Alyssa Rauton, DVM

Veterinarian & Avian Specialist

A veterinarian with an avian-biology background — Southland's authority on raising a healthy backyard flock, and the person our readers email when a hen stops laying or a chick looks off.

What Alyssa brings to the table

A degree in avian biology — poultry-specific science, not general animal knowledge
Southland's former Avian & Research Specialist, now a licensed DVM
Hands-on with the products she recommends — she uses them on her own animals
Translates poultry health into steps a backyard keeper can act on today

Backyard flocks don’t need heroics — they need small, consistent habits. Clean water, a dry coop, and paying attention before a problem gets big will prevent most of what I get asked about.

Meet the Team

View all →

Mike Usry

Founder & CEO

Mike founded Southland Organics in 2009, the year before his daughter was born, after The Omnivore's Dilemma sent him into soil science. He will tell you he is not a microbiologist.

Meet Mike

Karin Usry

Co-Founder & Chief of Staff

As co-founder and Chief of Staff, Karin manages operations, human relations, accounts receivable, customer service, and more. She's the person behind the scenes making sure everything at Southland Organics actually works.

Meet Karin

Allen Reynolds

Vice President & Director of Operations

Allen serves as Vice President and Director of Operations, overseeing poultry development and ensuring our products reach the growers who need them most.

Meet Allen