By Samantha Gasson, FACT’s Humane Farming Director
When I’m not working with our lovely Humane Farming crew, I’m working on our family’s livestock and poultry farm in North Carolina. We’re particularly busy this time of year because of the decision we made in 2016 to add the humble Meleagris gallopavo domesticus (AKA the domestic turkey) to our livestock operation. After 10 years and thousands of holiday meals, we still love making sure our community has a bird on their table that tastes as good as it looks.
Each year we see an increase in the number of people looking for a local, pasture-raised bird, resulting in a lot of valid questions. There are so many practices, terms, breeds, and pricing that leave even the most savvy farmers’ market shopper at a loss.
Not to worry, FACT is here to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions. Do you want your bird pasture-raised? Perhaps organic or non-GMO is at the top of your priority list, or maybe you’ve heard that a heritage bird is the way to go. The key is to choose a bird that aligns with your standards, your needs, and your pocketbook.
Here’s a little cheat sheet of poultry husbandry terms to help you ask the right questions of your turkey producer to make sure you’re getting a humanely raised bird. And if you’re looking for a humane farm, check out FACT’s Turkey Directory, organized by state, and full of pasture-based farmers who truly care about how their birds are raised.
