Pastured Poultry in Practice: Systems, Feed, and Farm Economics Field Day

Bec Guilloud of Grand Cru Farm discusses the American Bresse chicken.

On a blustery early-spring day, when winter still seemed determined to hold its ground, 20+ farmers gathered at two farms near Frenchtown, New Jersey, to explore the opportunities—and challenges—of pastured poultry done well. The field day marked the culmination of a winter-long educational series organized by North Jersey RC&D.

The featured speaker, Jeff Mattocks of Fertrell and author of Pastured Poultry Feeding and Management, brought decades of hands-on experience to the discussion. Farmers came ready with questions, pressing him on topics ranging from feed ingredients and productivity to amino acid balance, corn- and soy-free formulations, feed storage, freshness and strategies for working with local feed mills.

Having started in a feed mill at just eight years old, Mattocks offered practical, experience-driven insights that resonated throughout the morning. He wrapped up with an introduction to a cost calculator he co-developed with Mike Badger for the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association. Attendees received access to the tool, designed to help them evaluate and refine both their production practices and farm economics. 

Attendees were treated to a tour of the growing pastured poultry program at Grand Cru Farm, where the operation has invested in Range Coops and Layer Houses from The Mobile Chicken House Company, along with a larger Alumi-Coop. Farm manager Bec Guilloud shared insights into both the advantages and challenges of using these newer, higher-cost structures, many of which feature automated systems. She also discussed the farm’s work with American Bresse chickens, a striking dual-purpose breed valued for both meat and egg production. According to Guilloud, their rich flavor and distinctive texture have found a strong market among local immigrant communities.

Following a lunch of turkey and chicken sandwiches and lively conversation, the group traveled to Haring Family Farm. There, owners Lucas and Elise Haring led a tour of the custom-built structures Lucas has designed to improve efficiency while standing up to the high winds that sweep across their hilltop farm. Their ingenuity, paired with a strong commitment to serving their local community through an on-farm store, has enabled both of them to farm full-time.

The Harings also shared plans to double the number of shelters this year to meet growing demand while increasing space per bird. Lower stocking densities will not only benefit flock health but also provide more flexibility in shelter movement, giving them greater balance between farm responsibilities and family life—including staying involved in their children’s agricultural education, where broiler feed trials are underway.

North Jersey RC&D remains committed to supporting community needs through conservation-focused agriculture. Pastured poultry represents one meaningful approach to sustaining working farms while promoting responsible land stewardship.