Crane's Chicken Ranch

Operating in Illinois, this poultry business focuses on raising chickens for meat and eggs. The meat production is seasonal, running from April to October, with processing done at Central Illinois Poultry in Arthur, IL. The business also holds an Illinois Egg License, allowing them to sell eggs both through retail and to private customers year-round.

Chickens are raised on native Illinois pasture grasses that have never been treated with pesticides or insecticides. The chicken tractor method is used to move the birds around the pasture. Hens are kept as close to free-range as possible, utilizing a series of runs and housed during winter with access to the outside when weather permits. Both meat birds and egg layers are fed a non-GMO feed, ground locally by Stutzman's in Arthur, IL. No antibiotics or medications are used; natural methods are employed if treatment is necessary, though this is rare.

Customers are encouraged to email to verify egg availability due to the natural laying patterns of hens. The business is looking to improve their system to allow hens freer access to larger areas.