Extensively-reared

Extensively-reared describes animals, particularly livestock, that are raised in a spacious, natural environment, often with minimal human intervention. It emphasizes a lifestyle that promotes natural behaviors, allowing the animals to forage, roam, and socialize freely. This contrasts with intensive farming practices that confine animals in restricted spaces. The focus of extensively-reared animals includes not only a healthier animal but also a product that may be perceived as more humane, sustainable, and sometimes of superior quality due to the reduced stress levels and potentially healthier diets afforded by their freer lifestyle. This method often leads to a higher production cost, as the animals use a wider area and the process is more labour intensive. The impact of this rearing method contributes to its use within the ethical treatment of animals and sustainable agriculture.

Extensively-reared meaning with examples

• The farm's commitment to extensively-reared chickens meant they had access to vast fields, allowing them to forage and exhibit natural behaviours. This practice resulted in healthier birds, a more ethical farming approach, and eggs with a richer flavour, reflecting their diverse diet and active lifestyle. Shoppers were willing to pay a premium for products produced using this method, reflecting the growing demand for ethical and sustainable farming.
• Advocates of extensively-reared cattle highlight the animals' increased well-being. Cattle live outdoors grazing on natural pastures instead of being kept in feedlots. This, along with better meat quality because of a more natural diet, leads to greater customer confidence in the product. This also has far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, which benefits from the grazing patterns and waste management processes.
• Extensively-reared pigs enjoyed a free-range existence, rooting in the soil and socialising in family groups. This contrasted sharply with the conditions found in factory farms. The resulting pork often tasted better, reflecting the animal's overall health and lifestyle. Consumers increasingly support this type of farming, prioritising animal welfare and environmental sustainability, leading to higher demand for these products.
• The company's marketing strategy emphasised the fact that their lambs were extensively-reared on open hillsides. This resonated with consumers who were increasingly concerned about animal welfare and the environmental impact of farming. This farming method aligned with their values. They produced a higher quality of product because the lambs consumed a varied, natural diet which ultimately increased the perceived value of their product.