Hi all, it’s Ben from Over Farm Market, here for some turkey talk.
Maybe you’ve seen a bit in the press about how there are fewer about? Lots of independent turkey farmers have left the sector in the last couple of years, you see.
Skyrocketing production costs, the hanging threat of avian flu, and all sorts of labour issues mean it’s harder than ever to profitably raise decent turkeys these days.
It's a sorry situation for the farmers, and it's getting harder for farm shops to source them ethically too.
That’s what we do at here though – free range turkeys have always been part of our Christmas offering in Over Farm Market, and I’m not giving up yet!
So I’ve searched the country for the finest free range turkeys that I could find at an affordable price, and I’ve ended up sourcing them from a fantastic farmer in Norfolk.
Those birds have been humanely raised and fed quality feed, spending plenty of time foraging in the fields too. They’ve developed great flavour, firmness and texture, and they’re absolutely stonking as a result.
Why not just plump for a turkey from the supermarket this year?
Not only does buying a turkey from somewhere like Over Farm taste better and give you the feel-good factor, it's got loads of other benefits too:
Animal Welfare: Free-range turkeys are raised in conditions that allow them to exhibit more natural behaviours. Their access to outdoor areas provides them with a better quality of life compared to turkeys raised in confined spaces.
Quality of Meat: They have a better quality of meat too. They're more flavourful, often with a firmer texture because they have the opportunity to move around and forage for a more varied diet.
Supporting Local Economy: Buying from a farm shop like ours supports the local economy, helps small businesses thrive and contributes to a stronger, more resilient community.
Transparency and Traceability: Farm shops often provide more transparency about the origin of their products. You can learn about the farm's practices, ensuring that the turkey was raised in a way that aligns with your values (so if you want more info about our Norolkd suppliers, hit reply and ask me!).
You Get a Whole Experience: Christmas is all about feeling festive and enjoying yourself, and I tell you what, you'll have a much better time coming down to the farm to pick up your turkey than you would just shoving one into the trolley! Why not check out our café and restaurant while you're here?!
How to support your local farm and indie farmers (and have a delicious Xmas dinner!)
As you can imagine, our supply from our friends in Norfolk isn’t infinite.
But if you’re keen to support not just our shop, but one of the stoic independent turkey farmers still keeping on going, then please do have a look on our website and order yours in good time.
This year, we're supplying lovely plump turkeys from 4-8kg from £75, and they’ll be ready for you to pick up from Over Farm Market in the week running up to Christmas.
Let me know if you’ve got any questions, otherwise have a look at our turkeys online and if you’re keen to support indie farmers, do order below for click and collect.
Thanks tons for your time!
Ben
P.S. We've also got some fantastic trimmings packs and cost-effective turkey butterflies available this year - lovingly put together by our very own butcher!
What else is happening at Over Farm?
Late night shopping on 15th & 16th Dec
Going late night shopping at Over Farm Market next Fri and Sat? Come and enjoy double loyalty points and lots of tasters! Visit our online shop
Christmas hampers available now
Need a "wow" kind of corporate gift this year, or looking for something extra tasty to treat a loved one? Check out our hampers! Find out more
Christmas trees are in the roundhouse
Our roundhouse is packed with farm-grown trees and wreaths. We're open 11am to 5pm on weekdays and from 9.30 at weekends. Find out more
