Whole Story

It’s turkey season! Last week I told you why our turkeys are different than a lot of what you’ll find out there at other stores. Stuff like:

• No antibiotics — ever
• No supplemental growth hormones*
• No animal byproducts in feed

The other point I made was that we have complete traceability to the farms and ranches where the turkey was raised. That’s so rare in the industry and it’s one of the things that I really like about working here. Whole Foods Market goes to the effort to know exactly where our turkeys come from. And since we do, I thought you’d like a chance to meet our turkey farmers and ranchers and find out a little bit about the people behind your Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s a handful of turkey farms to get us started. Check back between now and Thanksgiving to meet more or check our local stories page to read about them now as part of our holiday website.    * Federal law does not allow the use of supplemental growth hormones in any poultry sold in the United States. Maple Lawn Farms – Fulton, MD Family pride. Maple Lawn Farms has it. They also have incredible turkeys. The Iager family has been raising turkeys since 1938 when Ellsworth and Mary Elizabeth Iager placed the first poults. The fourth generation is now learning turkey production to continue the Iager family tradition. Pitman Farms – Fresno, CA Rick and Mary Pitman have dedicated their life to producing premium quality turkeys. Their farm is home to traditional turkeys and rare Heritage breeds. The birds are matured for seven months (the standard is five months), which creates a richer, more savory bird for your holiday table. Hillview Farms - Buckholts, TX Born into the ranching business, Wayne Hillman has more than 40 years of experience. About 10 years ago Wayne and his wife began raising turkeys, which allowed them to return full-time to the ranching lifestyle that's been a part of their families for three generations. This small, mom-and-pop operation is committed to providing the tastiest turkey for your holiday table. Mills Rest Ranch - Mt. Gilead, OH William and Vanessa Mills have been raising livestock in Mt. Gilead for ten years and take pride in handling their cattle and poultry with respect. Mills Rest Ranch was the first livestock producer to receive a Local Producer Loan, which funded the construction of a new poultry barn and a significant expansion in production. Larry Shultz Organic Farms – Owattona , MN Larry Schultz and his wife Cindy are fourth-generation farmers, and they really know how to raise turkeys. Schultz Organic Farms has two farms that produce their amazing turkeys. The Schultz’s farm is committed to providing the tastiest turkey for your holiday table. Hope you enjoy this introduction to people behind your food! Come back for more.