Grass Grazed

Located in Northern Durham, this 60-acre farmstead was established in 2019 by Derrick and Paige Jackson. Derrick, seeking a career change from the U.S. Army, started with chickens and expanded to include pastured poultry, heritage pork, and grassfed beef. The farm has grown from its humble beginnings and has embraced the journey of sustainable farming.

The farm adheres to sustainable agricultural principles, focusing on rotational grazing and pasture management. Pigs are raised on pasture their entire lives, with sows farrowing in outdoor huts. Cattle are grassfed and rotated to fresh pastures regularly, meeting or exceeding American Grassfed Association standards. Chickens and hens are also pasture-raised, with hens having access to fresh grass, bugs, and sunlight. The farm avoids the use of hormones, growth promoters, and sub-therapeutic antibiotics. Environmental sustainability is a core practice, with livestock rotation minimizing the need for additional fertilization and allowing vegetation recovery. The farm also avoids broadcasting herbicides and reuses materials from defunct farms, while harvesting rainwater to minimize groundwater extraction.

The farm's commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious meat and eggs is evident in their practices. Pasture-raised eggs are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. The farm's approach to environmental sustainability includes a pasture reconditioning protocol for pigs, minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers, and protecting the river system. The farm also processes poultry between 8-9 weeks, raising Cornish Cross and Red Rangers.