When you’re standing in the grocery aisle, the chicken section can feel like alphabet soup: free-range, cage-free, natural, pasture-raised, organic… It’s a lot to take in! And if you’re like us, you want to know what those words actually mean—especially if you’re making choices for your family’s health and the planet.
At Maple Wind Farm, we believe in transparency, not tricks. So let’s break down a few common labels and what they really mean—no scare tactics, just facts.
Free-Range: Access vs. Actual Outdoors
The USDA says “free-range” means chickens have access to the outdoors. What it doesn’t define is:
- How much outdoor space
- How long they’re outside
- What’s outside (grass? concrete? gravel?)
In many cases, birds live indoors with a small door they could use, but often don’t. So while the label sounds great, it doesn’t guarantee meaningful outdoor living.
At Maple Wind? Our chickens live on pasture their entire lives. They forage on fresh grass, bugs, and seeds and are rotated to new fields daily. Sunshine and fresh air aren’t an option—they’re the norm.
Cage-Free: True, But Misunderstood
“Cage-free” sounds freeing, but most meat chickens are never raised in cages anyway. This label is more meaningful for egg-laying hens. Meat birds (broilers) are typically housed on the floor of large barns, regardless of cage-free claims.
Natural & No Added Hormones
Almost all chicken in the U.S. is labeled “natural” and “raised without added hormones”—because it’s required by law. Hormones are illegal in poultry production, but the label still appears and can sound more special than it is.
Organic: Better, But Not the Whole Story
Organic certification means no GMOs and organic feed, which is great! But organic standards don’t require pasture living, so many organic birds are still raised indoors with limited outdoor access.
So, What Should You Look For?
If you care about how your food is raised, look for transparency over trendy terms. Ask:
- Do the chickens truly live outdoors on pasture?
- How often are they moved to fresh ground?
- Can you visit the farm and see for yourself?
We welcome questions and farm visits because we want you to know your farmer and trust your food. Less than 1% of chickens in the U.S. actually live outdoors on pasture like ours do—but we hope that number keeps growing!
Why It Matters
Chickens raised outdoors on pasture not only live healthier lives but also produce more flavorful, nutrient-dense meat. And by supporting farms that prioritize animal welfare and regenerative practices, you’re helping build a healthier food system for all.
Come See the Difference
We’d love to have you out to the farm, meet our flock, and taste the difference. Join us for a pasture walk on September 19 and stay for our fried chicken dinner on the same night.
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