Certified Freedom Run Farm lamb
Certified Freedom Run Farm Lamb is a USDA Process Verified program developed in collaboration with chefs to deliver exceptional flavor, consistency, and yield. Since 2011, we have focused on breeding, raising, and finishing lambs specifically for eating quality—not as a byproduct of wool production.
While the program was developed on our founding Kentucky farm, today Freedom Run Farm Lamb is raised by a nationwide network of independent American shepherds who meet the same certified standards.
To qualify as Certified Freedom Run Farm Lamb, the following criteria must be met:
American Heritage Breeds: Our heritage breeds are raised primarily on pasture and finished using a carefully managed combination of forage and supplemental feed.
Large Frame Meaty Carcass: The lamb must yield a large, meaty carcass weighing between 85-95 pounds.
Grade of Choice or Prime: The lamb must achieve a grade of Choice or Prime.
Yield Grade of 3.9 or Lower: The lamb must meet a yield grade of 3.9 or lower, ensuring optimal marbelization.
This program establishes a benchmark for the quality and consistency that Freedom Run Farm Lamb is known for while also providing a framework of genetic performance data to support our producers as they work to enhance their flocks. By supporting animal health, responsible land use, and the consistent marbling and mild flavor that make our lamb exceptional, we continue to innovate and enhance the delivery of our high-quality lamb products.
What We Mean by American Heritage Breeds
During the early development of the Freedom Run Farm Lamb program, Katahdin sheep were the primary breed raised on our founding Kentucky farm. Katahdins played a critical role in shaping the specifications, carcass size, and eating quality that define our program today.
As the program expanded, Freedom Run Farm Lamb evolved to include additional breeds and breed crosses that fall within an American Heritage breed grouping—an umbrella term used to describe sheep breeds with deep historical roots in early American and Appalachian agriculture, prior to the westward migration of large commercial flocks.
Today, these breeds are raised by American shepherds across multiple regions of the United States and are selected for their large frame, meaty yield, marbling potential, and mild, tender flavor. No single breed defines the program; performance against our USDA-certified specifications does.
This is not the lamb you’re used to.
Our heritage breed lamb is USDA Process Verified and raised specifically for the quality of the meat.
This means Freedom Run Farm Lamb is more tender and mild than virtually any other lamb available in the market today.
Heritage Breed
American heritage breeds are versatile, robust animals with exceptional qualities of tender, mild lamb.
Pasture Raised
We believe that flocks and their lambs should be raised in fresh air and sunshine, in natural settings that provide a foundation for optimal health. These sustainable, responsibly raised practices offer numerous benefits for both the quality of the product and the environment.
No Hormones or Antibiotics
Our shepherds never administer hormones or preventative antibiotics to their sheep.
unique Finishing Program
Our lamb is finished with care using a combination of forage and supplemental feed, promoting rumen health and ensuring vigor.
Superior Size & Marbling
Due to our special breeds, farming practices and unique finishing program, Freedom Run Farm Lamb is of superior quality with beautiful intramuscular marbling.
Whole Animal Program
We’re constantly honored and amazed to see the skill and creativity of the chefs that work with our product.
These standards apply equally to all participating shepherds, regardless of geography or breed composition within the approved American Heritage grouping.
“Freedom Run Farm offers the finest lamb I’ve ever had the pleasure of serving. Their dedication to quality is evident in every detail, ensuring that each cut meets the highest standards. Val is truly exceptional-her passion and pride in her craft shine through in the care she puts into these outstanding lambs. This commitment allows me to elevate my menu with a local product I am genuinely proud to feature.”