Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Are Your Meats Fresh or Frozen?
All our meats are sold frozen to ensure quality and freshness. However, we offer fresh (never frozen) whole chickens on specific days during our processing season, which runs from late May to late October. Processing occurs seven times annually, and the day after each processing, we host an on-farm market featuring fresh whole chickens. No pre-orders are required for these events, and a wide selection is available. These markets are currently exclusive to our farm location. All other products, including chicken, pet food, beef, pork, and rabbit, are sold frozen. Butter and honey, when included in orders, are packaged with frozen meats. Visit our Upcoming Events page for fresh whole chicken sale dates.
What Is "The Real Pastured Chicken"?
We are proud to be the first and only farm in Ontario raising truly pasture-raised chickens on a commercial scale under the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) Local Niche Markets Program. Approved in 2018 as first-generation chicken farmers, we grow approximately 25,000 chickens annually from late April to mid-October. Unlike conventional methods, our chickens live on pasture 24/7 from about two weeks of age, moved daily to fresh, clean pasture regardless of weather. This ensures they experience natural sunlight, fresh air, and a diet supplemented by foraging. Our chickens are not confined to barns with mere "access" to the outdoors; they live fully on pasture. We sell directly to consumers, bypassing large grocery chains, restaurants, or food industries, to provide locally raised, high-quality chicken.
How Is Your Chicken Different from Other Chicken Sold in Ontario?
The primary distinction lies in our raising environment. Unlike most chickens sold in Ontario, which are raised in confined barns, our chickens are truly pasture-raised. After spending their first 14–21 days in a heated brooder barn to protect them from predators and ensure warmth, they are moved to custom-built, floorless pasture pens. These shelters are relocated every 24 hours to provide fresh pasture, allowing the chickens to forage, breathe clean air, and bask in natural sunlight. This contrasts with conventional methods that may only provide limited outdoor access, ensuring our chickens live a natural, healthy life.
Do You Use Hormones or Steroids in Your Livestock?
No hormones or steroids are used in any of our livestock, including chickens, beef, pork, rabbits, or laying hens. In Canada, hormones have been banned in poultry production since March 4, 1963, making "hormone-free" claims a redundant marketing tactic. All chicken in Ontario and Canada is hormone- and steroid-free by law. For our other livestock, we follow natural feeding practices aligned with each animal’s dietary needs, eliminating the need for growth-enhancing substances. We allow animals additional time to reach optimal harvest weight, prioritizing quality and nutrition over rushed production.
Do You Use Antibiotics in Your Livestock?
Our farming practices, inspired by traditional methods, minimize the need for antibiotics. By raising livestock on fresh pasture, providing natural sunlight, and maintaining low-density populations, we create a healthy environment that supports animal well-being. Our chickens, laying hens, turkeys, rabbits, and grass-fed cattle thrive without routine antibiotic use. In rare cases, such as injury or infection, we consult our veterinarian and may administer a low-dose antibiotic treatment if necessary. Since transitioning to a fully pasture-based system, we have not required antibiotics for over five years.
Can I Pick Up My Order at the Farm?
Yes, we offer contactless on-farm pickup for online orders. Select “On-Farm Pickup” when placing your order, and it will be ready on your chosen date, clearly labeled. Please note that in-person shopping is not available during pickup times; this service is exclusively for pre-ordered items.
Can I Pick Up My Order Anytime?
On-farm pickup is available only on scheduled dates and times selected during checkout. If you cannot make your scheduled pickup, please contact us in advance to arrange an alternative time. For biosecurity and safety reasons, unscheduled visits are not permitted, as our farm operates a busy production schedule.
Do You Offer In-Person Shopping?
Yes, we host in-person shopping at our farm every Saturday from mid-April to Thanksgiving, as well as at select farmers’ markets. Additionally, our Johnstone’s Sweet Corn Farmers’ Market operates daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, mid-July to Thanksgiving. Check our Upcoming Events page for specific dates and times.
Do You Offer Home Delivery?
Yes, home delivery is available for orders within Simcoe County with a minimum purchase of $150. Deliveries typically occur every other week, except during July and August when we prioritize on-farm markets and farmers’ markets. To view delivery options, enter your postal code in the Shop Now tab during checkout.
How Do I Change My Pickup Date or Location?
To modify your pickup date or location, click “Change” in the black menu bar at the top of the checkout page. Enter your postal code to view updated pickup and delivery options. All orders must be placed by 8 PM the day before your selected pickup or delivery date.
Do You Offer Wholesale Pricing?
We offer wholesale pricing exclusively for whole chickens, based on purchase quantity. Contact us for details, as availability is limited annually. Early inquiries are recommended. Wholesale pricing is not available for chicken cuts, beef, pork, rabbit, or eggs.
Do You Sell Eggs?
Yes, we sell eggs, but production is limited due to Egg Farmers of Ontario regulations, which cap our laying hens at 99 without quota. As a result, eggs are exclusively included as an add-on with meat package purchases and are not sold separately. The maximum egg allowance is:
1 dozen with a $55 minimum order.
2 dozen with a $100 minimum order (when available).To advocate for changes to these restrictions, contact your local MP, MPP, Egg Farmers of Ontario, or the Minister of Agriculture to express demand for direct-to-consumer egg sales.
Do You Sell Beef?
Yes, we offer 100% grass-fed beef, available monthly from March to November through our online store on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand and longer growing times compared to grain-fed beef, quantities are limited. We offer up to a 10-pound mixed beef package, along with select individual cuts when available. Larger options (e.g., whole, half, or quarter) are not available, as we prioritize utilizing all parts of the animal to minimize waste and ensure farm sustainability.
Do You Have a Waiting List?
We do not maintain a waiting list but invite customers to join our email list by signing up on our online store. Subscribers receive weekly specials, product availability updates, and notifications about on-farm markets, home delivery, and pickup schedules before social media announcements.
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
In-Person (Farmers’ Markets or On-Farm Shopping): Cash, debit, Visa, and MasterCard.
Online Orders: Credit cards only.

Note: Cancellations or refund requests for processed online orders incur a $15 cancellation fee.