Our poultry is free-range, but given protection in large coops at night and bad weather. They are outside more than they are inside and some prefer never to go in the coop! We have several Great Pyrenees Guard Dogs that protect them during the day and at night. These dogs ward off coyotes, raccoons and even hawks. They are naturally nocturnal dogs and have an instinct to guard whatever is in their "domain". We have meat chickens as well as egg layers. All are supplimented with non-GMO corn as well.
We chose to raise Scottish Highland Cattle for a few reasons. They have a wonderful temperment which was important to us with kids helping around the farm. They are also very hearty and prefer to be out on pasture.....even in a blizzard. Because of their thick coat they do not need all of the back fat that an angus or other breeds need. Instead the fat is marbled throughout the meat which in turn makes it extremely tender. Our cattle is always out on pasture and never placed in any sort of feed lot. Occasionally we will "treat" the cattle to some non-GMO organic grain a few weeks prior to butcher. It is never considered part of their diet. Many of our cattle are completely grassfed and you can request this when purchasing meat.
We raise Berkshire Pigs as well as Berkshire/Tamworth crosses. They have superb meat qualities and this breed is preferred by many restaurants and chefs. Our pigs are out on pasture for the majority of the year, although during the hard winter months they are kept in spacious free-run barns with the option to go outside on less harsh days. We have to protect our pig's health especially since they do not receive antibiotics. Throughout the milder seasons of spring, summer and fall, the pigs enjoy wooded pastures with lots of acorns and nutrients! Kids absolutely love seeing the pigs run around and chase each other!