Keeping the organic integrity requires healthy, happy animals since the use of antibiotics and other quick fixes are prohibited. Farmers observe that this practice reduces stress on the animals and increases longevity. Our average cow is over five years old. Cattle pasture whenever possible. Hogs are not confined and bedded on thick straw.
Natural sunlight is required in the hen houses.
The smallest farming is about 20 cows and our largest dairy farm has about 400 cows and supports three branches of the same family. Appropriate scale is important to our philosophy of animal welfare. These standards are not as strict as organic and do not mean organic, but the seal is a strong message because it focuses only on humane animal treatment. The Free Farmed seal is assurance to the consumer that the worst factory farm practices are prohibited and that the well being of the animals is of primary concern. From cows and chickens to horses and barn cats, all are considered part of the harmony of sustainable organic farming.