Raising turkeys on the farm has been one of the most stressful, yet rewarding parts of our farm system. Why did we even start raising turkeys? It made sense after we became familiar raising chickens alongside our pigs and cattle. The equipment is similar, the pasture needs are similar, and turkeys bring their own benefits to the land.
But beyond the challenges, there are so many things we love about raising these birds. They really are majestic out on pasture, strutting around with a presence that demands attention. Our farm dog Tig fits right in with them, almost like they’ve accepted him as part of their flock. And even better, is the sound of their chatter. When bellowing out your best turkey call, they almost always gaggle back a chorus that immediately sparks joy.
Out on pasture, the turkeys live the way they are designed. They forage for bugs, grasses, and all sorts of little critters of the land, and finish their long playful days by roosting safely at night. This year, we turned old hay wagons into their nighttime perch, which doubles as their automatic watering system. It’s been one of those simple, but brilliant solutions that makes farm life a little smoother.
Of course, there are still challenges. Turkeys are seasonal, we start in July and finish just in time for Thanksgiving. Because we pre-sell them, every single bird matters. If something unexpected hits, like storms or illness, it isn’t just our farm’s loss. It means families counting on our birds might be left without their Thanksgiving centerpiece from our farm, and that weighs heavy on us.
Processing has been another hurdle. In southwest Michigan, there are only a couple USDA-inspected turkey processors within 200 miles. Last year, our scheduled plant sold just before harvest, and the place that stepped in didn’t meet our standards. Some birds came back with feathers not fully removed; it was definitely not what we wanted you dealing with before your big feast. We were so grateful for the grace and stories shared as we worked through it all.
This year, we’ve made changes to lower the stress and raise the quality. We’re raising smaller groups of turkeys staggered throughout the growing season, which has made a huge difference - less fighting, healthier birds, and fewer losses. It also means we can haul them ourselves in livestock trailers, no semis required. And best of all, we’re back with a trusted processor we know will handle our birds with care.
It’s not always easy raising turkeys, but when we step back and watch them out on the land gobbling, foraging, roosting at night - we are thankful. And it reminds us of how much it means to you to feel a connection to the land, and to honor it by sharing a feast with your closest family and friends on Thanksgiving. That makes it all worth it.
Reserve Your Turkey Today
$50 Deposit Option: Reserve your bird for farm or market pick-up. Deposit is non-refundable and comes off your final total.
Sizes & Price: 12–25+ lbs at $8/lb (priced on final packed weight).
Early Bird Bonus: Reserve before Sept. 30th and get a $15 discount code for any order on jakescountrymeats.com.
Home Shipping: Pay in full now, no deposit needed. Birds ship Nov. 18th (arrive in 2–4 days, or later if you prefer). Early-bird orders also get the discount code.
During the winter months, we stay connected through our Meat Drops. What started with a notepad and a rotary phone looks a little different these days, but every order reminder still takes us back to the early days. This is a small look at how that winter rhythm began, and why, all these years later, it still matters to us.
For more than 25 years, our family has raised and sold meat directly to the families who cook it. What started as a simple decision to offer a different option has shaped how we farm today and how real food can quietly strengthen your year, one steady choice at a time.
