Is it worth buying an organic turkey?

It’s true that organic turkeys can be more expensive than conventionally raised turkeys, which currently average about $1.12 per pound for frozen and $1.33 per pound for fresh, according to the Department of Agriculture. Buying a smaller bird may make choosing organic or “no antibiotic” more affordable.

What are turkeys fed on farms?

American farmers are raising turkeys in scientifically designed, environmentally controlled barns that provide maximum protection from predators, disease and weather extremes. They are fed a balanced diet of corn and soybean meal mixed with a supplement of vitamins and minerals.

What are free range turkeys fed?

They seem to prefer to forage for their food. Our turkeys graze on green grass, clover, and other broad leaved plants. I have seen them devour a thick stand of pasture, and jump up to grab a midair bite out of 6 foot tall amaranth plants.

Why is organic turkey so expensive?

More risk to birds means more dead birds, means smaller supply, means bigger prices. Those are the big factors that go into making an organic turkey, but if you tack on any of the other modifiers — say, if you want a pasture-raised, organic, heritage turkey — the price factors can increase dramatically.

Are turkeys unhealthy?

Don’t Be a Butterball! Turkey is not a “health” food compared to truly healthy foods such as beans, veggies, fruits, grains and nuts. Research has shown that meat-eaters are a whopping 50 per cent more likely to develop heart disease and nine times more likely to be obese than vegans.

How many weeks does it take a turkey to mature?

Most turkey breeds will mature between 14-22 weeks of age, which means you will need to purchase birds early in July to make sure they have enough time to grow. Heritage breeds will take a bit longer, 25-30 weeks, so those birds would need to be purchased in late May or early June.

Can I let my turkeys free-range?

There’s no such thing as raising a turkey on pasture only. They won’t get the protein they need to grow out. Therefore, you must continue to give them proper food and water though they’re free-ranging on your property. The free-ranging can give the birds access to natural vitamins and nutrients they need.

What kind of feed does an organic Turkey eat?

The feed given to these turkeys is organic in nature and does not contain any artificial additives. Typically, organic turkey feed consists of 60 percent cornmeal, 35 percent soybean meal and 5 percent nutritional supplement mix. 4. How Is Organic Better For You?

What kind of food does a free range Turkey eat?

Farm-raised in a free-range environment, the turkeys are fed an all-vegetarian diet consisting of 100% organic, non-GMO grains (corn and soy) and pure spring water, with no protein supplements, added poultry or fish by-products, pesticides or herbicides.

Do you have to be organic to buy a Turkey?

The USDA has certain requirements that turkey or any poultry must be to be certified organic. As you read them you will see why all turkeys are not organic. Here is what organic turkeys must eat and how they must be treated to be USDA Organic certified.

What’s the difference between free ranging and organic turkeys?

Keep reading to learn about the difference between them. Our turkeys are free ranging, kept outdoors on grass pasture and fed wholesome, organic grains, resulting in moist, flavorful turkey without the use of synthetic inputs, flavor additives or stimulants.