"People want to know more about the food they eat. We’re very careful about the food we produce. We want you to be able to enjoy locally grown chicken."

~ Jake Wiebe

Jake is another farmer who got his start on the family chicken farm. His father started in 1952, and Jake and Lorraine took over in 1981. Their adult children farm with them. Like all chickens, the birds on the Wiebe farm are grain fed using a blend of wheat and barley. Hormones and steroids are never used.

"Chickens are free-run, roaming loose inside the barn. Raising the chickens indoors keeps them safe, protected from predators and the weather."

~ Stuart Nikkel

The Nikkels have only been registered chicken farmers for two years but Stuart’s been farming since he was 18. In addition to chickens, they raise Percheron horses and beef cattle on their farm in the Interlake. Like all chicken farmers, the Nikkels take care to provide every flock of chickens with a safe, clean, comfortable environment.

"Our whole family is involved in raising chickens. It’s our life and our livelihood."

~ Leonard Klassen

The Klassens raise two kinds of chickens on their farm – chickens for meat, and chickens that lay hatching eggs (eggs that produce chicks). Although Leonard grew up on a farm that raised meat birds, he and Kim started their own farm with hatching egg chickens. Five years ago they expanded to include meat chickens too. For Jaedon, Tynisha and Breagen, chores include helping Leonard with the climate control system in the barn, weighing birds and gathering hatching eggs. Kim looks after the bookkeeping for this thriving family business.

"As a mother, I’m always looking for foods that are healthy and taste great. For my family, it’s chicken."

~ Krista Friesen

Curtis and Krista Friesen are second generation chicken farmers. Curtis grew up on a chicken farm and took over from his dad in 1999. Chicken is a favourite meal in the Friesen house, especially when it’s cooked on the barbecue. It’s quick to prepare and everyone loves the taste, whether it’s a whole chicken, seasoned with a spice mix, or a grilled chicken breast for a chicken burger.

"We're proud to be registered chicken farmers. We hope you enjoy Manitoba chicken."

~ Dean Penner

The Penner family raises two kinds of chickens on their farm near Steinbach. They got their start in farming with chickens that lay hatching eggs (eggs that produce chicks). In 2000, they added meat chickens. Farming is both a lifestyle and a livelihood for this family and everyone is involved in running the farm. As registered farmers, the Penners are required to follow an on-farm food safety program that ensures they're raising a high quality, wholesome product.