The farmers who list their turkeys through LocalHarvest have at least
one thing in common - a commitment to the preservation of small scale
farming as a dynamic part of American culture. Beyond that, there is a
great deal of variety in the methods they use to raise their birds, and the birds themselves.
Some LocalHarvest farmers use organic methods to raise their birds.
While the definition of "organic" continues to evolve, you can be
assured that birds that are "certified organic" have been fed organic
feed throughout their lives, and have not been treated with antibiotics.
Another dimension of small-scale turkey production is the environment in which the birds are raised. Some birds you will find on LocalHarvest are labeled "pastured." This means that they grew up in the great outdoors, with access to sunshine and pasture. "Free range" birds are also free of confinement, but may have been kept in a barn, as opposed to the outdoors. "Heritage" is another term you will come across when reading descriptions of LocalHarvest turkeys.
Click here to read more about the recent revival of production of older varieties of birds and other meats.
Whatever their type, LocalHarvest turkeys will remind you why it is
worthwhile to seek out meats raised by family farmers: exceptional
taste, healthfully created.