humane and antibiotic-free farming practices sets them apart from many competitors
When you purchase Springer Mountain Farms chicken, you’re supporting a family-owned business that has made animal welfare and product quality priorities. While there may have been some marketing embellishments in the company’s early days, today’s Springer Mountain Farms has established itself as a leader in humanely raised poultry.
In an industry dominated by massive corporations, it’s refreshing to find a chicken producer that maintains family ownership and values. Next time you’re at the grocery store, you might want to look for that Springer Mountain Farms label – your taste buds and conscience will thank you!
BEST Flavor and Quality
Every step we take to feed, raise, and process chickens with great care leads to the best-tasting chicken on the market.
We treat our chickens with care and respect. There’s no incentive to do it any other way. All of our practices and procedures are American Humane Certified™, which means they’re backed by science and approved as the most humane possible.
Farms, Facilities, and Feed
The closer to home, the better. That’s why we’re committed to sourcing 100% U.S.-grown corn and soybeans for our chicken feed. It’s also why all of our farms and facilities are family owned and operated, and conveniently located within a 60-mile radius of our home office in Northeast Georgia.
We’re a family-owned company with integrity and values that extend to our farmers, flocks, community, and customers. Every single person at Springer Mountain Farms is dedicated to doing what’s best—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Protecting the environment for future generations is crucial, and we’re proud of the steps we’re taking to track, report, and improve our sustainability efforts. For us, sustainability starts with measurement and is improved by investing in the work that makes an impact.
Learn more about the extra steps we take to ensure the health and welfare of our chickens.
Explore our collection of mouthwatering recipes for family dinners, backyard barbecues and more.
We’re always happy to answer your questions. Check out some FAQs for more information.
We’re always happy to answer your questions. Check out some FAQs for more information.