Can you believe the holidays are almost upon us again? Holidays often mean turkey for family meals, and in the past a lot of turkeys were sold through the IFC. But the extreme heat this summer posed challenges for our growers.
For example, LaVon at Griffieon Family Farm said they lost quite a few birds due to the heat, and Ryan and Janice at Wild Rose Pastures ran into the same problems. Neither of them will have turkeys to offer through the IFC this season.
Knowing that a lot of you were probably planning on getting your turkeys throught the IFC, we asked around to find out what was going to be available. Here’s what we found out:
Tai with Foxhollow Farm speaks on her own behalf as well as for one of our Amish producers, Valley View Poultry. Together they will have around 60 turkeys to offer IFC members. There will be both heritage breed birds and white birds to choose from. All birds are raised according to Animal Welfare Approved standards, but only the heritage breeds are considered certified. They are not treated with antibiotics, and all are raised outside with access to shade during the day and shelter at night. The two producers both process their birds in Bloomfield at Valley View Processing, where they are air-chilled and not injected with any substances such as brine or water. The birds will range from 5 to 16 pounds in weight, depending on the breed.
Carrie with LaVentosa Ranch also had good news for us regarding her turkeys. She will be able to offer 25 heritage breed birds to IFC members. There will be several breeds available including: Black Spanish, Narragansett, Royal Palm and Chocolate breed turkeys. Carrie says her turkeys have been happily roaming the farm all summer, and while the summer heat posed some difficulty, the flock did well overall. All of the birds are free of antibiotics and hormones, and will weigh between 10 and 15 pounds on average.
In addition to turkeys, this year we will also have some Capon whole chickens to offer for the holidays. Holdeman ABF Poultry produces Capons, a type of chicken, which is considered an old-fashioned delicacy. These birds make a great alternative to turkey due to their large size and tender, juicy meat. All birds are free range and fed a vegetarian diet, and not treated with antibiotics. Holdeman ABF’s producer profile states: “Most people say this is the best chicken they have ever had.”
We are pleased to be able to offer you a great selection for your Thanksgiving meal this year. Be sure to add a turkey or Capon to your next order, as well as all the other holiday dinner ingredients to make a delicious meal for your friends and family. The IFC wishes everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!