Sunny Side Farm, Missouri

Meet a Missouri Family of Regenerative Chicken Farmers

Nestled in the heart of Missouri, the Miller family—James, Sarah, and their three children—raise pasture-raised chickens on their 50-acre farm. They’re the kind of hardworking, small-scale farmers who are transforming how we think about food. By focusing on regenerative farming practices, they’re not only providing nutrient-dense, healthy chicken but also restoring the land for future generations.

A Commitment to Regeneration

The Millers’ farming approach revolves around rotational grazing, promoting plant diversity, and using organic methods to nurture their pastures. Their goal is simple yet profound: to rebuild soil health, improve animal well-being, and provide healthier food for families across Missouri.

“We believe in working with nature, not against it,” James explains. “Healthy soil leads to healthy animals, and that translates to better food for people.”

A Family Tradition, Reimagined

James grew up helping his parents manage a conventional chicken operation, where the birds were confined to large barns. “I always loved animals, but the way we raised them back then didn’t sit right with me,” he recalls. “The smell, the conditions—it wasn’t what I wanted for my future.”

That vision changed when James discovered the work of Joel Salatin, a pioneer in regenerative farming. Inspired by Salatin’s methods, the Millers transitioned to a pasture-based system. Now, their chickens are raised in mobile coops that are moved twice daily, ensuring access to fresh grass, bugs, and sunlight.

The Benefits of Pasture-Raised Poultry

This approach not only enhances the chickens’ quality of life but also improves the land. “When chickens graze on fresh grass and bugs, they fertilize the soil as they go,” Sarah explains. “It’s a cycle that builds up the land rather than depleting it.”

The Millers’ chickens are fed a supplemental diet of non-GMO, soy-free, and corn-free feed sourced from local suppliers. They never use antibiotics, growth hormones, or chemical additives.

“The difference is clear,” James says. “Our chickens are healthier, and you can see it in their vibrant livers and taste it in the meat. Customers tell us they’ve never had chicken this flavorful before.”

A Focus on Family and Community

Farming is a family affair for the Millers. Their children, even the youngest, help with daily chores like moving the coops and feeding the birds. “It’s a joy to see our kids grow up understanding where their food comes from and how to care for the land,” Sarah shares.

The Millers also prioritize connecting with their community. They sell their chicken directly to local families, ensuring transparency and fostering trust. “We love knowing that the food we raise is nourishing people right here in Missouri,” James says.

Why Regenerative Farming Matters

For the Millers, regenerative farming is about more than just raising chickens—it’s about creating a sustainable future. “We want to leave this land better than we found it,” James says. “Every time we move the coops or plant new pasture, we’re investing in that vision.”

By choosing pasture-raised, regeneratively farmed chicken, you’re supporting families like the Millers and helping to create a healthier, more sustainable food system.