Regular readers know that I am doing 50 healthy things this year in honor of my 50th birthday. Here’s number 27 – local free-range chicken.
So, I’ve had a “chicken man” since way before it was cool. I first met Mike Martin, who owns 4D Acres, back in 2008 when there used to be a farmer’s market right outside my office on Crown Center Square.
I have never been much of a meat eater. I’ve just never really liked the taste, even as a child. In fact, I could easily be a vegetarian. However, as a mom with two hungry kids and a carnivorous husband, I’ve had to strike a balance over the years. Consequently, chicken has been a huge staple on our menus.
But I’ve also been worried about stories in the media of tainted chicken feed and horrible processing houses. So when I met a local, trustworthy source, I was ecstatic.
Mike and his wife, Dee, raise free-range chickens and emu on their farm in Louisburg, KS. That first farmer’s market is long defunct, but I’ve followed Mike, Dee and their son to various markets over the years. I’ve also had the pleasure of visiting their farm, and Mike now actually delivers to my home during the winter months.
Once we tasted their chickens, my family and I were hooked. It’s hard to explain the difference between 4D chickens and those from the grocery store. Of course, they are tender and juicy, but more than anything they just taste “clean.”
Mike and Dee also produce emu meat and a wide range of emu-oil skin products. I can attest that the skin products are great. Alas, though, I just can’t make myself eat the emu meat. But several Paleo friends tell me it’s awesome.
The benefits of eating local are much more widely publicized today than ever with proponents touting both health and economic benefits. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets in the U.S. has nearly doubled since 2008.
Farmers like Mike and Dee are making a big difference in our local economies and our communities’ health. And they’re building strong brands that deliver on real promises while they’re at it.
I encourage you to find your chicken man today.
