Thanksgiving Turkeys
Benjamin Franklin, on the American Turkey:
“For my own part, I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the Representative of our Country; he is a Bird of bad moral Character. For in truth, the Turkey is in comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true, original native of America. Eagles have been found in all Countries, but the Turkey was peculiar to ours. He is, though, a little vain and silly, it is true, but not the worst emblem for that, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards, who should presume to invade his Farmyard with a red coat on.”
Letter to his daughter, Sarah Bache on January 26th, 1784,
Quoted from “Birds of a Feather”, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
Slow Food Chicago encourages you to buy your Thanksgiving turkey locally. There are many farmers in the tri-state area who are conscientious stewards of land and animals, and are committed to sustainable and humane livestock production. Not to be forgotten is that the food they produce is delicious.
The farmers listed below have turkeys, ham, geese, ducks, goats, and lamb available for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We hope you will buy your holiday meats from some of them. If you know of other worthy producers that aren’t listed here, or are a producer yourself that would like to be listed, please contact us at turkeys {at} slowfoodchicago(.)org.
Mint Creek Farm, Harry Carr
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: 10 – 24 lbs
Price per lb.: $5.25
Deposit required: yes
Pick-up locations: Green City Market (at Notebaert Nature Center), Nov. 18 & 21
Experimental Station Market (Hyde Park, 61st & Blackstone), Nov. 21
Congress Theater, (Logan Square, 2135 N Milwaukee Ave), Nov. 22
Home Deliveries possible, for $10 extra
Location of farm: 1693E 3800 N. Road, Stelle, IL
Other Meats Available: Organic pasture-raised lamb
On-line ordering: www.mintcreekfarm.blogspot.com
Phone: 815-256-2202
E-mail: jwinters {at} mintcreekfarm(.)com
Website: www.mintcreekfarm.com
Farmer comments: Turkeys are pasture-raised, without exposure to GMOs, and are supplemented with certified organic feed.
Caveny Farm, John Caveny & Family
Breeds Available: Bourbon Red (Heritage breed)
Weight Range: 7 – 18 lbs
Also Available: New this year, fully Smoked Bourbon Red turkeys.
Contact John or Connie for details.
Price per lb.: varies by size, check www.cavenyfarm.com
Deposit required: Yes
Pick-up locations: Evanston, Immanuel Lutheran Church, (at Sherman & Lake), Nov 21 AM
Geneva, Heritage Prairie Market, Sunday, Nov 22
House of Glunz, 1206 N. Wells, Saturday, Nov. 21 PM
Green City Market (Notebaert Center), Saturday, Nov. 21 AM
On-farm pickup? Yes, $8 credit for on-farm pick-up
Location of farm: 1999 N 935 East Rd., Monticello, IL 61530
Phone: 217-762-7767
E-mail: caveny1 {at} prairieinet(.)net
Website: www.cavenyfarm.com
Farmer comments: Our Bourbon Red Heritage turkeys are raised on pasture. Their diet is supplemented with feed made especially for us by a local feed mill using locally grown grain. They’re processed by Central Illinois Poultry Processing, a small, local federally inspected processing plant about 40 miles from our farm. Our turkeys are tender, tasty, and naturally juicy. Let us raise something good to eat for you.
Organic Pastures, Larry and Marilyn Wettstein
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted Bronze
Weight Range: 14 – 24 lbs
Price per lb.: $4.00
Deposit required: no
Pick-up locations: Evanston, Immanuel Lutheran Church, (corner of Sherman & Lake)
9am – 2pm
Pick-up dates: Nov. 21
On-farm pickup? Yes
Location of farm: 669 County Road 1800E, Eureka, IL 61530
Other meats available: Lamb, beef, pork, chicken, duck, all certified organic
Phone: 309-467-6006
E-mail: orgpas {at} mtco(.)com
Farmer comments: Our turkeys are certified organic with plenty of pasture for open grazing. They are in a shelter at night and during the day they peck and scratch as they please.
We farm 250 tillable acres and 250 pasture/timber acres, all organically certified. We rotate a variety of field crops including corn, soybeans, oats, flax, wheat, sunflower, vetch, rye, alfalfa, and clovers, and also raise organic beef, pork, chicken, turkeys, and laying hens. We truly believe that as stewards of the soil, it is our responsibility to provide the healthiest food possible.
Freedom Organix, Cindy Nawiesniak
Breeds Available: Midget White (Heritage breed)
Weight Range: 12 – 18 lbs
Price per lb.: $4.50
Deposit required: yes
Pick-up locations: On-farm only
Pick-up dates: After Nov. 24
Location of farm: 8406 Maxon Road, Harvard, IL
Phone: 847-910-1160
E-mail:
Website: www.freedomorganix.com
Farmer comments: Freedom Organix is a sustainable farm raising vegetables, berries, herbs, grass fed beef and free range poultry. We offer a 20 week CSA during the season and we use all natural, chemical free methods to raise our vegetables and livestock.
Triple S Farms, Stan & Ryan Schutte
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: 14 – 18 lbs
Price per lb.: $4.00
Deposit required: no
Pick-up locations: Fresh Picks warehouse, 5625 W. Howard, Niles, IL
Pick-up dates: Week before Thanksgiving
Home Delivery: arranged with Fresh Picks
Location of farm: Rte 1, Box 122, Stewardson, IL 62463
Phone: 847-410-0595
E-mail contact: answers {at} freshpicks(.)com
Website: www.triplesfarms.com
Farmer comments: Triple S Farms is a certified organic, family-owned 200 acre farm in East central Illinois, an hour south of Champaign. Our turkeys are raised on pasture without hormones, antibiotics, or GMO feed.
Work at Triple S Farm is a family affair. Stan’s son, Ryan, is co-owner and oversees production. Daughter, Kristen, is in charge of produce from the planting to harvesting and packing. Two other employees make Triple S Farm work- Quinten works with the animals and Heather does whatever needs done including sales, production, inventory, packing, invoicing and office work. Also hanging out are the farm dogs, Sam, Slim, Shorty, Stider and Buddy.
TJ’s Pastured Free Range Poultry, Tim & Julie Ifft
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: 11 – 25 lbs
Price per lb.: $3.49
Deposit required: yes
Pick-up locations: Green City Market (Notebaert Nature Center),
Pick-up dates: Every Saturday 8am-1pm, from Nov. 7 through Dec. 19.
On-farm pick-up: Yes
Location of farm: 2773N 1500E Rd., Piper City, IL 60959
Phone: 815-686-9200
E-mail: tji4 {at} maxwire(.)net
Website:
Farmer comments: Our turkeys are pasture raised on chemical free grass and alfalfa, with plenty of room to roam, fresh air, and a healthy environment to live and grow in. They’re fed an all-natural diet containing no animal by-products or antibiotics.
Twin Oak Meats, Tom & Amy Ifft
Meats Available: Boneless/Bone-In Hams; Boneless Honey-Glazed Sprial Sliced Hams
Weight Range: 4 – 20 lbs
Price per lb.: $3.99 / $4.99 / $6.19
Deposit required: yes
Pick-up locations: Green City Market (Notebaert Nature Center),
Pick-up dates: Every Saturday 7am-1pm, from Nov. 7 through Dec. 19.
On-farm pick-up: Yes
Location of farm: 11197N 2300E Rd., Fairbury, IL
Phone: 815-692-4215
E-mail: twinoakmeats {at} maxwire(.)net
Website: www.twinoakmeats.com
Farmer comments: All our pork products come from animals raised on our own farm, and are hormone-free. We also have fresh ham roasts and crown roasts which are perfect for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. For the holidays we also make a gift box ideal for holiday giving. Visit us at the Green City Market on Saturdays to see and taste our products.
Country Cottage Farm, Phil & Deborah Shields
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: 12 – 25 lbs
Price per lb.: $4.99
Deposit required: Yes
Pick-up locations: True Nature Foods
6034 N. Broadway, Chicago, 60604
Pick-up dates: Friday, Nov. 20, 9am-8pm
Saturday, Nov 21, 9am-8pm
Sunday, Nov 22, 9am-7pm
On-farm pickup? No
Location of farm: 3213 County Road 600 E, Fisher, IL, 61843
Phone: 773-465-6400
E-mail: countrycottagefarms {at} yahoo(.)com
Website: www.countrycottagefarm.com
Farmer comments:
Moore Family Farm, Jim, Diann & Wes Moore
Breeds Available: Pekin Ducks
Weight Range: 4½ – 6 lbs
Price per lb.: $5.75
Other meats: Whole legs of lamb
Deposit required: No
Pick-up locations: Urbana Farmers Market (corner Illinois and Vine), or on-farm
Pick-up dates: in Urbana, every Saturday AM, through Dec. 19
On-farm, by appointment, (call for accurate directions)
On-farm pickup? Yes (encouraged, since the farm is much closer to Chicago)
Location of farm: 2013N 1950E Rd. Watseka, IL, 60970
Phone: 815-432-6238
E-mail:
Website: in progress
Farmer comments: All animals are out on pasture, grazing and pecking on the meadow, and provided supplemental feed mixed right on the farm containing no hormones, antibiotics, or GMO grains.
Top O’ the Hill Farm, Anthony & Mary Keisling
Breeds Available: Narragansett, Royal Palm, Slate, Bourbon Red, Standard Bronze
(All Heritage breeds)
Weight Range: 8 – 19 lbs
Price per lb.: $7.00
Deposit required: Yes
Pick-up locations: On-farm only
Pick-up dates: On the farm, any time between the Sunday before Thanksgiving and
Thanksgiving morning
On-farm pickup? Yes
Location of farm: 4320 Doty Rd. Woodstock, IL 60098
Other meats available: Heritage breed pastured pork- whole or half hogs. Ham, bacon, sausage, pork chops also available.
Phone: 815-260-1520
E-mail: marykeisling {at} gmail(.)com
Website: www.topothehillfarm.com
Farmer comments: All our animals are raised on pasture, free-range, and supplemented with certified organic feed.
Green Earth Farm, Scott & Kathy Mor
Breeds Available: Narragansett, Royal Palm, Bourbon Red (Heritage Breeds)
Weight Range: SOLD OUT
Price per lb.: $7.50
Deposit required: Yes
Pick-up locations: On-farm only
Pick-up dates: after mid-November
On-farm pickup? Yes
Location of farm: 8308 Barnard Mill Rd., Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-403-7735
E-mail: info {at} greenearthfarm(.)org
Website: www.greenearthfarm.org
Farmer comments:
Hasselmann Family Farm, Scott & Nena Hasselmann
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: 15 – 22 lbs
Price per lb.: $4.00
Deposit required: No
Pick-up locations: Geneva Community Winter Mkt, 11 N. 5th St., Geneva, IL, Saturdays AM
Private home in Arlington Heights, call to schedule
Pick-up dates: Geneva Market, Saturdays AM, Nov 21, Dec 19
On-farm pickup? Yes
Other meats available: Berkshire pork, pasture-raised lamb, chicken, grass-fed beef (not until spring)
Location of farm: 2883 Brookville Rd, Milledgeville, IL
Phone: 847-525-3590
E-mail: hasselmannfarm {at} gmail(.)com
Website: www.hasselmannfamilyfarm.com
Farmer comments: All our produce and livestock are raised outdoors on pasture, in harmony with the natural environment.
R Family Farm, Cindee Robinson
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White, Bourbon Red (Heritage breed)
Weight Range: Broad-breasted whites 12 – 30 lbs, Bourbon Reds 8 – 14 lbs
Price per lb.: $4.00 and $5.00 respectively
Deposit required:
Pick-up locations: Geneva Community Winter Mkt, 11 N. 5th St., Geneva, IL, Saturdays AM
($1 per lb charge applies for delivery to the Winter Market)
On-farm pickup also available, (call to arrange)
Pick-up dates: Geneva Market, Saturdays AM, Nov 21, Dec 19
On-farm pickup? Yes
Location of farm: 6501 North Boone School Road, Poplar Grove, IL 61065
Other meats available: Cornish Cross Broilers, goat, Berkshire pork
Phone: 815-519-4341
E-mail: cjrobinson0217 {at} msn(.)com
Website: r-family-farm.com
Farmer comments: Our feed contains no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics
Arnold Farm, Tom & Jessica Arnold
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: 14 – 16 lbs
Price per lb.: $3.20
Deposit required: Yes
Pick-up locations: Various locations between Elgin (western suburbs) and the Loop
On-farm pickup also available, (call to arrange)
Pick-up dates: Call or email for the Arnolds’ delivery schedule
On-farm pickup? Yes
Location of farm: 997 N. Salem Rd., Elizabeth, IL 61028
Other meats available: Pastured grass-fed beef, pork (lamb is sold out)
Phone: 815-858-2407
E-mail: arnoldfarm {at} juno(.)com
Website: www.arnoldsfarm.com
Farmer comments: We use no hormones, antibiotics, or animal by-products in our feed rations. The feed rations are based on non-genetically modified grains, hay, and grass raised on our own farm. We are happy to custom-cut sides to your specifications. You are supporting a family farm committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly methods of production.
Liberty Family Farm, Andy & Denise Wright
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: SOLD OUT
Price per lb.: -
Deposit required: yes
Pick-up locations: Green City Market (at Notebaert Nature Center), Saturdays AM
Location of farm: 4520 E. Filmore Rd., Hart, MI 49420
Other Meats Available: grass-fed beef, Tamworth pork (Heritage breed), pasture-raised lamb, chicken
Phone: 231-873-3737
E-mail: libertyff {at} gmail(.)com
Website: Coming soon
Farmer comments:As patriarchs of a true family farm, Andy and Denise Wright work their Liberty Family Farm in Hart, Michigan with the help of children and community. Over a decade ago Andy and Denise began with organic livestock farming, and then steadily expanded both their product offerings and the size of their family. Ten children now enjoy life on the farm.
They are committed to raising livestock in a humane and ecologically sound manner, and their animals enjoy sunshine, fresh air, green grass, and free range. No antibiotics, hormones, growth enhancers, additives, or GMOs of any kind are used on the farm. All sheep and beef are grass-fed and grazed rotationally on chemical-free, intensively managed pastures. The Wrights’ pork and poultry- chickens, turkeys, laying hens, ducks, and geese- are raised on pasture as well.
Wettstein Organic Farm, Dennis & Emily Wettstein
Breeds Available: Broad-breasted White
Weight Range: SOLD OUT
Price per lb.: -
Deposit required: no
Pick-up locations: Buzz Cafe, 905 S Lombard Ave, Oak Park, IL
Pick-up dates: Saturday, Nov. 21, noon – 3pm
On-farm pickup? Yes
Location of farm: 2100 US Hwy 150, Carlock, IL 61725
Other meats available: Whole legs of lamb, pork, beef
Meats are delivered and can be picked up throughout the winter-
At Buzz Cafe, Jan 9th, Feb 13th, March 13th, April 10th, noon – 3pm
Phone: 309-376-7291
E-mail:
Website: -
Farmer comments: Emily and Denny sell certified organic beef, pork, poultry and eggs directly to customers, at the summer Oak Park Farmers Market, at the Buzz Cafe in winter, and all year from their on-farm storehouse. They also raise organic soybeans, corn and other grains that they make into feed for all their animals, and for selling to neighboring organic livestock and dairy farmers.
“We enjoy everything we do on the farm,” says Denny. “The most encouraging change we’ve seen since 1985,” says Emily, “is that more and more people are coming to us for their food. City people are coming back to the farms with their own children to learn where their food comes from and how it is grown.” Denny adds, “Our experience over the past 20 years with organic farming has restored our love of farming and given us the hope that the future of farming, if we continue to think outside the conventional box, is very promising.”
- Excerpted from a profile at www.farmaid.org
Slagel Family Farm, LouisJohn Slagel
Breeds Available: n/a
Weight Range: -
Price per lb.: -
Deposit required: no
Pick-up locations: Mado Restaurant, 1647 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Pick-up dates: call for schedule
On-farm pickup? Yes
Location of farm: 103 E Krack Street, Forrest, IL 61741
Other meats available: Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, goat
Phone: 815-848-9385
E-mail: slagelmeats {at} live(.)com
Website: www.slagelfamilyfarm.com
Farmer comments: We raise, process and deliver all natural hormone-free beef, pork, lamb, chicken, eggs rabbit, and goats to the Chicago area. We have product available for the holidays as well as throughout the year. We also offer meat CSA’s for anyone interested.
Spence Farm, Marty, Kris, and Will Travis
Available:No turkeys, but a unique Slow Food Ark of Taste product Iroquois White Corn
Price per lb.: Sold as roasted corn meal, $15/lb
Deposit required: no
Delivery: By USPS Priority Mail, send check or money order to address below.
On-farm pickup? Yes (and reduces price to $13/lb)
Location of farm: 2959 N. 2100 E. Rd., Fairbury, IL 61739
Other meats available: -
Phone: 815-692-3336
E-mail: mandk {at} thespencefarm(.)com
Website: www.thespencefarm.com
Farmer comments: We were able to harvest our crop, despite the rains, and are now in the process of roasting and milling. The aroma is incredible.
