Gordon Smyth is one of a small group of select O’Kane Poultry Farmers who have reverted to more traditional methods of poultry farming.

Gordon’s farm is set at the foot of Slemish Mountain in the rolling hills of Country Antrim. Along with O’Kane Poultry, Gordon has sourced an old-fashioned hybrid of chicken reminiscent of the breeds better known to our parents or grandparents. This old-style, slow growing, brown-feathered bird enjoys the benefit of open out-doors where the birds are allowed access to open fields and are fed a totally GM free, wholesome diet of soya, wheat and barley which allows the bird to mature very slowly therefore developing a unique, succulent flavour similar to how chicken tasted in days gone by.

The fact that the birds actually graze in open fields and exercise a lot more mean they develop a slightly creamy coloured skin and a better muscle tone giving the meat a firmer texture as well as fuller flavour.

Farms like Gordon’s have been especially chosen to rear the O’Kane Rustic Free Range because they are small units with wide-open spaces and do not practice large scale farming methods. The farmers are totally dedicated to producing these birds under the highest welfare standards, and are passionate about these older-style farming methods.

A major supermarket chain has welcomed this move back to traditional farming methods and have fully supported people like Gordon in his strive to produce something different, where the customer not only can taste the difference, but will come back time and time again to buy.

We feel sure that the care, time and dedication by farmers like Gordon will ensure a product, which is both unique, and worth coming back for.