This time of year is very exciting on the farm. The turkeys, finally big enough to forage on their own and fend off a possible fox, are let out onto pasture. They are always tentative at first…
But then they get into the spirit of the thing.
By they end of the first week, there will be turkeys everywhere: all over fences and gates, in yards and among the tall weeds. But most notoriously, they will be on farm equipment. And making a mess. We still haven’t figured out a solution to keep them off!
But we are happy to have them on pasture, picking through grasses and bugs and enhancing flavor.
As was true last year, our turkeys come from the turkey breeder, Frank Reese, Jr. of Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch in Kansas. Yes, Jon drove once again in the sprinter van to collect the turkey poults back in May – in what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind road trip experience.
Frank raises all heritage breeds in way that we have found to be superior. The birds are larger and healthier than any we have found and they are great foragers – taking to the grass like a fish to water. Jon even spotted a wild turkey in with our birds yesterday!
Event though Thanksgiving is little less than 3 months away, you can call the Brick Farm Market at 609-466-6500 and place your order with the butcher shop at any time!
In the meantime, these guys are out every day (and in the barn at night) enjoying the pastures and fattening up.