The BEST Guide to Pasture-Raised Chicken Near You

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Finding pasture-raised chicken near you can be challenging. We know because we tried for years to locate amazing pasture-raised chicken farms near us without any luck. Pasture-raised chickens are allowed to roam freely, forage for natural food, and live in a more humane environment compared to conventional poultry farming.

Whether you’re looking to support local farmers or enjoy a healthier, more ethical protein source, discovering where to buy pasture-raised chicken in your area is easier than you might think. From farmer’s markets and local butcher shops to community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, there are many ways to find fresh, high-quality pasture-raised chicken close to home.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a small percent for you visiting our site at no cost to you!

Why Should I Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken From a Local Farm?

If you have never tried a chicken egg from a local farm then you are MISSING OUT!

Farm-fresh, pasture-raised chicken is so amazing and packed full of flavor.

A close-up of grilled chicken wings served with fresh herbs and vegetables, perfect for culinary presentations.

This meat is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants as the chickens are raised in healthier environments with access to a variety of natural foods like grass and bugs.

Before we dive in more, let’s cover three labels and why they are important.

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Pasture-raised chicken vs. conventional

Have you seen the golden brown rotisserie chicken in your local grocery store and wondered how the chickens were raised?

Well, if you pick up a package of this chicken at your local grocery store and don’t see the words “pastured” or “pasture- raised” on it, then the odds are very high that you’re holding conventional chicken, which came from a factory farming operation.

Conventional poultry farmers raise hens in any manner they see fit, which often results in birds being crammed into huge barns without access to daylight, fresh air, or the natural pasture that produces the bugs and grubs that chickens naturally crave.

Conventional farming operations generally focus on the business of food production, which places their emphasis on things like cost cutting measures and profit margins. 

Animal welfare, and the nutrient density of the resulting meat are often not top priorities.

Close-up of juicy and perfectly grilled rotisserie pork, ideal for barbecue lovers.

What Does Pasture-Raised Mean?

It is vital that we first understand what is meant by pasture-raised. Unfortunately, you will find so many labels when it comes to finding high-quality food that it becomes challenging to know what is true and what is real.

Juicy grilled meat cooking over charcoal flames outdoors, perfect for summer picnics and barbecues.

When you think about the term “pasture-raised” you are likely imagining a flock of chickens living on acres of land with an abundance of lush green grass. Although there is no formal definition for this term, we would agree that this would be the ideal situation.

You will find that some local farms label their meat as pasture-raised when they have offered their animals access to an area smaller than the size of a refrigerator. Yikes!

Please know that chickens are birds of prey and require protection. Some farmers choose to raise their pasture-raised chickens in mobile chicken coops called chicken tractors. These mobile coops offer protection while allowing the birds to have free range of pasture.

We strongly encourage everyone to research and ask questions at your local farm to learn how the animal was raised and how they were fed.

Golden-brown chicken wings garnished with fresh herbs, perfect for a tasty meal.

How Is Pasture-Raised Different From Grass-Fed?

We covered the idea of “pasture-raised” in the section above, but how does this look when we hear the term grass-fed? Remember that labels are one thing and reality is sometimes vastly different.

When you think about the term “grass-fed” you are likely imagining the same flock of chickens living on acres of land with an abundance of lush green grass. Just like with the “pasture-raised” term, there is no formal definition for grass-fed either.

A local farm can advertise that their chickens are grass-fed by giving them a very small area of grass to forage. Also, they can use the same label when the chickens are kept in an unlit and overcrowded barn as they are fed a diet of grain and “grass hay pellets”.

We can’t stress enough that we strongly encourage everyone to research farming methods before accepting the label to be true.

A close-up of meat being grilled outdoors in a forest setting with tongs.

Should I Buy Cage-Free Chicken?

Just like the first two definitions, what do you envision when you think of “cage-free” chickens?

We imagined the same flock of birds enjoying the lush green grass where the birds are allowed to live their lives as nature intended.

Some local farms will keep their chickens in cages so that they are protected.

Please know that chickens are birds of prey and they do benefit from protection. Although they can be kept safe in cages, they live healthier lives on while on pasture when they live in protected mobile chicken houses (sometimes called “chicken tractors”).

What Do Chickens Eat?

Chickens are actually some gross animals that will eat almost anything. They are omnivores that will eat grass, vegetables, dairy, fruit, and meat (like chicken, yuck). Yep, they will even eat their own kind. Although this sounds gross, don’t let this keep you from buying high-quality meat from your local farm!

How Do Local Farms Treat Their Chickens?

We believe that the best chicken comes from humanely raised and healthy chickens. When you choose to buy chicken from local farms, it is important to know how that animal was raised.

When chickens are raised ethically and humanely on pasture they will provide you with healthier meat because the animal is healthier.

Where Can I Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken Near Me?

Finding locally raised, pasture-raised chicken from a local farm is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of resources available to consumers.

High angle of appetizing salad with fresh vegetables and meat under cheese on wooden table in restaurant

Online

We are proud to offer this website as one resource. There are many other online directories dedicated to connecting consumers with local farms. Always research the resource and learn as much about the farm as you can. Some online services will advertise “local chicken” with pictures of local farmers but they won’t tell you about the “bait and switch” as they sell items from other suppliers or other countries! If you don’t have a local farm near you, then this is possibly the next best option!

Farmers Markets & Local Events

We love visiting our local farmers’ markets to learn about unique farmers and growers in our community. Farmers markets are a great way to interact directly with the farmer and learn about their growing practices. When you ask questions about their practices and sample their products, you can make informed decisions about your chicken purchases.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) 

CSAs are a program where you can subscribe to receive regular shares of farm-fresh products, including dairy. CSA programs build a direct relationship between you and farmers, where you support local agriculture and also enjoy seasonal, high-quality meat. To learn more about CSAs, click here.

Farm Direct Sales

This is likely the best option, if available. We love buying pasture-raised chicken from our local farms.

Tasty grilled chicken with rice and colorful vegetables served in a bowl, perfect for a healthy meal.

You can also purchase amazing items like organic food, or high-quality dairy products like milk, butter, cheese, etc. directly from the farm through their on-site farm store or for pickup at their farm location.

Visit A Local Farm to Find Pasture-Raised Chicken

The absolute best way to get first-hand experience with buying your pasture-raised chicken is to visit a local farm. Visiting a local farm helps you to connect with local agriculture and gain insight into the animal care and raising process.

Here are some questions to consider asking the farmer:

  1. Can I see how the chickens live? I would love to learn about your animal husbandry practices.
  2. How long have you been raising chickens?
  3. What breed of chickens do you raise?
  4. How do you prevent disease on the farm?
  5. Do you use any antibiotics?
  6. Do you use any growth hormones?
  7. Do you use any steroids?
  8. How do you feed the animals in warm and cool seasons?
  9. Do your chickens have access to fresh grass? If so, how often?
  10. If you prefer grass-fed: Are your chickens grass-fed?
  11. If you prefer organic: Tell me about your organic practices.
  12. If you prefer organic: Tell me about your organic feed.
  13. Where do you process your meat?
  14. What cuts of meat are available?
  15. What cuts of meat do you recommend?
  16. What are your favorite recipes for your chicken?
  17. Are organ meats available, too?
  18. Do I pay you separately or do I only pay the processor?
  19. What’s the difference between the live weight and the hanging weight?
  20. Do I pay you for the live weight or the hanging weight?
  21. Does your processor charge for the live weight or the hanging weight?
Savor the flavor of grilled chicken atop a bed of seasoned noodles, garnished with fresh herbs.

Many farmers are eager to share their knowledge and passion for sustainable farming. We tend to “geek out” when customers ask about our farm and we know that other chicken farmers love doing the same thing!

Discovering Pasture-Raised Chicken from a Local Farm in Ohio

Below is a list of Ohio farms that raise chickens. Some of these local raise chickens on pasture and others offer a combination of pasture and barn raised. We obtained this list from a generous search online and through submissions to our website. As always, please reach out to the farm directly to verify their farming practices and what they raise or grow. If you are a farmer and would like to update the information below or be added, check out our Ohio local farm directory.

Akron

Ashland

  • Pathfinder Farms
  • Suter Family Farm LLC
    • 929 Township Rd 1243, Ashland, OH 44805

Ashley

  • Khulal Farm
    • 4120 OH-229, Ashley, OH 43003

Batavia

Bellevue

Bloomville

  • The Blissful Barnyard

Blue Rock

  • WIT Farm

Bowling Green

Bradford

Bristolville

  • Fansler Farm Chix
    • 2447 Housel Craft Rd, Bristolville, OH 44402
    • fanslerfarmchix.com

Bucyrus

  • Center Street Meat Company
    • 100 East Center Street, Bucyrus, OH
    • Facebook
  • Glenville Packing
    • 1680 Heinle Road, Bucyrus, OH
    • website
  • Newcome’s Regenerative Acres

Canton

Cardington

Chardon

Chatfield

  • The Wandering Chicken, Mini-Farm & Cat-Tuary

Chesterland

  • Mirtel Manor Farm
    • 7655 Mulberry Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026
    • facebook

Cincinnati

  • Mt Healthy Hatcheries Inc.

Columbiana

  • Lamppost Farm
    • 14900 Market St, Columbiana, OH 44408
    • lamppostfarm.com

Columbus

  • Biddy Urban Farm
  • Ohio Poultry Association
  • Vitale Poultry Co
    • 1415 Universal Rd, Columbus, OH 4320
  • Woodland Urban Farm, LLC

Cleveland

Crestline

  • Link’s Country Meats
    • 7252 Leesville Road, Crestline, OH
    • Facebook
  • Paynter Family Organic Farm

Creston

Dayton

  • Thies Farms
    • 2001 Brandt Pike, Dayton, OH 45404

Deerfield

Delaware

  • Dawson Farms
    • 2831 Bowtown Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
    • facebook
  • Fleming Family Farms LLC
    • 5701 Leonardsburg Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
    • website

Delta

Diamond

Fairborn

Farmersville

  • Chicken Bristle Farm
    • Swartzel Rd, Farmersville, OH 45325
    • chickenbristlefarm.com

Fletcher

  • Lost Creek Farms
    • 8845 N Lost Creek-Shelby Rd, Fletcher, OH 45326
    • facebook

Fredericktown

  • BHD Farms
  • Fox Hollow Farm
    • 20060 Gilmore Rd, Fredericktown, OH 43019
    • foxhollowfarmnaturally.com
  • Sweet Grass Dairy

Galion

  • A & E Produce Palace
  • DC Family Ranch
  • Eagle Creek Ranch
  • Rus-Men Farms Beef, Pork & Chicken

Garrettsville

  • O’Connor Family Farms
    • 7912 OH-305, Garrettsville, OH 44231
    • facebook

Geneva

Grand Rapids

  • Hertzfeld Poultry Farms

Granville

Green Springs

  • Oakhill Family Farm
    • 3861 Township Rd 148, Green Springs, OH
    • website

Grove City

Groveport

Hartville

Hilliard

  • Hilliard Fresh Farm
    • 7194 Davis Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026
    • website

Hillsboro

Hiram

  • Glena Gahl Farm LLC
    • 18580 Claridon Troy Rd, Hiram, OH 44234
    • facebook

Johnstown

  • New Day Farms
    • 9300 Croton Rd, Johnstown, OH 43031

La Rue

  • Ridgway Hatcheries Inc
    • 615 N High St, La Rue, OH 43332
    • ridgwayhatchery.com

Lancaster

Lima

  • Meadowbrook Farm
    • 2790 E Hanthorn Rd, Lima, OH 45804
    • facebook

Lisbon

  • Great Trail Pheasant Farm and Hatchery
    • 33645 Lisbon-Dungannon Rd, Lisbon, OH 44432
    • facebook

Litchfield

  • Haney’s Green Acres Farm
    • 8934 Shank Rd, Litchfield, OH 44253
    • Facebook

Loudonville

Loveland

  • Red Sun Farm

Lowell

  • Sugar Butte Farms
    • 648 Schau Rd, Lowell, OH 45744
    • sugarbuttefarms.com

Madison

  • Homegrown Farms
    5754 Middle Ridge Rd, Madison, Ohio 44057
    Facebook

Malta

  • Half Pint Provisions

Mansfield

Marion

  • Beeney Farms
  • Brush Ridge Farm
    • 5432 Marion-Upper Sandusky Rd, Marion, OH 43302
  • High Tunnel Farm
    • 1739 Morral Kirkpatrick Rd E, Marion, OH
    • beth@hightunnelpoultry.com
    • High Tunnel Farm
    • 740-360-6434
  • McDonald Family Farms

Marysville

  • 4K Homestead
  • Lee Farms
    • 17359 Waldo Rd, Marysville, OH 43040
  • Rusty Plow Farms

Massillon

  • Case Farms Massillon Feed Mill

McComb

  • C.E. Poultry Processing
    • 5881 OH-613, McComb, OH 45858

Mechanicsburg

  • PWE Farm
    • 5805 Mechanicsburg Catawba Rd, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044
    • Facebook
  • Sunny Acres Farm LLC
    • 8649 Brigner Rd, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044
    • facebook
  • Truest Farms

Medina

  • Lind’s Livestock
    • 3135 Old Weymouth Rd, Medina, OH 44256
  • York Meadow Farm

Miamisburg

Millersburg

Morrow

Moscow

  • Flourish and Roam – Local Ohio Pasture Raised Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Pork & Meats Home Delivery

Mt. Gilead

  • Double H Homestead

Mt. Vernon

  • Beckholt’s Chicken Farm
    • 19534 Lower Fredericktown Amity Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
  • Edzoe Farms
    • 12517 Vincent Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
    • facebook
  • White Oak Farms, LLC

Napoleon

  • Hatcher Farm
    • 14391 Co Rd Z, Napoleon, OH 43545
  • Thistledown Farms Specialty Meats LLC
    • 12-640 County Rd S, Napoleon, OH 43545
    • thistledownfarmohio.com

New Bloomington

  • M & W Farm Supply LLC
  • Yummy Yolks Egg Farm
    • 3096 Decliff Rd N, New Bloomington, OH 43341

New Washington

North Lawrence

  • Glenview Acres
    • 1649 Manchester Ave SW, North Lawrence, OH 44666
    • glenviewacres.com

Norton

  • The Fruitful Hen
    • 2993 Clark Mill Rd, Norton, OH 44203
    • facebook

Nova

  • Maple Hill Farm
    • 341 Township Rd 1101, Nova, OH 44859
    • facebook

Oberlin

Orrville

  • Orrville Chick Hatchery
    • 133 Collins Blvd, Orrville, OH 44667
    • facebook

Ostrander

Oxford

  • Our Family Farm
    • 4851 Garver Elliot Rd, Oxford, OH 45056
    • No website
  • Reserve Run Farm
    • 2850 Lanes Mill Rd, Oxford, OH 45056
    • website

Pandora

Paris

  • Brown Brothers Farms, LLC
    • 3086 Fox Ave SE, Paris, OH 44669
    • facebook

Pataskala

  • L&R Farms
    • 7482 Columbia Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062
  • White Feather Farms of Ohio

Peninsula

  • Trapp Family Farm
    • 1019 W Streetsboro Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264

Perrysburg

  • Harbauer Farms Poultry
    • 25080 McCutchenville Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
  • Seven Jays Farm
    • 10600 Dowling Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551
    • Facebook

Pickerington

  • Wright Family Farms Ltd
    • 6545 Reynoldsburg Baltimore Rd NW, Pickerington, OH 43147

Plain City

Pleasantville

Polk

Prospect

  • McDaniel Family Farm

Ravenna

Raymond

  • New Day Farms LLC
    • 27322 OH-739, Raymond, OH 43067
  • Outward Farms

Reynoldsburg

  • Bauman Farm
    • 8899 Taylor Rd, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
    • website

Rittman

  • Full Circle Farm
    • 2787 Harpster Rd, Rittman, OH 44270
    • ohiofullcirclefarm.com

Rossford

  • Rossford Eggs Poultry & Waterfowl
    • 823 Glenwood Rd, Rossford, OH 43460
    • rossfordepw.com

Rushville

Russellville

  • Ayers Valley Farm Meats
    • 9551 OH-353, Russellville, OH 45168
    • ayersvalleyfarmmeats.com

Sabina

Smithfield

  • It’s All Good Farm
    • 101 East Tanner St, Smithfield, OH
    • facebook
  • Selah Farms

Somerset

  • Hammerie Farm
  • Primaterra Farm
    • 6475 Township Rd 154 NE, Somerset, OH 43783
    • facebook

Spencer

  • Bindel Farms
    • 6736 River Corners Rd, Spencer, OH 44275
    • facebook

Springfield

  • SEEK Farms
    • 5674 Springfield Xenia Rd, Springfield, OH 45502
    • facebook

St. Henry

  • Rindler Poultry
    • 5424 Watkins Rd, St Henry, OH 45883

St. Marys

Strasburg

  • Case Farms Ohio Hatchery

Sullivan

Sunbury

Tipp City

  • Angry Hippie Farms, LLC
    • 6615 Peters Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371
    • website

Tiro

Upper Sandusky

  • Kinley Family Farm
    • 17890 Township Highway 103, Upper Sandusky, OH
    • lkessler2011@gmail.com
    • Kinley Family Farm
    • 740-341-9357

Urbana

  • Ohio Valley Farms Inc
    • 1881 N Dugan Rd, Urbana, OH 43078
    • website
  • The Shire Farm

Valley City

Vermilion

Waynesville

  • Grace Family Farms
    • 9510 Bellbrook Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068
    • facebook

West Mansfield

  • Heartland Quality Egg Farm
    • 9800 Co Rd 26, West Mansfield, OH 43358
    • facebook
  • Pullet Farm
    • 783 County Rd 142 N, West Mansfield, OH 43358
    • facebook

West Union

  • Busy B Farm
    • 2972 Unity Road, West Union, OH
    • busybfarmohio@yahoo.com
    • Busy B farm
    • 5132122398

Williamsport

Wilmington

Winesburg

  • Case Farms Ohio Division

Wooster

  • Clear Creek Valley Farm
    • 4293 Clear Creek Valley Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
    • clearcreekvalleyfarm.com
  • DB Farms

Xenia

  • Everett Farms
    • 1212 Waynesville Jamestown Rd, Xenia, OH 45385
    • facebook
  • Full of Graze Farm

Final Thoughts

We believe that the best high-quality chicken is produced from pasture-raised chickens that are raised humanely and ethically. Through these practices, the meat retains the highest nutrient content and provides you with healthier options than compared with store bought meat. When you buy locally, you enjoy fresher items that are packed full of flavor compared to store-bought options. Plus, you get the bonus of learning about how the chickens were raised and becoming friends with your local farmer! When you choose local farms for your next pasture-raised chicken purchase, you make healthier meals and support a growing community.

Have you tried pasture-raised chicken? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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