Green Heron Growers

We’re proud of our special herd of Red Devon and their crosses at the Green Heron Growers. These breeds are not just ordinary cattle. They’re experts at converting grass to high-quality meat efficiently, naturally marbling without eating grain. Devon cattle have been at the heart of American agriculture since the Pilgrim settled in New England. Our approach to cattle raising is a blend of time-honored tradition and modern, eco-friendly practices. Farmer Steve and herdsman Ryan Hoitink ensure our cows graze on fresh pasture daily during the growing season, using managed intensive grazing (MIG) to nurture the land and sequester carbon back into the soil. It’s a win-win for the environment and our cattle. Remember, cows are born herbivores, and our practice respects that natural diet. In winter, they’re fed stored pasture grasses, known as baleage, to keep them healthy year-round. We invite you to experience the difference at Green Heron Growers. Come see our Devon herd, understand our loving and careful management, and maybe even learn a thing or two about regenerative farming. Here at Green Heron Growers in Western New York, each season is marked by the arrival of 500 Cornish Cross meat birds. These chicks, barely two days old, begin their journey with us through parcel post. At three weeks, these young birds graduate from the inside brooder to the great outdoors. Their new home? Lush pastures and chicken tractors. These movable enclosures are more than just protection against predators. They provide essential shade and shield them from the elements. Twice a day, we move these tractors by hand, ensuring the birds always have access to fresh grass. This pasture-raised approach allows our birds to forage naturally, their diet enriched by grasses and insects. This not only leads to healthier birds but also enhances the nutritional value of the meat with plenty of omega-3s. We compliment their diets with certified organic grains, meticulously chosen to be free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. The journey from chick to full-sized bird takes about eight weeks. When they reach this milestone, we handle the butchering and packaging right here on our farm with the utmost respect and care. This hands-on process from start to finish ensures that the meat you bring to your dinner table is of the highest quality, raised with love and attention. Taste the difference with Green Heron Growers’ certified-organic, pasture-raised chicken. Tasting pasture-raised pork is an unrivaled culinary experience! Our pigs, a special blend of Old Spot and Large Black breeds, are the epitome of heritage quality. Raised with care by our Amish neighbor, John Bricker, these pigs enjoy a life well-lived. Their diet? It’s not just any feed – he focuses on high-quality, GMO-free grains. But that’s not all. Pigs are natural foragers, and his relish their time rooting around in the woods. There, they feast on wild apples and an array of forest offerings. This diet, rich in plants and not just grains, infuses our pork with omega-3s, especially in the fat, making it not just delicious but also nutritious. When they’re not on their woodland adventures, these pigs reside in a spacious, covered barn. Comfort is key, with ample bedding to ensure they’re cozy and content. The Brickers’ approach to farming transcends the norm, resulting in pork that’s not only more flavorful but also packed with nutritional value, a cut above conventionally raised pork. Green Heron Growers is the largest shiitake farm in Western New York! Our journey into mushroom cultivation began in our hemlock grove. While studying at Cornell University, Farmer Steve’s son, Logan, became a part of the Cornell Mushroom Club. It was the club’s president, Nick Laskovski, who, after a visit to the farm, suggested we venture into shiitakes. Back in spring 2007, our collaboration led to inoculating over 800 logs. Today,  we inoculate over 2000 each year, making us the la