Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The turkey challenge. Small producers can grow turkeys if they carefully prevent contamination from other
poultry; use a separate set of equipment and a separate tending regimen.
You Can Enjoy Them
Despite the trials we have endured raising turkeys, we continue to enjoy raising
them and providing them for our customers. Turkeys are delightful, friendly birds
that thrive on good forage and open air. We believe the key to their success is vigor-
ously supporting their health from day one and keeping them separate from other
poultry.
Waterfowl are generally well suited to organic free-range systems. Ducklings and goslings are
fairly trouble free to brood and have always been raised without coccidiostats and antibiotics,
both of which are toxic to waterfowl. Ducks and geese range well, herd easily, and once fully
feathered, can handle harsh weather. Ducks forage well, which reduces feed expense and pro-
duces flavorful meat and eggs. Geese are true grazers and can be raised entirely on forage of
good quality. Organic ducks and geese are still a relatively rare commodity and command high
prices. The limiting factor for many small producers who do their own processing is the extra
plucking and waxing needed to clean waterfowl.
