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 Duerkesn Turkey Farm, Mancelona, MI
Owners Rick and Sue Duerksen know how to talk turkey. The couple has been farming for over 34 years, raising breeder turkeys for the first 27 years.
“We got a real wake up call when the hatchery didn’t need our production,” said Sue. “This was a critical moment that left us wondering what was next.”
After a lot of research, they decided to stick with what they new best, turkeys, but in a new way. The growing interest in “clean meats” - those free from chemicals, antibiotics and growth hormones coincided with the desire of consumers to know where their food was coming from.
The Duerksens committed to farming pasture raised turkeys and have been going strong ever since. These days, Duerksen turkey is available not just at the farm and local farmers’ markets, but also at many local food stores and restaurants.
The biggest challenge they faced was getting people to think of turkey year-round, not just in November. To accomplish this goal, they expanded the product line to include ground turkey, turkey hot dogs, brats, thighs, wings, breast tenderloins, BBQ pulled turkey and even smoked turkey products. In addition, they have set up a buying club that allows people living throughout the state a chance to enjoy the turkey. Information about the buying club is available on their website at www.duerksenturkeyfarm.com.
But a big question still remains to many people: What is the difference between a pasture raised, a free range and a commercial turkey? Sue says this is an excellent question and one that needs to be clarified.
Pasture is the key word in pasture raised. This means that the turkey is actually raised on pasture that is plentiful with green grasses with an abundance of insects and grasshoppers. From a health standpoint, here are a few important facts; 21% less total fat, 30% less saturated fat, 28% fewer calories, 50% more Vitamin A and 100% more Omega -3.
Free range should not be confused with pasture raised, there is a huge difference. Free range can mean that a turkey or other animal has the freedom to roam in an open dirt field, a gravel lot or an over crowded barn. Health benefits; well….if we aren’t sure what they are eating or exposed to, then that would be scary. Most likely they have been vaccinated in order to keep them from getting sick.
Commercially raised typically means raised in confinement buildings without the benefits of fresh air, grass and exercise. They are usually raised by the thousands and are trucked many miles to a slaughter facility while exposing the animals to toxic fumes and inclement weather.
So now that we know the benefits of pasture raised turkey, how do you get one for your Thanksgiving table as well as your weekly menu?
“Order the sooner the better, that way you’ll have a better chance of getting the weight of your choice,” said Sue. “Because we do farm markets we have been taking orders since September. There is quite a demand for FRESH pasture raised turkey for Thanksgiving. While we have planned for that demand, it is always best to order early.”
Duerksen takes orders by phone and online. Call 231.587.8267 or visit the web site at www.duerksenturkeyfarm.com. Two northern Michigan drop shipment locations are offered, one in Traverse City and one in Petoskey, or you may visit the farm for your pick up. In the Manistee area, Port City Organics is taking orders for a November 21 fresh turkey delivery. And for those living outside of these regions, it would be worthwhile to explore the buyers club offering.
And what do turkey farmer’s eat for Thanksgiving?
“Ham,” says Sue. “We love turkey, but this time of year, we just need a little break.”
http://www.randomramblingsof.com
Random Ramblings Of . . . is a blog birthed after years of labor. After 39 years of being married to Farmer, raising 4 sons, gaining 3 daughters-in-law who gave her 6 wigglies with another one on the way, Diane Loew has a few things to share.
Life is never boring on their dairy farm. Farming 1,000 acres while milking 700 BEBs (brown eyed bossies), maintaining equipment, while monitoring testosterone levels between Farmer and the 3 Sons on the farm provide ample fodder for many a blog.
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Diane with Farmer,
Sons # 1, 2, 3, 4, the
daughters-in-law and
all the wigglies.
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Random Ramblings Of . . . is like taking a peek behind the scenes or watching over the shoulder of the daily life of this Michigan farm family. This farm has been in the family for over 100 years. You will read about daily events on the farm, family happenings, and other randomly rambles that pop into Diane’s head.
There are stories of sorrow, such as when the family’s farm dog was put down, of drama such as when a worker was rolled by a cow and had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance, stories of celebrations and ones of humor, such as chasing cows with hair covered in hair dye and cow poop.
Diane feels blessed beyond measure to live where she lives and to have the honor of taking care of the land and animals. “There are wonders exposed on the farm every day. I want to share the sights, smells, and sounds that are so special.”
You will log on each time with anticipation as to what is going to happen next.
Diane Loew lives on a farm that straddles the Allegan-Ottawa county line near Byron Center. You can follow more of her musings at her blog:
http://www.randomramblingsof.com or on
Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Random-Ramblings-Of-/111797602168402
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