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Once you taste a roasted pasture-raised turkey, you will discover how much better they are than grocery store turkeys.  Pasture-raised turkeys are raised in a way that closely mimics their natural habitat and behaviors. Unlike conventionally raised turkeys, which are typically confined to indoor spaces or overcrowded, pasture-raised turkeys have ample access to outdoor pasture areas where they can freely roam and graze on grass, insects, seeds, and other natural food sources.
 
At Laughing Earth in Brunswick, NY, Zach and Annie Metzger raise turkeys from poults which are baby turkeys that have grown feathers and no longer need a mother.  As soon as they arrive on the farm, the turkeys are sheltered in a mobile structure that is moved to fresh grass every day.  Not only does the mobile shelter provide turkeys with fresh plants and bugs, but also distributes their droppings throughout the pasture, thereby fertilizing the soil.  Zach and Annie also feed their turkeys a locally grown certified organic grain ration and whole wheat berries supplement.  For more information, visit https://www.laughingearth.farm/.
 
Utilizing the principles of regenerative agriculture, Pam Schreiber, owner of Eight Mile Creek Farm in Westerlo, NY, raises turkeys on pasture with no growth hormones, antibiotics or medications.  Turkeys thrive on fresh pasture resulting in a better quality of life for the birds and a healthier product for the consumer.  She raises heritage turkey breeds which are turkeys that are directly descended from wild indigenous flocks in North and South America.  Pam believes that through diversification of both plants and animals, she is able to create a sustainable system the produces a healthier food for the community and a healthier environment.  For more information visit https://eightmilecreekfarm.com/.
 
At Mitch Roger’s family farm located in Johnstown, NY, turkeys are raised in special electric fencing that allows them to maximize pasture while keeping predators away.  The turkeys are moved to new grass regularly so they don’t over fertilize the field and maximize the amount of fresh grass available to the turkeys. The turkeys are only in one piece of pasture one time per year to eliminate parasites and disease. In addition to pasture, the turkeys get a supplement of pumpkins and apples.  The end result is turkeys that are  healthier, more flavorful and better for the environment.