At Copper Branch Farm, we believe healthy food starts with healthy farming practices. One of the biggest concerns in modern agriculture is the overuse of antibiotics in commercial livestock production. This practice has serious consequences—not just for animals, but for people, too.
Every year in the United States, more than 660,900 cases of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella and Campylobacter infections are diagnosed (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2021). Even more alarming, antibiotic-resistant infections contribute to over 23,000 deaths per year (The Organic Center, 2014). Some of these infections can be traced directly back to agriculture, where animals exposed to antibiotics become carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can reach consumers through meat products. Improper handling or cooking of these products increases the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses—sometimes resistant to the very medicines designed to treat them (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2021).
The Role of Farming Practices
Research shows that antibiotic use in commercial meat production contributes directly to the development of resistant strains of bacteria. A nationwide comparison of conventional, antibiotic-free, and organic livestock production revealed that conventional methods had the highest levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, while organic production had the lowest (The Organic Center, 2014).
This difference isn’t just because organic farmers avoid antibiotics—it’s also because organic standards require animals to have access to the outdoors. Time spent on pasture reduces the contact animals have with soiled bedding, which in turn lowers their exposure to bacteria. In contrast, the overcrowded and confined conditions found in conventional operations create an environment where disease spreads quickly, leading to increased reliance on antibiotics.
Our Approach at Copper Branch Farm
As responsible animal caretakers, we take this issue seriously. That’s why we never administer antibiotics to our animals. Instead, we raise our chickens on open pasture, moving them frequently to fresh, clean ground. This practice mimics nature, improves soil health, and gives our flock the space and air they need to thrive.
Because of these practices, our chickens are simply healthier and happier. They don’t need the medications often relied on in conventional farming systems, and our customers can enjoy high-quality, flavorful meat with confidence—knowing it’s raised with care for both people and the planet.
At Copper Branch Farm, we’re proud to provide food that nourishes your family while also helping address one of today’s biggest public health challenges. Choosing pasture-raised, antibiotic-free chicken isn’t just better for your plate—it’s better for the future.
References
Environmental Health Perspectives. (2021). Contamination of retail meat samples with multidrug-resistant organisms in relation to organic and conventional production and processing: A cross-sectional analysis of data from the United States National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, 2012–2017. Environmental Health Perspectives, 129(5), 057003. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7431
The Organic Center. (2014). Agricultural use of antibiotics is a public safety risk. https://www.organic-center.org/news/science/agricultural-use-antibiotics-public-safety-risk
The Organic Center. (2014). More antibiotic-resistant E. coli found in conventional and antibiotic-free chicken meat than organic. https://www.organic-center.org/news/science/more-antibiotic-resistant-e-coli-found-conventional-and-antibiotic-free-chicken-meat