Ep128- Organic Chicken with a Farmer Focus - Jefferson of SVO

The Food Startups Podcast

Once you have the chance to eat organic chicken, it is difficult to return to the conventional. I say this from experience.

Jefferson Heatwole and Shenandoah Valley Organics (SVO) are trying to affordably provide organic chicken. They have an innovative, farmer-focused business model and encourage healthy eating and cultural awareness.

The company is growing in number of farms, chickens, and sales. In fact they have an exclusive brand developed just for Costco.

SVO operates out of the beautiful Shenandoah valley in Virginia. Jefferson and I demystify the chicken industry and elaborate on their business model:

• What certified organic farms look like
• Antibiotic free chicken vs organic chicken
• Health differences of organic vs conventional chicken
• Quality of life differences for the chickens!
• Teamwork and relationships with independent farmers on over 25 farms (24:40)
• Tips for working with USDA Organic certifiers
• Tim Heydon of Shenandoah Growers an an advisor
• Keys to success and rapid sustainable growth
• Why is organic turkey so expensive? (31:45)

Note: For the chicken raising standards chart mentioned at (13:30) scroll down on this page Book recs.