Organic Farming Practices

Farming organically relies on cultural, biological, and mechanical practices to sustain and protect the soil.  Rather than use chemical inputs and pesticides which tend to destroy natural elements of the biological processes, organic farming practices naturally maintain healthy, sustainable soil as the foundation for farm production.  

Healthy, sustainble soil promotes and preserves the natural quality, taste, and nutritional value of Pigeon River Farm produce, poultry, eggs, and meats.  

Pigeon River Farm follows the National Organic Standards as the fundemental procedures and practices developed to ensure the integrity of all organic farm products.  

Pigeon River Farm Poultry and Livestock are pastured according to free range, rotational grazing practices.  Our row crops, cover crops, small grains, and hay are planted on a customized rotational plan to improve the soil and break pest and weed cycles.   

The size of our flocks and herds are carefully matched to the size of our farm.  This allows us to produce much of our own feed, with the poultry and livestock providing the fertilizer in return.  This combination creates "a Sustainable System" and returns important micro-nutrients to the soil. 

Our Freedom Ranger broiler chickens are a great alternative to fast-growing white broiler.  These active, robust birds are tri-colored and suitable for free range, foraging and pasture environments. They produce tender, succulent meat with more yellow omega 3 fat and less saturated fat than conventional fast growing breeds.  

Pigeon River Farm is a member of the American Pastured Poultry Producers' Association (APPPA), a nonprofit educational and networking organization dedicated to encouraging the production, processing, and marketing of poultry raised on pasture.  

Pigeon River Farm is also a member of GrassWorks.  GrassWorks is a grassroots membership organization that provides leadership and education to farmers and consumers for the advancement of managed grass-based agriculture to benefit present and future generations.   

Managed Grazing is a farming method in which livestock are rotated through paddocks of high quality legumes and grasses. The legumes and grasses are then allowed to rest and re-grow.  Farmers who utilize this method call themselves “graziers.” Graziers work with natural relationships and biological processes in order to:

• Reduce the need for off-farm inputs,
• Preserve and improve natural resources,
• Protect habitat for wildlife,
• Keep their animals healthy and productive,
• Produce high quality meat, eggs and dairy products for local food systems,
• Secure a high quality of life for themselves and their families, and
• Restore rural communities.