 Commercially grown turkeys are raised in confinement in crowded conditions and are fed a diet of grain and supplements like antibiotics and growth hormones, and are packaged with artificial flavors and colors for an attractive display at your local supermarket. Antibiotics are routinely used in commercial agriculture to accelerate livestock growth and prevent diseases common to confined living quarters. Turkeys are force fed chemicals that are designed to grow large, white meaty breasts.
The popular factory raised turkey is the Broad Breasted White and are so obese that they can barely walk, fly or even lay eggs. They are incapable of mating and are artificially inseminated. Because they lack immunity to a host of diseases, they receive antibiotics in their feed. These bionic birds are sent to market in only twelve weeks .By limiting turkey production to a single strain, we are putting at risk the longevity of the breed. As a result, game bird conservationists are promoting the idea that heritage birds may someday be needed to save the bionic raised birds.
New Jersey Organic Turkeys. |
With growing concern for the environment and food safety, parents and consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about the food ingredients they consume and give to their children.
Organically grown poultry does not use antibiotics. Antibiotics, growth hormones and artificial flavors and colors are forbidden in the production of certified organic foods which must comply with strict national standards.
A core value of the organic movement is to grow and raise farm products on small farms that are locally and regionally available to the consumer. In addition to fresher foods and reduced fossil fuel consumption, the profit from the sale of locally produced foods is more likely to find its way back into the community.
Another favorable byproduct of organic farming is the positive effect it has on the environment as a result of returning nutrients to the soil and preserving air and water from pollution and toxic pesticides and herbicides. |
The "Supermarket" White Turkey |
| The White Turkey is a cross breed that is the most popular turkey sold in supermarkets. The commercially raised broad breasted white turkey is sometimes referred to as the "supermarket turkey" that is bionically raised and sent to market in 12 weeks. |
Heritage Turkeys - The Red Bourbon Turkey |
Heritage turkeys are turkeys that have not been crossbred to enlarge its size and are the birds our ancestors ate at their Thanksgiving celebrations. At the turn of the 20th century each region of the country had its favorite breed of turkey. One of the more popular heritage turkeys raised in New Jersey is the Red Bourbon turkey. The Red Bourbon takes longer to grow, usually 26-28 weeks, is smaller and leaner bird with darker meat, but there is still enough white meat to satisfy everyone.The Red Bourbon turkey is better tasting, without any gamy taste.
The Garden State Is Ideal For Organic Farmed Turkeys.
While New Jersey is not noted for having the land mass to attract the large commercial farms, it is ideally situated to accommodate the small, family farm who can sustain a profitable income with organic produce, meats and poultry, purchased in the community by local consumers.
For the New Jersey resident or visitor who is interested in having an organic turkey for Thanksgiving, we have listed New Jersey locations where organic, or farm raised turkeys can be purchased.
New Jersey Organic Turkey Farms and Markets
Black Bear Country Farms
Sussex County, NJ
973-229-9782
Offers natural poultry and eggs, raised without hormone enhancements. All poultry is raised in low-stress environment on an all-natural, antibiotic-free and vegetarian diet.
Griggstown Quail Farm and Market
986 Canal Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540
(Enter on Bunker Hill Rd)
908 359-5218
Has over 75 acres of land and raises over 35,000 pheasants, 70,000 quail, 150,000 chickens and, when in season, Mallard and Muscovy ducks, both white and red bourbon turkeys, and partridge. All the birds are free-range and all natural. They have a retail market and accept orders over their web site.
Flatbrook Farm
2 Degroat Road
Montague, NJ 08727
973-948-2554
A fully organic working farm offering free-range, grass-fed turkeys, chickens, eggs, and naturally raised beef. Certified by the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
The Health Shoppe 
66 Morris St.
Morristown NJ
973-538-9131
A retail operation that has has teamed up with 18 farmers and producers
with organic certification from
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), and The
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). For Thanksgiving, they offer Venison, Ham, Wild Turkey, Guniea Hen, Duck and Geese. Pick up is the Monday to Wednesday before Thanksgiving
Howling Wolf Farm
25 Swayze Mill Rd.
Hope, NJ 07834
908-459-4474
A family run farm offering pasture raised chicken and both White and Red Bourbon turkeys. They farm is managed using Bio dynamic methods. Sales are made direct to consumers at the farm.
Certification:
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) and the
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA)
Plaid Piper Farm
197 Wykertown Rd
Branchville, NJ 07826
973-875-4535
They raise and sell chickens, turkeys, and cattle that graze on 100 acres of natural pasture. No growth hormones or antibiotics are used. Their products are available for sale: Broilers form June through November; Eggs are available every day; Pork & Beef: Fall; Turkeys, just before Thanksgiving. They raise and sell 18-30 pound Bronze Heritage Turkeys.
Podere di Melo Farm
264 Rocktown Lambertville Rd
Lambertville, NJ 08530
David Hauser
609-397-9788
Certification:
Certified Naturally Grown (CNG)
A small, family operated farm specializing in the foods that you would typically see in the outdoor markets of Italy and France. The farm produces numerous types of European vegetables, soft fruits, free-range eggs, European-style broilers, and pastured turkeys and pork (Tamworth pigs). The farm is typically open Sundays from 1-4. Suggest calling before going to ensure that what you are looking for is in stock.
Turkey Cooking Tip
Contrary to way most turkeys are cooked, do not roast your turkey with the stuffing inside the cavity. The stuffing inside prevents the interior of the turkey to reach sufficient temperatures to kill all the bacteria. Cook the stuffing and turkey separately.
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