Photo courtesy of Canva
This Thanksgiving, order a sustainably raised turkey from a local farm instead of fighting over a frozen bird during your last-minute grocery run.
It’s no coincidence that the sound a turkey makes and the verb for devouring said turkey are the same: “Gobble, gobble!”
But if you ask us, turkeys taste even better when you know they’ve been raised in nearby pastures by friendly Michigander farmers. So we compiled a list of Michigan farms that employ ethical farming practices like humane treatment of animals, a free-range setup, non-GMO feed, pesticide-free soil, and no antibiotics or growth hormones.
Check out these 10 local farms and get ready for your most delicious and sustainable Thanksgiving meal to date.
North Michigan
Cook Family Farm
Where: Gaylord
How Much: $50 for a deposit, $54-$112 for the bird (12-25 pounds)
What To Know: Pickup is at the farm Nov. 20-21.
What’s To Love: With 11 children who all help out, this family farm puts the emphasis on family. Plus, their well-loved turkeys are never frozen.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
Biehl’s Turkey Farm
Photo courtesy of Biehl’s Circle B Turkey Ranch via Facebook
Where: Mancelona
How Much: $4.25 per pound
What To Know: You can order online or by calling/texting 231-587-9580. Pickup is Nov. 14-22.
What’s To Love: The price of these birds is a steal, especially considering they’re GMO-, steroid-, and antibiotic-free.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
Duerkson Turkey Farm
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWq9jlnMzaY/
Where: Mancelona
How Much: $25 for the deposit, $4.50 per pound
What To Know: Pickup is Nov. 21 at the farm, with more info at online checkout.
What’s To Love: Numerous reviewers say their turkeys from Duerkson Turkey Farm were the best they’ve ever had.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
Maxbauer Specialty Meat Market
Photo courtesy of Maxbauers Meat Market via Facebook
Where: Traverse City
How Much: TBA
What To Know: Pre-orders begin Oct. 3. There are two options for order and pickup: Maxbauer on Union Street and The Butcher’s Block by Maxbauer on South Airport Road. Each store has a different phone number to call for placing orders.
What’s To Love: While technically not a farm, this local butcher is well-known for its Thanksgiving turkeys, especially the boneless and brined turkey rolls.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
West Michigan
Otto’s Turkey Farm
Photo courtesy of Tom Otto Turkey Farm via Facebook
Where: Middleville
How Much: $3.59 per pound
What To Know: To get your bird, stop by the farm to pick one up the week of Thanksgiving (there are no preorders). The so-called “Turkey Hotline” is 269-795-3738.
What’s To Love: This family farm is now operated by the sixth generation.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
Joyful Noise Farm
Where: Wayland
How Much: TBA
What To Know: Contact Pete Philips at phillipsp60@live.com to place an order prior to Nov. 1.
What’s To Love: Every aspect of this family farm works in harmony with the others. For example, turkey manure is used to mulch the sweet corn stalks, which later become a summer treat for the cows.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
East Michigan
RC Organic Farms
Where: Macomb County
How Much: $50 for the deposit, $5.99 per pound ($7.99 per pound for a smoked turkey)
What To Know: They sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your bird ASAP. Pickup is at the farm.
What’s To Love: While you’re picking up your turkey, you can also purchase loads of fresh, local, and organic veggies to go with your Thanksgiving meal.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
Roperti’s Turkey Farm
Photo courtesy of Ropertis Turkey Farm via Facebook
Where: Livonia
How Much: TBA (typically around $4 per pound)
What To Know: Follow the farm’s Facebook page for information about how to order your bird.
What’s To Love: This tiny, family-owned farm that’s been in business since 1948 only sells products around Thanksgiving—they only sell turkeys, after all—so just because they haven’t posted since last November doesn’t mean they’ve packed it in.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
Falker’s Dairy Bar & Creamery
Photo courtesy of Falker’s Dairy Bar & Creamery
Where: Romeo
How Much: TBA
What To Know: Keep up with the farm’s Facebook page for updates on this year’s offerings. Place your order over the phone at 586-752-2487 and pick it up at the farm.
What’s To Love: Tons of locals praise this kind-hearted family and the service they provide. As one reviewer wrote, “They put all that love into everything they do.”
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
Peacock’s Poultry Farm
Photo courtesy of Peacock’s Poultry Farm via Facebook
Where: Troy
How Much: Typically around $3 per pound
What To Know: Come into the store or call to place an order.
What’s To Love: While once a 10-acre farm, this 100-year-old business now partners with local Amish farmers to secure its yummy Thanksgiving turkeys.
Check out the farm’s Thanksgiving offerings here.
READ MORE: Grand Rapids Culinary Tour: 8 Must-Try Restaurants During Hispanic Heritage Month
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