Gobble Up the Latest Buy Fresh Buy Local Story
The topic is turkeys and the local farmers who raise them for your holiday table
Just a Peek of Sunrise
Even with a heavy cloud cover, the rising sun was able to paint a pretty sky. It’s Friday, folks. Hope you’re able to ease into your weekend.
For a Special Holiday Turkey Dinner, Buy Local
My latest article for the Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois Directory is published, and the topic for Thanksgiving month is… wait for it… local turkey farms.
The article focuses on Mint Creek Farm in Cabery, Illinois and Caveny Farm in Monticello, two of a relative handful of farms here that pasture-raise turkeys. They also happen to be among the earliest adopters of sustainable livestock-raising practices.
I am grateful to Harry Carr of Mint Creek Farm for hosting Barb and me and allowing us to hang out among these interesting creatures, and to John Caveny for taking the time to Zoom with me. I may be a turkey junkie — as Ralphie described his old man in A Christmas Story — but I learned so much about these birds from Harry and John.
There is no question that a pasture-raised, small-flock turkey will cost more than the mass-produced birds that you find in most supermarkets. But it is very much worth it. The flavor of a pasture-raised bird is so much richer and more satisfying than that of conventionally raised birds. And it’s a great way to say thanks to the farmers who work every day to build a better food system and a stronger local economy.
But don’t dally. Again, these are small flocks, so buy or reserve your turkey soon.
Please use the link below to read the article on the Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois site, and stick around to visit the directory and find more Good Food producers and vendors in your area. And if you are one of those Good Food producers and vendors and you haven’t taken the opportunity to get a free listing in the directory, you should.