FAQ

Are your chickens certified organic?

No. We use organic, soy-free feed and raise our birds on pasture, but we aren't USDA Organic certified. Certification is expensive and labor-intensive for a farm our size, and we'd rather put that money into better feed, better fencing, and more time with the birds. If you're after organic feed and pasture-raised practices, you're in the right place. If a USDA seal is what you specifically need, we won't be the right fit — and we'll tell you that honestly.

What does "pasture-raised" mean on your farm?

It means our chickens live outside, on grass, in mobile shelters that move to a fresh patch of pasture every morning. They forage for bugs and greens, get sunshine and fresh air, and behave like chickens are supposed to. The supplemental feed we provide is organic and soy-free. They are not raised in barns, in cages, or in industrial-scale "free range" operations.

Are your chickens soy-free?

Yes. The grain we supplement their pasture diet with is soy-free, non-GMO, and organic.

How is your chicken different from grocery store chicken?

Grocery store chicken is almost always raised indoors, fed conventional grain, and processed at scale in a plant. Ours are raised on grass, fed soy-free organic grain, and processed by hand on our farm. The difference shows up in flavor, texture, color, and what your body does with it. It's a different product. Most people who try it don't go back.

What's in the subscription box?

Our subscription box contains a variety of different chicken cuts, for example - boneless breast, thighs, drumsticks, wings and tenders.
We offer two different sizes.
The Couples Box - contains 5 packs of chicken, about 5-6 pounds total.
The Family Box - contains 9 packs of chicken, about 10-12 pounds total.
The exact cuts may vary from month to month based on what’s currently ready and available.

How does local pickup work?

All orders are picked up at Tractor Supply in Cookeville (575-A S Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501). Once your order is ready, we'll email you to coordinate a pickup date and time that works for you. We don't ship — every order is picked up in person.

Do you ship?

We don't ship. Frozen meat shipping is expensive and risky for a small farm, and we'd rather give you a better product at a better price than charge you for cold packs and overnight freight. Local pickup only.

How long does your chicken keep in the freezer?

Up to a year, easily, if it stays frozen the whole time.

How do I thaw a frozen chicken?

The best way is in the fridge. Plan ahead — a whole chicken takes about 24 hours per 4–5 pounds. Cuts thaw faster (overnight is usually plenty). For faster thawing, submerge the still-sealed package in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Don't thaw on the counter.

When's the next harvest?

We process in batches throughout the year, not on a fixed weekly schedule. The fastest way to know when the next batch is coming is to subscribe to our email list. Subscribers get first dibs when new inventory drops.

Why is your chicken more expensive than grocery store chicken?

Pasture-raising chickens takes more land, more time, more feed per bird, and more labor than conventional chicken. We move shelters daily, refill water and feed by hand, and process the birds ourselves. We use organic, soy-free feed, which costs more than conventional. The price reflects what it actually costs to raise chicken this way. We think it's worth it. So do our customers.

Do you offer wholesale?

Yes. We currently work with one wholesale partner and are open to additional relationships. If you run a restaurant, food service, or community program and want a wholesale rate sheet, send us a note from the Contact page.

Still have a question?

Email us at info@cloverlanefarmstead.com or send a note from the contact page →. We read everything.