Organic Prairie Frequently Asked Questions

Organic Prairie® Organic Poultry

What makes Organic Prairie's poultry organic?

Wholesome, delicious, and nutritious Organic Prairie frozen organic chicken and turkey is produced by cooperative family farmers working in harmony with nature.

• The USDA organic standards are the strictest food production standards in the world. Certified organic farms are required to follow the USDA's National Organic Standards www.ams.usda.gov/nop, and are regularly inspected by an independent third party.
• Organic Prairie farmers never use antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or synthetic pesticides in production. For poultry, organic management starts the first day out of the egg.
• During their entire lives the birds receive only 100% certified organic feed.
• Certified feed and pasture are grown on land not treated with synthetic fertilizers or pesticides for a minimum of three years.
• Organic Poultry is allowed to express natural behaviors such as scratching and hunting for bugs, and has regular access to the outdoors.
• Organic animals and feeds must not be genetically modified organisms or contain products from genetically modified sources.
• All spices and ingredients used are approved by the USDA's National Organic Program.

What is the difference between "organic," "natural," and "free-range" poultry?

It is a common misconception that "natural" or "free-range" poultry is the same thing as "organic" poultry. This is not the case. Significant differences exist between the three. Certified organic farms are required to follow strict standards from the USDA's National Organic Standards and are inspected by an independent third party each year for compliance. The organic certification process is the "guarantee" to consumers these rules are being followed. There are no such standards or inspections for natural, pastured, and conventional meats.

Is organic poultry safe?

Organic meat is the safest choice because it comes from healthy animals raised on healthy land.

• The USDA organic standards set forth regularly audited practices leading to superior health and living conditions of organic animals, a primary component in food safety.
• All Organic Prairie meats are processed at federally inspected plants which are certified for organic production by a third party organic certifier accredited by the National Organic Program of the USDA.
• Organic livestock is never fed animal by-products, and never fed antibiotics.
• We visit and investigate all of plants regularly to ensure they meet our strict standards.
• Each lot of our product undergoes rigorous microbial testing far beyond that required by the USDA before shipping to ensure it meets our own finished good standards.
• Each unit of organic meat is traceable back to a lot. Each lot is traceable back to the farm of origin, and the Farm Plan required by the National Organic Program allows the specific flock included in the lot to be identified and traced back to hatching.

What are the health benefits of eating Organic Prairie's organic poultry?

• Lean organic turkey and chicken are very good sources of high density, low fat protein produced without added potentially harmful chemicals.
• Organic poultry is a good source of selenium, zinc, niacin, Vitamin E, betacarotene, and Vitamins B6 and B12.

• Organic poultry allowed access to the outdoors has 21% less total fat, 30% less saturated fat, 28% fewer calories, 50% more vitamin A, and 100% more omega-3 fatty acid than poultry not allowed outdoor access (USDA Sustainable Agriculture & Research Education Program).

For more information on the health benefits of eating organic poultry see the Health & Nutrition links in the Resource Section at www.organicvalley.coop.

What are good uses for Organic Prairie organic poultry?

Organic Prairie whole young chickens and turkeys make pleasing meals to feed the family, and even guests. Whole chickens can be stewed to make everyone's favorite chicken noodle soup, or grilled on a rotisserie. Turkey is a traditional holiday favorite, and can feed a larger group. As the leanest of the meats typically found in the American diet, turkey is a good choice for every day and not just holiday meals. Our ground chicken is a versatile food that can be used in all the same ways as ground beef—for variety or to lower the fat content of a favorite meal. Our boneless skinless chicken breast is wonderful marinated and grilled, or sliced into a healthy stir-fry or chicken enchiladas. Our chicken Italian sausage is delicious on the grill, or included in your favorite Italian dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna. Our chicken hot dogs make for great summer cook outs, and quick and pleasing meals any time.

What varieties of Organic Prairie organic poultry are available?

Fresh

• Oven Roasted Turkey Deli Slices, 6 oz.
• Smoked Turkey Deli Sliced, 6 oz.
• Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs, 12 oz.

Frozen Chicken

• Whole Young Chickens, large and small
• Ground Chicken, 12 oz. chub
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, variable weight
• Chicken Hot Dogs, 10.5 oz.
• Chicken Italian Sausage, 12 oz. package. 

Frozen Turkey

• Whole Young Turkey, large (14-18 pounds), and small (10-14 pounds).
• Ground Turkey Chub, 12 oz.

We care for the earth while bringing you the highest quality food