As many of our regular readers know, we have a passion for raising premium, heirloom-quality poultry. We do this because we believe it is a better way of providing food for our family and friends, a better way of raising animals, and a better way of life…for all. As we continue to develop our methods, we are working hard to meet the highest standards in poultry farming. Our goal is to be able to share our produce with a wider audience of local customers, utilizing directs sales and farmers markets. We are striving to meet stringent guidelines even before introducing our produce to these new markets.
Over the past year, we have gained National Poultry Improvement Plan certification, a federally recognized program that ensures that our flocks have been inspected by licensed veterinarians specializing in poultry. All of our birds are certified clean from AI and PT diseases. These tests are conducted every six months by a third party inspector. We only purchase our breeding stock from the top genetics in the country who are also members of the NPIP.
We are now in the process of meeting the standards set out by the Global Animal Partnership, a 5-step animal welfare rating program utilized by Whole Foods Markets. Currently, our American Bresse and Sulmtaler flocks meet the “Green, Step 4″ level for meat chickens, exceeding the minimum requirements for Whole Foods by 2 levels. What does this mean? Here are some of the highlights:
- Our flock size is less than 500 birds
- Our birds are able to perch
- Sufficient vegetative material in forage areas to encourage natural behavior
- Birds live continuously on pasture or in foraging areas
- At least 50% vegetative cover on pasture
- No antibiotics, no animal by-products, no added growth hormones
- Birds have enough space to flap their wings and preen without touching another bird
- Birds can dust bath
Our goal is to meet the Green Plus, Step 5+ level by spring, which would mean we are meeting the highest possible standards. Our hope is to be granted this certification in the coming months.
In addition to these standards, we are no less invested in the quality of our genetics. Our American Bresse are the some of the most outstanding examples of pastured poultry anywhere in the world. All of our breeding stock comes directly from Greenfire Farms (first generation), the original importer of American Bresse in the United States. According to Greenfire’s website, the Bresse originated over 500 years ago in a small region of Eastern France. It was in this region that the Bresse attained their international fame as an exquisite meat bird. So particular are the traditional standards of raising Bresse, their genetics and the terroir involved, that the Poulet de Bresse was granted its on appellation d’rigine controlee, the first AOC ever to be granted to a chicken. Today, Bresse command very healthy prices and are considered by many to be the World’s best tasting chicken. Of the approximately 1.5 million Bresse that are raised annually in France, less than 5% make it outside the national borders. While the French have definitely produced a poultry masterpiece, we have been fortunate enough in America to carry on this artisanal effort, and is some ways actually improve the conditions. While Bresse are highly revered in France, they are processed in a commercial manner. Here at Sunbird Farms, we are able to continue the individual attention to the entire process that can only be done on a small, boutique farm.
We look forward to offering this magnificent produce at local Farmer’s markets in the Spring of 2014.
With blessings and gratitude,
SF