Protocols

Product is raised using Non GMO feed. GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms) generally have unknown health consequences. Many countries have banned GMO's as they recognize the long term health detriments of consuming genetically modified food. GMO crops require many pesticides, fungicides, & herbicides. "Cide" literally means "killer/ killing" (think suicide, genocide, etc). If we want a healthy body and life, we must be careful to not partake in foods that are unproven and sprayed with death.

Nutrient dense meat and eggs that have been raised on pasture have been shown to have more essential vitamins and healthy fats than products from confined animals. Animals raised on our farm have access to pasture in all but the most extreme weather. Store branded "pastured" products may not mean much more than confined animals having restricted access to the outdoors. With our poultry, we use mobile infrastructure (i.e. chicken tractors and chicken campers) that move to fresh pasture regularly throughout the grazing months. Pasture raised animal products are raised with nature - not against it. This is a humane approach to farming that allows the animals to engage in natural behaviors that God designed them to thrive in.

For products that use Wholesome Harvest feed from Ernst Grain and Livestock, there are many natural additives to enhance the overall health of the animal. Wholesome Harvest feed is regeneratively raised, Non-GMO, and Soy Free.  Depending on the specific feeds, they also contain "minerals, probiotics, essential oils, herbs, kelp, omega 3's, and other natural supplements." (quoted from Ernst's website).  Although not certified organic, Ernst raises their feed regeneratively, using cover crops and minimal spray. Their grain also must pass a glyphosate test, which is the common herbicide used in many weed-killers, including Roundup.

Soy contains phytoestrogens (or plant estrogens) which can unnaturally affect hormones as they bind to estrogen receptors in the human body. There has been some research which has suggested that soy may also affect the developmental function of babies, potentially affecting their aggressiveness and play behavior.  Soy interacts in a complex and unnatural way with the body, which may contribute to long term health issues.

Corn is generally used as a cheap filler in feed to bring the cost down. It does not necessarily have health detrimental effects upon the animals, but it does contain a low nutritional value. Instead of corn, feed generally contains some of the following grains: field peas, wheat, oats, barley, alfalfa, sunflowers, etc. This provides for a more balanced, nutritional dense feed.

It is standard in the industry to vaccinate animals against disease. Generally, this is because the animals are confined in shelters that do not promote health or hygiene for the animals. Disease can spread quickly among confined animals.

Since we practice regenerative agriculture where animals have plenty of space, exercise, fresh air, sunlight, and natural nutrients from bugs and plants, they have a much higher natural immunity to disease. For our animals that use Wholesome Harvest feed from Ernst, they also get probiotics, prebiotics, herbs, essential oils, and more to naturally enhance the animal's health, indirectly contributing to healthier meat for our overall health. Because of this, we strive to get animals that are vaccine free (to the best of our ability) to avoid the negative side-effects of vaccines.