Chicken producers improving chicken welfare in their supply chain

This sector covers broiler chicken producers that have signed onto the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). Since the BCC's inception, six U.S. producers have committed to improving broiler chicken welfare in line with the BCC.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly all producers that have signed onto this commitment are implementing higher welfare standards for the chicken's environment (including stocking density, litter, lighting, and enrichments) and are beginning to introduce or have fully met the breed component of the BCC.
• Greener Pastures and Joyce Farms are two new BCC signatories, demonstrating that higher welfare BCC producers continue to grow.
• In 2020, Wayne Farms created a policy in line with the BCC under its "Naked Truth" line. Following its acquisition with Sanderson Farms, it has now removed any mention of the BCC from its website. 

Producer Feature: Greener Pastures

As a growing number of consumers seek responsibly-sourced and humanely-raised chicken, producer Greener Pastures demonstrates that high-welfare farming and environmental sustainability can thrive together. By committing to regenerative practices and keeping animal welfare as a core driver of the company's ethos, Greener Pastures is reimagining raising chickens on pasture, benefiting the animals and the planet.

This chicken producer is the shared realization between Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller and Texas farmer Cameron Molberg. In a collaborative effort, Miller and Molberg set out to create a farm in Elgin, Texas that combines climate-friendly practices with modern-day broiler chicken farming.

Regenerative Practices in Chicken Production

Flocks of broiler chickens are raised on pasture in mobile coops, providing protection from natural predators. Diverse native grasses are grown to improve biodiversity while enriching the everyday lives of the chickens. The pasture acts as a soft natural bedding for the chickens and gives them the opportunity to forage around in the lush grass. Mobile coops are moved regularly, allowing a rest period for the soil to avoid deterioration while creating ecological resilience, key principles of regenerative agriculture.

It is crucial to emphasize that animal welfare is a necessary pillar of regenerative farming practices, and higher-welfare chicken breeds play a crucial role in this holistic approach.

Certifiably Raised

Greener Pastures understands the value of verifying its on-farm standards with third-party certifications. In addition to being Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic Certified, and Real Organic Project Certified, Greener Pastures is also Certified Humane and upholds the bronze certification from Regenerative Organic Certified, demonstrating that its commitments are more than just a promise – they are verified through meaningful third-party agencies. Lastly, Greener Pastures Chicken is certified with the “Go Texan” program under the Texas Department of Agriculture, ensuring consumers that their chickens come from local Texas farms. 

By prioritizing a regenerative and higher-welfare system, Greener Pastures is proving that a better future for chickens, consumers, and the soil is not just possible—it is already underway.

At Greener Pastures, our higher welfare broiler production leads to a higher quality product, more nutrient density, and ultimately a better eating experience for the consumer. It also allows for a more rewarding and enjoyable farming experience for our farm team!