This is Chris Simpson. Chris runs Field of Dreams Farm iN Watertown, TN and is friends with my friend Brian Harville from KNB Jersey Farm. Together, they have provided us with the most wonderful raw milk, pastured chicken and eggs that I’ve ever had in my life.
I started buying pastured beef and poultry a few years ago, when I intentionally made the decision to eat healthier food. Pastured meat comes from animals that are raised the way they are supposed to be: in harmony with nature and in harmony with their biology. Cows are designed to eat grass; and chickens are made to eat both plants and animal protein, as they are omnivores.
One thing I really like about Field of Dreams Farm, is that Chris raises chickens the slow way. They are truly free range birds. They peck and scratch and forage, and because of this, they grow more “slowly” than commercial birds. But they really just grow at the normal rate their breed of chicken should grow.
Another thing we really like about Field of Dreams Farm is that Chris is really transparent. He’ll tell you exactly what’s in his feed, where he gets it, why he charges what he does, and when you can expect the next batch of birds to be ready.
Which is why, when I asked Chris if I could help process birds this year, he didn’t hesitate to give me a yes! This was my first chicken butchering, and I had a really positive experience. The processing was clean, organized, and efficient.
Chris also keeps two flocks of laying hens, as well as ducks. His eggs come from birds that are truly free-range, are not fed soy or GMO grains. And one flock is fully organic. His eggs sell for $4-5 a dozen.
Looking for healthy, sustainable, humanely-raised meat? Buy HERE!
Eating is a spiritual experience for me. It’s not just about the taste or the quality of the food. It’s about knowing what it took to get the food on my plate, knowing the hands that nurtured and raised it, and appreciating the sacrifice of the animal that I’m consuming.
This is why I really wanted to help process chickens: to that I could be a part of this life cycle and participating in an event that has been going on for generations.
This is a video of how to clean a chicken:
Below, I’ve posted a video slideshow of pictures from the chicken processing. Don’t watch this video if you are squeamish. There is blood. There are headless chickens. There are knives and feet and guts. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. :)
Yay- now I can comment on your blog posts! I really want to raise our next batch of meat birds like his- truly free range. For our first attempt, we built a mobile chicken tractor type of thing like Joel Salatin uses, but even though they’re on grass, they’re still confined to a smaller area than I’d prefer. Also, I’m so jealous you got to help him slaughter. Our first birds are ready to slaughter this week and I definitely wish I had a little experience :)
The only honest way to eat meat…
Love it! You go girl!
I have done harvesting a few times and each time is unique and spiritual as well. I am going again Friday. Great experience and opportunities for anyone who really want to understand our food system!