For Thanksgiving This Year, Go Local by Supporting One of These Cleveland-Area Farms

Here, turkey turkey turkey Credit: Wholesome Valley Farm

There are many good reasons to swap the traditional factory-farmed turkey for one raised locally at a small farm. While more expensive, these birds are almost always humanely and ethically raised, allowed to roam free as opposed to being packed like sardines in massive barns. Pasture-raised turkeys graze on fresh grasses, bugs and worms, making them more flavorful and nutrient dense. Their diets are supplemented with non-medicated, non-GMO feed. Additionally, many farms offer heritage breeds that extend beyond the ubiquitous broad-breasted white. Sold fresh, never frozen, the turkeys do not require the typical three- to five-day thaw in the fridge.

But perhaps the best reason of all to sidestep the grocery-store bird is that you’ll be supporting a local, family-owned business.

Note: Many farms or retailers require a deposit to reserve your bird, which can be picked up prior to the big day.

For years now, Wholesome Valley Farm in Amish Country has been rearing birds for sale at the farm, through the Fresh Fork Market CSA, and at Ohio City Provisions. The popular heritage-breed birds are already spoken for (though last-minute inventory does pop up), but home cooks can still reserve the standard Market turkey. The birds are available in a variety of sizes. For smaller groups – or simply for a change of pace – shoppers can opt for stuffed turkey breast roulades, turkey breast roasts, or whole smoked birds.

For more info or to reserve your bird, click here.

Brunty Farms, which operates Farmer’s Rail shops in Bath, Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson, is accepting orders for its free-ranging birds. The turkeys grow slowly while grazing on clover, grasses, seeds and insects. That diet is supplemented with non-GMO whole grains from area farms. The turkeys are available in multiple weight ranges and come whole, spatchcocked or 8-cut. Pick up is at the Bath location only November 25-27.

For more info or to reserve your bird, click here.

Tierra Verde Farms in Deerfield offers pasture-raised turkeys in three different weight ranges. The turkeys come with giblets, which are essential for making rich, flavorful gravy. The farm also offers smoked turkeys, turkey breasts and turkey stock (to further enhance that gravy). There are various pick-up spots around Cuyahoga Falls.
For more info or to reserve your bird, click here.

Tea Hills Farms, a trusted name for decades at local farmers’ markets, is sold out of unique heritage breeds like Bourbon Red and Black Slate. But you can still reserve humanely raised, free-roaming Broad Breasted White and Broad Breasted Bronze. Both are available in various weight ranges. Pick-ups can be scheduled at any number of area framers’ markets between Nov. 23 and 27.

For more info or to reserve your bird, click here.

Plum Creek Farm in Valley City is now accepting turkey reservations. They currently have fresh birds in all sizes ranging from 12lbs to 25lbs. This year, the pick-up date is Tuesday, November 26 at the farm.

For more info or to reserve your bird, click here.

Down in Bellevue, Tim Davlin raises large-breasted whites from Day One on non-GMO corn that he grows himself at Davlin Farms. They are processed right on the farm the week before Thanksgiving. To secure your bird, order as soon as possible as he typically sells out by the second week of November. Turkeys can be picked up in the days leading up to the holiday. Call 419-656-8396.

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