Much of what is now the norm in BC organic chicken farming was pioneered by Thomas Reid farms. They started out with an extremely small scale production of 100 chickens per week, and by 2004 were up to 2,500 chickens. Feeling that he wanted to be a part of the solution rather than the problem, and that he wanted only the best for his family and customers, Brad committed to raising only organic chickens. This a philosophy that the farm has held to over the years, and remains true today.
In order to encourage the natural behavior of their chickens, all of the farm’s barns have been designed to recreate their natural environment. Windows are equipped in order to provide natural sunlight inside, all lights are also turned off for eight hours a night to encourage the chickens to have regular sleep cycles. Once chicks are fully feathered, the barns are opened and the chickens are allowed outdoors. They are given a diet of certified organic vegetables without genetically modified grains, and are encourage to forage in their pasture.
From the Highland’s of Scotland to the plains of Saskatchewan, the Reid family has been farming for generations. Brad and Karen Reid began farming in Chilliwack in 1989, with their children Dave, Jon, Paul and Nico. In 1993, Thomas Reid farms became the first certified organic chicken farm in British Columbia. They now farm twenty-five acres over two locations in Langley BC.
What was really impressive to us at Naked Naturals was how small Thomas Reid Farms really was. With only 4 barns, they are not tiny; however, when it comes to chicken farms they are not exactly large either. Seeing the chickens outside when we arrived, we were pleased to see that the runs were not picked clean, but rather had a significant amount of grass growing, and the chickens were happily picking away at bugs. The small family farm atmosphere really sunk in as Dave took us into his office to show us some of their labeling which meant passing through Karen Reid’s home. The Reids are a great family, with a solid commitment to organic farming, and provide a strong addition to the meat department at our locations.
Here are some of the products that Thomas Reid Farm supplies us
- Chicken Breast
- Chicken Wings
- Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Drums
- Whole Chicken
- Ground Chicken
- Chicken Sausage
- Cornish Game Hens
Certified Organic BCARA #03-94-061