Pasture, Purpose, and Pride: Kenny Barley’s Commitment to Raising Heritage Chickens
In the rolling countryside of central Pennsylvania, where the mornings break over misty hills and evenings melt into golden light, young farmer Kenny Barley tends to his land and his flock with a reverence rooted in generations of tradition and a vision for the future. Kenny is part of a new breed of farmer—one who’s deeply connected to the past yet actively reshaping the future of American agriculture. His story, and the story of his heritage chickens, is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Kenny farms for LaBelle Patrimoine and is committed to being a champion of pasture-raised, heritage chickens—birds grown with dignity, care, and sustainability in mind. For Kenny, it’s not just about producing food; it’s about restoring a legacy.
A Legacy of Land and Love
Kenny’s farming roots stretch back to 1947 when his great-grandfather purchased the family farm. "It's hard to say exactly how long we've been farming because it's just always been our life," Kenny shares.His mother, Anna and his sister Rebecca help too, making it a true family affair. “There’s never been a time that I wasn’t farming; it has always been my life,” Kenny shares. Over the decades, the Barley farm has seen transitions, including a period when Kenny’s grandfather, who was paralyzed in 1970, continued to farm using hand controls, a testament to the family’s resilience and commitment.
Today, Kenny and his wife tag-team the operation. "She does the books, and I do the farm work," he says with a smile. His sister helps too, making it a true family affair. Their partnership not only keeps the farm running but is paving the way for the fourth generation to take root.
From Caged Layers to Pasture-Raised Beauty
Kenny’s journey into raising heritage chickens began with curiosity and a nudge from his uncle, LaBelle Patrimoine farmer Mike Nissley while his father Harold, optimistically shared farm management experience. “Back in the 1980s, we had caged laying hens,” he recalls. “But the idea of chickens outside, pecking at bugs, just felt right.” Unlike the uniform, production-driven birds of industrial farming, these LaBelle Patrimoine chickens come in all colors and sizes. “It’s not a monoculture, it’s a polyculture where biodiversity can thrive, and that’s exciting,” Kenny emphasizes.
“Some companies race to grow a 'hot rod' chicken, but we are focused on quality, not speed,” Kenny says. “This isn’t about cheap and efficient—it’s about doing what’s best for the bird, the land, and the consumer.”
A Beautiful Life, Naturally
What sets Kenny's chickens apart isn't just their diet or breed—it's the life they live. “When the sun sets and the chickens are out roaming in the pasture, it’s the most beautiful thing,” Kenny says. “My daughter even names them. You walk the aisles and see happy birds.”
These chickens aren’t just raised—they’re honored. And that, Kenny believes, changes everything. “We work to make it comfortable for the birds. They’re content. That matters.”
The Real Challenges
The biggest hurdles Kenny faces don’t come from the birds, but from bureaucracy. As he seeks to expand his operation—building two new barns to meet growing demand—permitting processes have been a struggle. And in an era where biosecurity risks make it harder to showcase his flock, it can feel like a missed opportunity to share something truly special.
Still, Kenny remains optimistic. “You are voting with your dollars,” he says to consumers. “When you buy a LaBelle Patrimoine chicken, you’re supporting a small family farm, not a giant corporation. You’re investing in a better food system.”
A Farmer Changed
Ironically, Kenny once wrote a college paper arguing against cage-free farming. Today, he’s a passionate advocate for pasture-raised poultry. “I’ve been converted,” he admits. “It’s all around a better deal—for the bird, the farmer, the consumer and the planet. I just wish we did this our whole life.”
At heart, Kenny is an environmentalist—not out of fear, but out of faith. “When God put Adam in the garden, he was put there to tend and keep,” Kenny reflects. “If I’m mindful of that purpose, I’ll naturally farm in a way that’s sustainable and practical.”
Kenny Barley’s story is more than a tale of chickens and cornfields. It’s about honoring tradition while embracing change, about caring for animals and the earth with equal respect. It's about a small family farm in Pennsylvania making a significant impact—one beautiful bird at a time.
