Howard Farm chickens

Larry and Barbara’s homestead has been in Larry’s family for about 129 years. It has seen many generations of gardens and livestock, but today Larry and Barbara keep a flock of about 50 chickens. The birds work hard to keep the house and garden area free of bugs, snatching them up while ranging their pasture. They also lay plenty of eggs (brown, white, and speckled) that Larry and Barbara collect. Barbara sells the eggs at farmers markets and to neighbors.

The Howards take pride in treating their poultry gently and humanely, and also in allowing them to live out their natural life span on the farm.  Protecting the birds from predators by allowing them to go inside their hen house at night and having an aviary to protect them are both important aspects of the flock’s survival. The Howard’s interest in humane farming is also what led them to apply to Animal Welfare Approved.

Working with Animal Welfare Approved has given Larry and Barbara a chance to showcase their commitment to treating their animals with high-welfare practices, and in turn to educate conscientious consumers. They appreciate the yearly audits from Animal Welfare Approved, explaining, “The inspections ensure that good and healthy standards are applied.” Larry and Barbara intend to continue keeping a healthy, happy flock and with their certification they now have Animal Welfare Approved’s full support.