credit: flickr ExperienceLA
While it may seem a little too soon, if you have plans to feast on a sustainably-raised turkey this holiday season (Thanksgiving or Christmas), you should start evaluating the options now.
Last year we had a wonderful turkey from Griggstown Quail Farm and Market near Princeton, NJ. We placed the order in advance and were able to actually pick it up at the last day of the Morristown Farmer’s Market (where Griggstown is a vendor). They offer both traditional and heritage breeds and all birds are raised free range.
While Griggstown is well known and prevalent throughout the area, I would suggest giving one of the small farms in the area a shot this season. Plaid Piper Farm (the farm where we’ve purchased our pasture-raised half a pig for the past two years) is another fantastic option. Paul, the owner, considers himself a Grass Farmer, Microbe Manager and Steward of the Land. He’s a big fan of Joel Salatin (of Food, Inc. and The Omnivore’s Dilemma fame). None of the animals on his farm are treated with antibiotics or growth hormones and they’re all raised in the pasture. The farm has been in his family for over 200 years! I’ve been there, and I know he’s for real. Plus, if you go at the right time, you might get lucky and see Paul sporting his famous plaid kilt!
Another great local farm located in Long Valley, Mini Mac Farm, is offering turkeys for Thanksgiving. The turkeys are raised free range on small family farms in the area and are processed locally. I’ve been to visit that farm as well and I know Helen and her husband are working hard to make a go of sustainable farming.
The Health Shoppe in Morristown is also working with local farms to help you buy an organic or free range turkey this season. That’s a great travel-free option.
Whatever route you choose, I suggest you hurry! These farms have a limited supply of turkeys (and sizes) that they’ve raised, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Gobble, gobble!
