Farmer Profile: George Mann
From a Summer Job to a Life’s Calling
“These birds are athletes. They’re constantly moving, healthier, and a better product all around.” -George Mann
Nestled in rural Lancaster County sits Mann Farms, a scenic mix of rolling fields, wooded conservation acreage, and historic 1700s barns and houses that have witnessed centuries of agricultural life. Today, farmer George Mann carries forward that legacy as the caretaker of both his land and over 100,000 LaBelle Patrimoine heritage chickens.
Though George’s family has owned farmland in the area since 1764, he grew up in Philadelphia. Every summer, he returned to the farm—and what began as a summertime job eventually became his lifelong career. He purchased the farm from his great-uncle’s estate and expanded it into a thriving, diversified operation. Today, Mann Farms includes:
Four free-range chicken houses that each house 25,000+ chickens
300+ tillable acres including fields of corn, soybeans, wheat, and tobacco
29 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)-protected wooded acres
A winding creek and additional conservation areas
Two trusted employees, Robert Burkholder and Brent Burkholder—a father-and-son team—work alongside George to keep everything running.
Finding LaBelle Patrimoine: A Partnership That Changed Everything
After 25 years of raising conventional poultry, George was ready for something different. “I’d known about Mike Charles for years,” he says. “I eventually made the switch to growing the heritage breed that LaBelle Patrimoine is known for, and it’s been a really good move.”
He says the difference in bird health was immediate. “The genetics are better. These birds are heartier, stronger, and slower-growing. No health problems like I had before with other breeds.”
George describes the birds as “athletes”—constantly exploring, active, and eager to head outside at first light.
And for him, taste matters too. “It’s the best chicken people have ever tasted. I can take pride in recommending such a high-quality, flavorful bird.”
A Better Way of Farming
Leaving an extensive integrator brought relief. “The stress factor is gone, I don’t feel like I’m dealing with a giant bureaucracy, and the communication with the LaBelle Patrimoine team is clear.”
He says the economics align with his philosophy:
Better quality = better return
Stronger bird health = less stress
Fair compensation for craftsmanship
A company that values its growers
“In agriculture, many things have gone down since 2021. Focusing on growing quality over quantity helps compensate for that. Raising these hearty, healthy birds is truly a viable solution, especially since there is more and more consumer demand for them.”
Looking Forward
While George is currently busy with his four chicken houses, he’s not ruling out expansion, stating that he’d like to grow and has the ability and experience to do so. For now, he remains committed to raising the healthiest, highest-quality birds possible, the exclusive breed chickens that reflect the values of both his farming heritage and LaBelle Patrimoine’s mission.
