With the longer days and warming weather, we’re looking forward to grill season! One of our steadfast favorites is Minnesota’s own Kadejan Farms. Straight from Glenwood, Kadejan’s chicken is air-chilled for the freshest flavor. Known for their free‑range, non‑GMO chicken and deep roots in local farming, Kadejan delivers unmatched quality you can taste.
Grower Profile: Kadejan Farms
We spoke with Weston Gienger, Business Operations Manager at Kadejan Inc, about what sets them apart from other growers, and their connection to the Wedge.
“Working for a small family company requires flexibility and wearing a lot of different hats based on the company’s needs”, explains Gienger, head of business and operations at Kadejan, Inc. and Kadejan’s retail Market- the home to their new line of chicken sausage (perfect for the grill!).
Based in Glenwood, Minnesota, about 16 miles south of Alexandria, Kadejan Inc. has been family-owned and operated since 1989. “We control every step of production—from hatching to twice-weekly delivery of our fresh, air-chilled chicken to Wedge Lyndale and Linden Hills.” Monitoring this level of detail allows Kadejan to accommodate customer requests for custom cuts, quantities, and to deliver with precision.
Kadejan has been a trusted partner to the Wedge for 30 years, and many connections have formed in that time. “One of my favorite memories is attending the Wedge Co-op’s 40th anniversary event. The owner, Pete Thorfinnson, and I brought down some baby chickens.” The community celebration took place at the Lyndale store and included favorite farmers & vendors, food trucks and local bands. Many folks had never seen a chick in real life, and some got the opportunity to hold one. “The conversations about our local food system were very impactful… I was impressed by customers’ care, desire for local foods, and commitment to honesty and integrity in our food supply.”
Kadejan Farms’ success over three decades at Wedge Community Co-ops is a prime example of how supporting small-scale growers is vital to keeping the local economy healthy and thriving. “I want to personally thank the members and customers of Wedge co-ops for the incredible support over the past 30 years… Everyone at Kadejan deeply appreciates our partnerships with the co-ops and [the] shared commitment to building a strong local economy. These years have proven the real importance of supporting our local economy.”
With Memorial Day right around the corner, grilling season is almost here! For Gienger, there’s nothing as satisfying as crispy, skin-on boneless thighs fresh off the grill. “The air-chilling method gives our chicken an amazing blank canvas for seasonings and marinades.” His pro tip for the perfect grilled chicken? Always use a thermometer and cook dark meat to a higher temperature- between 175–180°F- to bring out the peak flavor.
Kadejan Farms relies on just two families to grow all their chickens. Uncompromising sanitary practices, high quality feed, fresh well water, and organic oregano instead of antibiotics encourages natural growth and health. Here Derek Thorfinnson, son of founder Pete, checks on new chicks at the Hatchery.