Buying farm fresh chicken shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. Instead, you want real food from real farms. You want to know how the birds were raised, and you want to feel confident that what you’re putting on your table is worth the drive, the price, and the planning.
If you’ve ever typed “how to buy farm fresh chicken near me” and ended up more confused than when you started, here’s the simple, practical guide you actually need.
This is how to buy chicken directly from small farms. And if you happen to be in Northern Ontario, Nemcsok Farms is already on your list. So before you start searching, it helps to understand what “farm fresh chicken” actually means.
What “Farm Fresh Chicken” Actually Means
Farm fresh doesn’t have a legal definition. So the phrase gets used everywhere.
Here’s what truly matters when you’re buying from a local farm:
1. How the birds were raised
Look for farms that mention:
- pasture raised
- free range
- outdoor access
- small flock or family-run operations
This usually means the birds get fresh air and pasture time, where they can peck and graze the way chickens like to do. They’re not left to fend for themselves. They have shelter from heat, rain, snow, and predators, so they can enjoy the outdoors safely. It makes a noticeable difference in the final product.
2. What they were fed
Pasture-raised birds naturally pick up grass and insects, and most small farms supplement with grain. If you want non-GMO or specific feed types, just ask. Most chicken farmers love to talk about their chickens.
3. Who raised them
The biggest difference with small farms is transparency. You know who’s doing the work, how the birds were handled, and what goes into the final product. If you have a question, you can ask the farmer directly instead of guessing your way through a label.
Where to Look for Farm Fresh Chicken Near You
If you want to buy chicken directly from farms, here are the easiest ways to find reputable farms in your region.
1. Farm websites and online shops
More farms are listing their products online.
Search for:
- “pasture raised chicken near me”
- “buy local chicken”
- “family farm chicken”
Most farms outline everything you need to know:
- prices
- pick-up schedules
- availability
- how their flock is raised
If you’re in Northern Ontario, Nemcsok Farms lists whole birds, drumsticks, thighs, and soup chickens seasonally.
2. Farmer’s markets
Farmers who raise pasture-raised poultry frequently sell frozen birds at weekend markets, however in Ontario only those licensed with Chicken Farmers of Ontario with the Artisinal Chicken Farmers license are legally allowed to. They’re regulated, inspected, and usually happy to talk about how their poultry program works.
3. Local farm directories
Regional agriculture groups often list farms by product.
Look for directories that include poultry farms, CSAs, and pasture-raised producers.
4. Word of mouth
In small communities, word spreads fast. Ask:
- local butchers
- restaurant owners who use local meat
- friends who buy direct from farms
You’ll often find the best producers this way.
How Buying Directly From a Farm Works
Every farm does things slightly differently, but here’s the general flow.
1. Pre-order or reserve
Pasture-raised chicken sells out quickly because small farms raise limited batches.
Most customers reserve:
- whole birds
- thighs
- drumsticks
- soup chickens/stewing hens
Farmers will let you know the next processing date and when pick-ups start.
2. Pick up at the farm or at a scheduled location
Your order will be frozen and labelled with weight and price.
Most farms can only offer farm gate pick ups. Only farmers licensed under the Artisinal Chicken Farmers’ license with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario are allowed to deliver.
3. Stock your freezer
Pasture-raised chicken freezes exceptionally well and holds quality for months.
Many families buy enough to last until the next processing date.
How to Know You’re Buying Good Chicken
You want to feel confident in what you’re buying. Ask questions like:
- How are your chickens raised?
- Do they have outdoor access?
- What do you feed them?
- What cuts are available?
- Do you offer whole birds or bulk pricing?
Why Buying From a Local Farm Matters
Every purchase directly supports:
- small family farms
- rural communities
- sustainable agriculture
- humane animal care
It also keeps more food dollars inside your region instead of sending them to large processors far away.
And of course. The flavour is better. Anyone who has compared grocery store chicken to a pasture-raised bird will tell you the same thing. It’s not even close.
How to Buy Farm Fresh Chicken From Nemcsok Farms
If you’re ‘near me” in Northern Ontario, here’s how it works at Nemcsok Farms:
- We raise a couple flocks of chickens through the year ,that are raised outdoors, in a protected area, with unlimited access to food, water and shelter.
- We offer whole birds, boneless skinless breast, thighs, drumsticks, wings and soup chickens
- You can order online, by phone, or by messaging us
- We deliver for free from Cobalt to Larder Lake
Final Thoughts
Buying farm fresh chicken near you is easier when you know what to look for. Find real farmers. Ask questions. Choose outdoor-raised when possible. Support the families doing the work.
Once you’ve stocked your freezer, you can rejoice in our mutual love of chicken with these chicken quotes for Instagram are a favourite with customers and market regulars. And when it comes time to cook, our oven baked chicken in honey birch sauce is one of those recipes that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does when company shows up.
