Sassafras Valley Farm

Located in Gasconade County, Missouri, the farm is known for raising free-range Embden geese and Rouen ducks. The availability of dressed geese and ducks in the U.S. is limited due to the difficulty of raising them in high-density confinement, making their traditional methods noteworthy. Their birds are humanely processed in a USDA certified facility and available for purchase and shipment throughout the U.S., as well as through several local outlets in the Hermann and Saint Louis Missouri area.

The farm practices Low Impact Sustainable Agriculture (LISA) to raise geese and ducks in a traditional and environmentally sensitive manner. They maintain a population density of less than 36 birds per acre, providing continuous access to fresh pasture and water. Pastures are planted with a mixture of grasses and other plants that reflect the traditional diet of domesticated geese and ducks, in harmony with the local microclimate. Birds are raised in a chemical-free, pesticide-free, and hormone-free environment. Predator control is managed by Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dogs rather than trapping, poisoning, or shooting.

Rouen ducks, a slower maturing heritage breed, are known for their superior flavor and less greasy meat compared to the more common Pekin ducks. Embden geese, familiar from pictures and folklore, are very low in fat due to their natural diet and healthy, outdoor living conditions. The farm is certified by the prestigious Animal Welfare Approved organization.