Pasture-Raised Poultry at Farm2Fork: What It Means & Why It Matters

Pasture-Raised Poultry at Farm2Fork: What It Means & Why It Matters

June 8, 2025Oliver White

Ever wondered what “pasture-raised” really means? At Dalditch Farm, it’s more than just a label — it’s at the heart of how we raise our chickens, turkeys, and geese.

From the moment our chicks arrive to the day they leave the farm, our birds live as nature intended: outdoors, on organic pasture, with fresh air, space to roam, and a natural diet. It’s part of our commitment to sustainable poultry farming — and it makes a real difference to the lives of our animals, the land we care for, and the meat on your plate.

 

What Does “Pasture-Raised” Mean in Practice?

“Pasture-raised” means our birds spend the vast majority of their lives outdoors, roaming on real grass with constant access to sunshine, fresh air, and space to forage naturally.

When our chicks first arrive, they’re kept in a warm, spacious brooder — a secure environment where they grow strong and develop the feathers they need for life outdoors. Once they’re ready, they’re moved out to pasture, where they live 24/7 in mobile shelters that are moved daily to fresh grass. These shelters provide protection from the elements and predators while allowing the birds full access to pasture and natural behaviours.

Their diet includes insects, seeds, herbs, and grasses they forage themselves, alongside organic, non-GMO grain to ensure balanced nutrition.

This system allows them to live naturally, stay healthy, and actively contribute to improving the land they graze.

 

A Better Life for Our Birds

Our chickens, geese, and turkeys are slow-growing breeds that thrive outdoors and develop at a natural pace. They’re active, inquisitive, and constantly on the move — as birds should be.

This active, outdoor lifestyle:

  • Builds lean muscle for better texture
  • Supports strong circulation and immune health
  • Develops richer, more complex flavour

    It’s not just about how we feed them — it’s about how they live.

     

    Meet the Guardians: Nala, Lula, Ben & Moss

    Our flocks are protected by four dedicated Maremma livestock guardian dogs — Nala, Lula, Ben, and Moss.

    Thanks to them, we can raise our poultry outdoors without fear of predators. It also gives us flexibility to move flocks across the farm, allowing all our fields to benefit from the natural fertiliser our birds leave behind — building soil health and cycling nutrients across the landscape.

     

    Why It Matters

    At Farm2Fork, pasture-raising poultry isn’t just about producing better meat — it’s about farming in a way that respects animals, improves the land, and delivers real nourishment.

    Animal Welfare

    Our birds live in line with their natural instincts — scratching, pecking, flapping, and foraging. They're never confined to crowded sheds and always have access to fresh air, clean pasture, and freedom to roam.

    Environmental Sustainability

    Our poultry play an important role in regenerative farming:

    • They fertilise the soil
    • Stimulate plant regrowth
    • Help control pests
    • Encourage biodiversity

    This builds a healthier, more resilient farm ecosystem year after year.

    Good for You

    Naturally raised poultry = naturally better meat. Compared to conventionally raised birds, pasture-raised poultry offers:

    • ✅ Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids
    • ✅ More vitamins A, D, and E
    • ✅ Lower saturated fats
    • ✅ No routine antibiotics

     

    Taste the Difference

    If you care about how your food is raised, Farm2Fork’s pasture-raised poultry is for you. Raised slowly, moved daily, and nurtured with respect — it’s chicken, goose, and turkey the way nature intended.

    More articles

    The Power of Grass: Why Our Animals Only Eat What Nature Intended
    May 11, 2025
    At Farm2Fork, our philosophy is simple: work with nature, not against it. That’s why at Dalditch Farm in Budleigh Salterton, we raise our animals on organic pastures in a system designed to benefit soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare, and flavour....
    Summer On The Farm: Our Seasonal Rhythm Explained
    July 20, 2025
    Long days, hands-on work, and the quiet rhythm of nature – summer at Farm2Fork means daily moves for cattle and sheep, flourishing pastures, and thriving wildlife. Come behind the scenes of our regenerative farm in full swing.

    Comments (0)

    There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!

    Leave a comment