"Pasture Raised" Defined

USDA Define's "Pasture Raised" -

The USDA has officially updated the definition of “pasture-raised” to require that animals spend the majority of their lives on rooted, vegetative pasture, distinguishing it from “free-range,” which only mandates outdoor access. This update became effective March 2025.

Here at Nature’s Gourmet Farm that is how we raise our animals – whether it be cows, pigs, meat chickens, egg layers, or turkeys. Pasture raised is our management choice and reflects our stewardship ethos. Frankly, pasture raised is how God created them to be versus. in a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). CAFOs represent man’s inhumane wisdom!!!

“This ruling creates an opportunity at the national level to set pasture-raised animals apart from everything else," Mike Badger, the executive director of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association, shared in a statement. "[The] USDA is finally acknowledging the grassroots difference that pasture raised has meant for small, independent farms for more than 30 years."

Additionally, our animals “out on pasture” are key contributors to our soil fertility management. As they graze through our diverse pastures, choosing the plants, bugs, etc. that are right for their needs helps provide nutrient-dense beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and turkey for our customers.

Indirect benefits for our pastures I’ve observed this year is an increase in the number of quail bedding in our pastures. Most mornings when I step out of our house I hear three to four quail whistling. Also, typically the month of June the horse flies are horrible and really pester the cows. This year they have not been a problem at all…which we are thankful for.

Where Is Dr. Williams -

This Spring has been very busy for the folks at Soil Health Academy and Understanding Ag. Last month Allen was meeting with Big Ag CEOs on implementing Regenerative practices throughout their supply chains while Gabe Brown was meeting with Secretary Kennedy and his staff on Regenerative practices to provide healthy food without all the chemicals, ecological disasters, etc.

For the month of June, Allen is in Europe holding Soil Health Academy workshops with farmers. Here is an excerpt from a recent newsletter:

Producers throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom have been eager to learn more about regenerating soils, pastures, food and profits from Understanding Ag’s Allen Williams, Ph.D., along with UA’s Stuart Johnson and Kyle Richardville (pictured here in Cotswold, UK). Like other producers across the globe, they’re also learning that no matter where you live or what you grow, the secret to success is growing healthy, well-functioning soil that’s teaming with life.

Notice the large group of attentive folks! Very encouraging!

At Nature's Gourmet Farm, our intent is to create a community that evolves around one of the most intrinsically important things of the ages, and that’s the provision of sustenance. That's our passion - to raise healthy food to nourish families and strengthen immune systems.

** Product Availability Update **

NOTE: Restocks are made about 6 PM on the dates indicated below!

Chicken - Restocked June 11th. Next Restock will be June 25th

Turkey - Hatchery is now taking orders. Have poults scheduled for July 9th and August 6th. Additionally, Thanksgiving whole turkeys are on order for late October delivery.

Eggs - Restock each Tuesday prior to your delivery date. Note that we are stocking Corner Market Hattiesburg & Petal locations. After speaking with the buyer this week he will lower our price to $6.49 per dozen

Beef - Next Restock will be June 22nd. Order window for Half Beef Shares closes June 28th for July 1st harvest. Customers can place their order and pay deposit from this link.

Pork – Restocked fresh items June 11th. Cured items will be about 12 days later.

Lamb - Restocked March 27th, just in time for Easter. Next Restock will be September 2025.