| MINOOKA, ILL. (March 11, 2014) – The flock of laying hens at 70-acre Creekside Natural Farm is now certified as Animal Welfare Approved. This certification and food label lets consumers know that these animals were raised in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S., using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent family farm.
Like other AWA farmers across the country, Pamela and William Kunke recognize the growing consumer interest in how animals are being raised. The Kunke’s manage 200 mixed-breed pasture-raised laying hens. Raising the hens on pastures allows the hens to perform their natural behaviors, such as scratching, pecking for seeds and grubs, and dust bathing. “Providing our birds with healthy food and supplements, along with free access to pasture and clean housing, keeps the birds healthy enough to fight off illness without reliance on veterinary medicines,” says Pamela.
Creekside Natural Farm’s pasture-raised eggs are extremely popular with customers, and regularly sell out. “You certainly can taste a real difference between our pasture-raised eggs and the regular eggs you can purchase from the grocery store,” says Pamela. Additionally, research shows that pasture-raised eggs contain three times as much vitamin E, seven times more beta-carotene, and twice the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids as industrially produced eggs.
The Kunke’s are proud to be certified by Animal Welfare Approved for their laying hens. “Following AWA’s farm standards gives our customers that extra assurance that we really are properly caring for our animals, and producing the tastiest, most nutritious eggs possible,” says Pamela.
Creekside Natural Farm’s pasture-raised eggs are available directly from the farm. For more information visit http://www.creeksidenaturalfarm.com.
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About Animal Welfare Approved
Animal Welfare Approved audits, certifies and supports farmers raising their animals according to the highest welfare standards, outdoors on pasture or range. Called a “badge of honor for farmers” and the “gold standard,” AWA is the most highly regarded food label in North America when it comes to animal welfare, pasture-based farming, and sustainability. All AWA standards, policies and procedures are available on the AWA website, making it the most transparent certification available.
Animal Welfare Approved’s Online Directory of AWA farms, restaurants and products enables the public to search for AWA farms, restaurants and products by zip code, keywords, products and type of establishment. In addition, AWA has published Food Labeling for Dummies, a regularly updated guide to commonly used food claims and terms, available free for download at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org.
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Barbara Will-Henn, Our page is creeksidenaturalfarm.com. When we start putting eggs in the stand, I will post it there.
This is wonderful! Love your chickens; they are the best tasting! Keep up the good work.
Thanks! Can you give me directions or web address if you have a site?
It sounds like you are looking for a CSA. We don’t have that program here as we have found that our customers prefer to pick out what they want.
Hi Barbara, We are located in Minooka. We sell eggs all year, but have a limited quantity during the winter. Our young hens should start laying in early April. We also sell heirloom corn meal during winter.
Congrats Pam & Bill!
Can someone tell me if there is a or recommend, a local cooperative I can join to buy locally grown and raised food? I live in the Plainfield/Joliet area. My sis is in one in the southern part of the state where you pay a monthly fee and support small family farms…
Where do we purchase your products?
Thanks Sheryl. AWA has the most stringent standards for certification of all groups.
Congratulations, Pam. I knew you and your husband were serious in your efforts. This label is quite an honor. Great job.