Where to Get Fresh Turkeys in Central Mass

Friday, November 16, 2012

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Thanksgiving is here again! And that means, of course, that you have to get a turkey. There are plenty of farms and markets in the Central Mass and New England that offer turkeys that have been locally raised and prepared for harvest in terrific natural conditions, assuring the best and freshest quality meat at your dinner table. Don't settle for that processed turkey in supermarkets that could have come from thousands of miles away. Have the most fulfilling Thanksgiving you can and help out some farmers from the local community in process. Here are just a few of these farms.

Bob's Turkey Farm
181 Old Common Road, Lancaster
Robert Van Hoof started this Family owned and operated business in 1954 with just 125 turkeys. Now, the farm in Lancaster has approximately 10,000, with over 5,000 more at the farm in Ashburnham. Order anywhere from a 12-14 lb. turkey that serves approximately 6-7, to an over 30 lb bird that can serve over 15. In addition to the essential turkey, check out some of the other tasty Thanksgiving offerings including apple pie, pumpkin pie, and butternut squash, stuffing, apple crisp, and gravy. The farm has special Thanksgiving hours starting this Saturday.

Stillman's at the Turkey Farm
561 Thresher Road, Hardwick
Stillman's Turkey Farm in Hardwick is an offshoot of Stillman's Farm, a family-owned CSA with additional locations in New Braintree and Lunenburg. Order a small, medium or large-sized traditonal turkey, or a heritage turkey. The Turkeys are conscientiously-raised from birth using small farm traditions, and sustainable and local practices. The turkeys are fed an all natural diet and raised in their natural habitats ensuring the healthiest, freshest, most nutritious and best quality meat possible. Also try the beef, lamb, pork, and eggs.

Jordan Dairy Farms
51 Muschopauge Road, Rutland
A fifth generation family farm owned and maintained by brothers Randy and Jordan, Jordan's offers a diverse array of produce, not the least of which are their homegrown Double Breasted White turkeys. Order then pick-up the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. They raise over 700 turkeys a year. The weights available range from 15 to 32 lbs. They are hormone free, fresh, lean and juicy. While you're there, pick-up other Thanksgiving musts including apple cider, apple cider donuts, gravy, bread, and fresh-baked pies.

Brasen Hill Farm
110 Ramshor Road, Dudley
Brasen Hill Farm raises three kinds of turkeys. A Heritage breed, Bourbon Red Turkeys typically weigh between 12 and 20 lbs and produce dark, flavorful meat. They cost $7.35/lb. Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys weigh between 18 and 27 pounds and cost $5.50 /lb. Great White Turkeys weigh around the same as the Bronze and cost the same. The turkeys are raised on 100% organic grain and fresh grass. Also check out eggs, chicken, pork, lamb, and goat products available for purchase.

Chestnut Farms
404 Turkey Street, Gilbertville (Hardwick)
The name of the street this large, wide-open CSA farm is located on is very fitting. The Broad Breasted White Turkeys and Narragansett Bronze Heritage Breed Turkeys are raised in a comfortable and nurturing environment on pasture and fed with natural grains ensuring great quality and a fresh taste. No worries if you're not a shareholder in the farm (yet), their meat can be found at Farmer's markets throughout the state. Check out their website for great turkey recipe ideas for any sized bird, including the Lemon and Bay Brined Turkey.