The Cluck-Worthy Truth: Why We Feed Our Chickens Non-GMO Feed

It occurred to me when we were restocking our chicken feed that nobody has ever asked us for “proof” that we are feeding our chickens non-GMO feed. There is no regulating body that comes out and periodically checks and we’ve never had to send our eggs off for analysis. Non-GMO feed costs more. Non-GMO eggs can call for a mark-up over regular eggs.

I am not going to open Pandora ’s Box with my thoughts on the food industry as a whole, but we are grateful that our customers trust us to supply them with eggs from chickens fed a non-GMO feed. I snapped a photo of some of the feed bags in the back of our side by side and started thinking about this post.

As conscientious poultry keepers, TnF Farms strives to provide the best care and nutrition for our livestock. When it comes to what we feed our chickens, it’s essential to consider the source of their food. Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) feed is increasingly gaining popularity among chicken keepers for good reason. Let’s explore the importance of feeding chickens non-GMO feed and why it matters for both the well-being of your birds and the quality of the eggs they produce.

Understanding Non-GMO Feed

Non-GMO feed refers to poultry feed that is free from genetically modified organisms. This means the grains and ingredients used in the feed have not been genetically engineered or altered in a laboratory. Instead, they are cultivated through traditional, time-tested farming methods.

Healthier Chickens

Non-GMO feed provides a more natural and wholesome diet for your chickens. Genetically modified crops can introduce novel proteins and substances into the food chain, which may have unintended health consequences for both birds and humans. Non-GMO feed ensures that your chickens are consuming grains in a more natural state.

Better Egg Quality

The adage “you are what you eat” holds true for chickens as well. Chickens that are fed a diet rich in non-GMO grains produce eggs that are often considered to have better taste and quality. These eggs tend to have richer yolks and more robust flavor.

Environmental Impact

Choosing non-GMO feed also has positive implications for the environment. It supports sustainable agriculture practices and reduces the reliance on chemical herbicides and pesticides, which are commonly associated with genetically modified crops.

Food Transparency

Feeding non-GMO feed aligns with a growing demand for transparency in the food supply chain. Many consumers prefer to know what goes into the food they consume, and this preference extends to the eggs they purchase.

Reduced Dependency on Big Agribusiness

Supporting non-GMO feed encourages smaller-scale and local farmers who often produce non-GMO grains. This can help reduce dependence on large agribusiness corporations that dominate the genetically modified crop market.

Biodiversity Preservation

Non-GMO farming practices tend to promote greater crop biodiversity. This is vital for preserving heirloom and traditional grain varieties that might otherwise be lost to monoculture farming.

Our decision to feed our chickens non-GMO feed is a choice rooted in health, quality, ethics, and environmental sustainability. By making this choice, TnF Farms chickens receive a more natural and wholesome diet, which not only benefits their well-being but also enhances the quality of the eggs they produce. Your decision to buy eggs laid from chickens fed non-GMO feed is a choice for better food quality and overall better health.

We are always up for tours of our farm. At TnF Farms, we believe you should be able to see where your food comes from. We can show you all of our livestock is able to free range every day. Additionally, we can also show the feed we supplement into our animals’ diet. If you decide to buy farm fresh eggs that claim to be non-GMO, don’t be afraid to ask for proof.