At Maple Wind Farm, we believe in full-circle farming. That means raising animals with care, stewarding our land regeneratively, and taking responsibility for every step—including processing. It’s not the flashiest part of what we do, but it’s one of the most important.
Humane, Transparent, and Close to Home
Most meat in the U.S. travels hundreds of miles from farm to processing facility, often with animals experiencing unnecessary stress along the way. At Maple Wind Farm, we do things differently. By managing our own USDA-inspected poultry processing unit right here on the farm, we ensure our birds are handled humanely, with as little stress as possible. No long truck rides. No anonymous handoffs. Just animals we know and respect, cared for to the very end.
For our customers, it means complete transparency. When you buy our chicken, you’re not only supporting local, pasture-raised food—you’re getting the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly how it was raised, processed, and packed.
What a Processing Day Looks Like
Processing day at the farm starts early. Our trained team works with precision and care in a clean, well-regulated facility that meets USDA standards. Every bird is inspected and handled according to humane protocols, with attention to sanitation, food safety, and respect for the animal.
This is also where quality is locked in. Because we manage the processing ourselves, every cut—from whole birds to thighs, wings, and more—is handled with precision and care. Unlike most poultry, our chicken is air chilled, not water chilled—meaning no added water, better texture, and richer flavor. That level of attention shows up in every bite. It’s why chefs trust us, and even our own pet treat brand, Pasture Pet, depends on it.
A More Resilient Food System
On-farm processing doesn’t just benefit the animals and our customers—it’s good for our region. By processing here, we’re keeping food dollars local, creating jobs, and building resilience into the food system.
In a world where consolidation has made the meat industry vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, small-scale, farm-based processing is a critical solution. It shortens the distance between you and your food. It restores accountability. And it ensures that farms like ours can continue to thrive while doing things the right way.
Want to see it for yourself? Come visit the farm, talk to our team, or try our chicken at the next Fried Chicken Friday. When you taste the difference, you’ll know why it matters.
Leave a comment