Seasonal Broiler Production
posted on
January 17, 2021
As much as possible we strive to work with nature. For Carver Family Farms LLC this means that our Cornish cross broilers should not be raised in the winter. In Central Virginia, birds will not thrive outdoors on pasture in the months of December-March. For that matter, July and August present many challenges as well.
Our regenerative model only works with nature. We try to maintain the highest standards in animal welfare. We want all of our animals to live a good life. Wintertime is less conducive to that: Water troughs can freeze, weight gains are inconsistent, birds cannot leave the brooder as early, we have more predator problems as other food sources become more scarce; etc. Since we believe birds should be raised in fresh air on pasture, we have to grow in accordance with our climate.
Summertime is also a challenge because the birds don’t do well in extreme heat. So in Virginia, the months of July and August are challenging and so we try to avoid them as much as possible. In Florida, producers can grow out birds all winter but tend to take the entire summer off (or drastically change management styles to overcome the heat).
We will stockpile birds in our freezers so that we have frozen birds for our customers year round. We will increase production every year to keep up with demand. We will try to recognize seasonal demand and process accordingly. Our November batch we processed more cut-up birds than whole roasting birds. Unfortunately our demand for whole birds for winter cooking has so far greatly exceeded our demand for boneless chicken breasts and leg quarters.
God gave us dominion over and stewardship of the land, but we believe that means working with His design rather than trying to bend it to our will.
We are learning more about God’s creation as we grow Carver Family Farms LLC. 2020 taught us to cook more and waste less. We tried new things. A freezer full of chicken has been such a blessing for our family. We are excited to see what 2021 brings and hope you will join us on this journey.
-Lyle
