Discovering NC Agriculture is a year-long series focusing on twelve N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
Joyce Farms, based in Winston-Salem, is one of the leading specialty poultry producers in North Carolina. From all-natural Naked Chicken and Duck, to Heritage Poulet Rouge® Chickens, Pintade (French Guinea) and Black Turkey, Joyce Farms welcomes their customers back to flavor through their unique variety of naturally delicious poultry.
As a third-generation family company since 1962, Joyce Farms was built on decades of hard work, innovative ideas and essential partnerships with local small family farms to raise their heritage animals. Ryan Joyce, President and CEO, and Stuart Joyce, Executive Vice President and COO, grew up in the business, learning from the hands of their father, Ron Joyce, and grandfather, Alvin Joyce. “Our grandfather started this operation as a small, mom and pop poultry distribution business,” Stuart said, noting that under their father Ron’s leadership, the company has since transformed into an industry-leading grower and producer of premium proteins.
In the early 90’s, Ron Joyce recognized that modern industrial agriculture was diluting poultry’s natural flavor and texture, spurring the shift toward cleaner, all-natural products. This insight led to the launch of Joyce Farms Naked Chicken in 1995, a move from conventional distribution to hands-on specialty production. In the 2000’s, Ron took a trip to France where he learned all about the different breeds of meat chickens, and the unique flavor profiles found within them. “That trip launched a new vision and initiative for our company to venture into heritage birds, like the Poulet Rouge chickens,” Ryan said. “These breeds not only leveled us up in the market by diversifying our product line, but also allowed us to introduce flavors that many people on this side of the U.S. had never experienced.”
Partnering with small family farms in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, ensures Joyce Farms’ heritage animals are raised by experienced farmers that believe in animal welfare and quality care for their birds. “The growth time of Poulet Rouge Chickens is actually twice as long as American meat chickens, like our Cornish Cross breed,” Ryan said. “This longer growth period allows for more developed intramuscular fat, which contributes to a better texture and rich, deep flavor.” Even though Heritage Breeds, like Poulet Rouge Chickens, require more time, feed, and care, the benefits of enhanced nutritional content, exceptional flavor and unique texture demonstrate a value that far outweighs conventional chicken.
Joyce Farms processes around 6,000 heritage birds in their facility each week. “Every step in the processing facility is done by hand, which ensures the best quality and practice throughout the entire process,” Stuart said. “Each step is important, intricate and involved, so it is vital that we take our time and do every piece correctly.” Once the birds are processed, they are air chilled to preserve flavor and texture before packaging for distribution.
So, what makes Joyce Farms stand out as a leader in the industry? Their process of responsibly growing the most flavorful proteins on the market. “Animal welfare, regenerative agriculture, and food safety are core values at our farm,” Stuart said, “and all of our employees believe in that message, from the CEO to our partnered farmers and facility workers.” In fact, this year marks the tenth year in a row that Joyce Farms has passed inspection with a 100% in animal welfare! “Our company is all about flavor, and when you treat animals better, they produce better flavor,” Ryan said.
Today, Joyce Farms continues to offer both a Heritage Line (which now includes chicken, guinea, grass-fed beef, pork, and turkey) and a Naked Line (including chicken, duck, rabbit, and turkey). “Our Heritage products are unique, historic breeds that we raise and harvest in conjunction with our farming partners,” Ryan said. “Preserving these heritage breeds means keeping a vital part of our agricultural heritage alive for future generations to enjoy.”
Products for Joyce Farms’ all-natural Naked Line are sourced from trusted, all-natural producers who meet high standards. The product is then inspected, hand-cut, and further processed at their facility on-site to ensure consistent quality and superior taste.
The majority of Joyce Farms products (approximately 90%) wind up on the menus of top restaurants locally and nationwide. They estimate that they currently work with over 200 chefs in North Carolina. For home use, select Joyce Farms products are available from select retail stores (joyce-farms.com/where-to-buy) or you can order online at joyce-farms.com for home delivery nationwide or local pickup in Winston-Salem.
The Poulet Rouge® Chicken remains a customer favorite, but Stuart also highly recommends the Pintade (French Guinea) because of its unique flavor profiles and texture. We are so thankful for industry leaders like Joyce Farms that continue to further the future of agriculture by raising animals the right way and producing high-quality products!
