Finding Fresh Pasture Raised Turkeys

RYE, NY—It's time to talk turkey—Thanksgiving turkey that is. Have you decided where to get your turkey? Some local farms sell turkeys that were allowed to roam free and were raised without antibiotics or hormones. Pasture-raised turkeys can be pricier but that's because it's more expensive to raise them that way.

For some families, visiting a farm for their Thanksgiving turkey is a time-honored tradition that only makes the holiday more special.

If you are so inclined, here are a few farms that sell turkeys. If we missed your favorite farm, let us know in the comments below.

Westchester

Stone Barns Center, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills

Stone Barns Center turkeys are raised outside on fresh grass and in the woodlands as part of a whole-farm system that puts the health of the soil and the animals first.

Hemlock Hill Farm, 500 Croton Avenue, Cortlandt Manor

All animals are pasture raised and hormone or antibiotic free. Tours of the farm are also available.

Hastings-on-Hudson Farmers Market, 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings on Hudson

No time to visit a farm? The market sells pasture-raised turkeys from New Jersey's Southtown Farms. You can pick up a turkey at the market through November. The market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Mid Hudson Valley

McEnroe Organic Farm, 5409 Route 22, Millerton

McEnroe Organic Farm has been NOFA-NY Certified Organic for over 25 years; it is one of New York’s oldest and most diverse certified organic farms and stands at over 1,100 acres of fields, pastures, and greenhouses.

Pugh Farms, Route 300, (Walkill) Newburgh

Pugh Farms is a small farm that raises all natural poultry and eggs.

Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction

Not only does the farm sell pasture-raised turkey, but you can pick up a pie, some Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.

Northwind Farms, 185 West Kerley Cor Road, Tivoli

The farm offers pasture-raised New Holland White and Heritage Bronze turkeys, plus other meats for holiday plans.

Veritas Farms, 32 Rousner Lanes, New Paltz

Veritas Farms is a sustainable mixed vegetable and livestock farm, where all the animals are pasture-raised.

Four Winds Farm, 158 Marabec Road, Gardiner

The farm's turkeys are raised outside and fed organic grain. A deposit is required with orders.

Putnam

Glynwood Farms, 362 Glynwood Road, Cold Spring

During the growing season, you can purchase Glynwood’s AWA-approved, pasture-raised meat and eggs plus USDA Certified Organic vegetables at the farm store. After Nov. 10, the store is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

Photo by Joan Vos MacDonald