Pin Oak Place
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Harlan, IA |
| Website | https://pinoakplace.com/ |
| Market Area | IA |
| Total Score | 1570 |
They write: “Our mission is to provide high quality organically grown produce to consumers of Shelby county and the surrounding area, while caring for our land, providing for our community and educating our consumers.
We are proud to offer certified organic eggs throughout the year. Our hens are fed grain all grown on our farm and vegetable scraps. They also enjoy eating bugs when they are outside. During the winter they are kept warm in a barn. They have access to fresh air, clean water and sunshine.”
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 1570 | 5-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 100 | Single farm |
|
Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in systems that benefit us all. Eggs sourced from a single operation receive the most points. Eggs of unclear origins and/or with poor oversight receives the fewest points. Commitment to Organic Label | 100 | Highly committed to organic label |
|
Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards. Other Labels and Standards | 0 | None |
|
Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions. Flock Size(s) | 100 | Small flock size of 150 birds |
|
The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits. Hen Housing and Exit Areas | 100 | Fixed barn, large barn doors |
|
Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors. Indoor Spacing | 100 | 4 square feet indoors |
|
High scoring brands provide enough space to allow each hen to fully utilize their outdoor area, and to perform instinctive behaviors without harming the environment. Outdoor Spacing | 100 | Several acres space outdoors, hens have run of whole farm |
|
High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 100 | 95% vegetation in outdoor area, rotated, well maintained with other livestock |
|
Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress. Outdoor Access Timing | 90 | Chicks are introduced around 10 weeks, based on size and feathering |
|
Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life. Enrichments | 100 | Enrichments are provided outdoors, superb outdoor access |
|
Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 100 | Brand does not allow beak trimming |
|
Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish. Chicks and Pullets | 90 | Brand purchases chicks to raise into pullets on-site |
|
Brands that have low rates of deaths and utilize their spent hens for human consumption or similar score the highest. Deaths, Culls, and Spent Hens | 90 | Death rate below 10% (very small flock), spent hens sold live, composted, or live out natural lifespan |
|
Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 100 | Diversified farm, manure composted; steps taken for environmental sustainability, rotates daily |
| Feed Sourcing | 100 | Produces the majority of feed (corn and oats) on farm and obtains remainder from organic supplier that distributes locally |
|
Brands that score well here go above and beyond to ensure the highest animal welfare, taking into consideration their hens’ safety and cleanliness, natural behavior, and stress levels. Animal Welfare | 100 | Excellent animal welfare |
|
Cornucopia believes you have a right to transparency. Top brands share information with Cornucopia via a survey and cooperate with our own independent investigations. Transparency | 100 | Superb transparency |
|
Brands do not receive points, but this information is offered for people with soy and/or gluten allergies. Soy free and/or gluten free? | Not soy free but hens are not fed wheat products | |
|
Brands do not receive points, but are invited to submit the name of their Accredited Organic Certifier (suppliers may have different certifiers). Organic Certifier (non-scoring) | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) | |
|
Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 0 | None |
