Heritage Turkey Project of Sonoma County

We are thankful to say that the Heritage Turkey Project is very much alive and well and ready to offer you beautiful organically fed Heritage Turkeys for your Thanksgiving table!


2023 marks the beginning of our 18th season of the Heritage Turkey project, co-sponsored by Slow Food Russian River. The project has 10 youth this year growing over 200 turkeys. Our project leaders are active breeders of heritage turkeys and some of our 4-H and FFA youth are now raising breeding pairs and hatching their own birds. Each project member raises a small flock of turkeys on their own property and shoulder the responsibility of providing the birds' feed and care. 


This project has brought awareness to our community, our farmers, and our future farmers about the preservation of heritage breeds, sustainable farming, and responsible animal husbandry. The turkey project offers our young growers valuable, hands-on involvement in a viable, real-market setting. When you buy your food locally, you support family farms and local farmland for future generations.


Please reserve your turkey by filling out the form below and mailing your $40 deposit. Due to an over 13% increase in the cost of organic feed and other associated expenses with raising these magnificent birds the cost per pound will be $12.00/lb. The balance will be due upon pick up; to be paid directly to the young farmer via check, cash, or square. Turkeys will be available for pickup Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22 in Santa Rosa. You will be notified with details of the times and pick-up location the week prior to Thanksgiving.




If you have any questions, please contact us at:

heritageturkeyproject@gmail.com

Thank you!

Heritage turkeys are part of American History and had almost disappeared in this country due to the commercial economy and efficiency of the industrial-raised, White Broad-Breasted Turkeys. Fortunately, heritage turkeys are experiencing revival, as food lovers have discovered their superior flavor and moist texture. Heritage Turkeys are delicious; their meat is tender, succulent, and extremely flavorful -- in the words of Marion Burros of the New York Times, they are "the essence of turkey".


Maintaining genetic diversity with any species is crucial to a secure and sustainable food supply. Heritage Turkeys take longer to grow to maturity but are infinitely better tasting than their industrial, broad-breasted cousins. For more information about Heritage Turkeys go to: http://livestockconservancy.org/


THE TURKEYS OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE HERITAGE TURKEY PROJECT ARE ORGANICALLY FED and FRESH, NEVER FROZEN. 


To order a fresh, locally grown heritage turkey for your holiday table and support youth in agriculture, please click on the link above. The profit from the sale of each turkey sold goes directly to the young farmer who grew it.



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