We make safety and quality standards our #1 priority. Our products are traced from farm to table to help ensure the food you serve is as safe and fresh as possible.
But we don’t stop there. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve taken additional health and safety precautions to ensure the safety of all involved in the production of our turkey.
Turkey is a staple on tables across America, especially during the holidays. Honeysuckle White is one of the most popular and trusted turkey brands found in grocery stores nationwide. But who is behind this premium turkey brand that has been delighting families for decades?
As it turns out, the story of Honeysuckle White turkey is one rooted in family, tradition and a commitment to quality While the brand has grown into a household name, it originated on family farms dedicated to raising the best tasting turkeys.
A Long History With Turkey Farming
The Honeysuckle White brand traces its history back to 1940s Iowa. A farmer named Carl Wickman began raising turkeys near Ellsworth, Iowa. He was committed to quality and proper animal care from the very start. This dedication caught the attention of Cargill – one of the largest private companies in the United States.
In 1966, Cargill purchased Carl Wickman’s turkeys and created the Honeysuckle White brand. The name was inspired by the honeysuckle growing on the Wickman family farm. Cargill maintained the family’s focus on premium turkey while expanding production.
Over the decades, Honeysuckle White strengthened its network of family turkey farms across the Midwest. Today, the brand works with over 200 independent, family-owned turkey farms The majority are multi-generational with farming in their blood
Meeting Stringent Standards
Honeysuckle White turkeys are raised by farmers who must meet rigorous standards. All turkeys are:
- Raised cage-free in barns with room to roam
- Fed a vegetable and grain-based diet with no animal by-products
- Raised without growth-promoting antibiotics
- Humanely raised following animal care guidelines
Farmers work closely with veterinarians to keep flocks healthy through proper nutrition, clean housing and responsible medicine use. Honeysuckle White also traces products fully from farm to table for food safety.
In 2015, the brand became USDA Process Verified. This voluntary verification indicates Honeysuckle White’s ability to provide consistent quality turkeys raised according to their standards.
Family Farmers Are the Heart of the Brand
While Honeysuckle White has grown into one of America’s most recognized turkey brands, family farmers remain the heart of the company. They collectively raise over 285 million turkeys each year for the Honeysuckle White brand.
Farmers like the Rodes family of Virginia have been raising turkeys for Honeysuckle White for generations. Or farmers like Micah and Krista who share the brand’s core belief of responsible antibiotic use. These family stories are proudly shared on the Honeysuckle White website.
The company highlights its network of family farmers that devote their lives to raising quality turkeys. Meet the farmer sections provide an inside look into daily life on independent turkey farms. This connects consumers to the farmers behind their Honeysuckle White turkeys.
Delivering Premium Turkey Products
In addition to whole turkeys, Honeysuckle White offers a wide variety of turkey products from its network of family farms:
- Boneless turkey breasts
- Bone-in turkey breasts
- Ground turkey
- Turkey tenderloins
- Ready-to-cook items like patties, sausages, and meatballs
Consumers can find Honeysuckle White premium turkey products at major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway Albertsons, and more. The brand also makes meal inspiration and cooking tips available on their website and social media channels.
Continuing a Legacy of Quality
The story behind Honeysuckle White turkey is a remarkable one. Starting from one farmer’s commitment to raising quality turkeys, it has grown into an iconic American brand. But through it all, the focus remains on family farmers raising turkeys with care and pride.
Honeysuckle White promises premium, great tasting turkey to families across the country. They deliver on this promise by partnering with dedicated farm families devoted to excellence. It’s through the hard work and values of these farmers that Honeysuckle White turkey continues to shine at dining tables year after year. So this holiday season, look for the Honeysuckle White label for turkeys as fresh and flavorsome as the Midwest farms they came from.
honeysuckle white: 23
turkey: 18
farmer: 7
family: 6
brand: 5
quality: 4
WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PREMIUM PRODUCTS.
Honeysuckle White® turkeys have been USDA Verified since May 2015. What that means to you is that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides companies that supply agricultural products or services the opportunity to assure their customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services through their Process Verified Program.
What that means is Honeysuckle White® turkeys are:
+ Proudly raised without growth-promoting antibiotics. Antibiotics responsibly used only when needed for treatment & prevention of illness.
+ Raised by independent farmers who are trained on animal handling practices.
How to Prepare a Honeysuckle White Turkey
FAQ
Who owns Honeysuckle turkey Company?
About Honeysuckle White® Brand
The Honeysuckle White® brand is a Cargill brand that offers family farm-raised turkey products including ground turkey, turkey sausage, whole turkey and turkey breasts.
Is a honeysuckle turkey a good brand?
Juicy moist bird
I love Honeysuckle White turkeys. I have used other brands but I prefer Honeysuckle White, the turkey always comes out perfectly roasted, juicy and tender. Never any dry “spots”. In my family I have a reputation of making the best, moist, roast turkey.
What turkey brand does Cargill own?
Cargill is a leader in tender, juicy and delicious turkey products, from whole turkeys to boneless, bone-in, cured meats and more. Our Shady Brook Farms® turkeys are independently-raised with no growth-promoting antibiotics, so you can bring healthy, great-tasting turkey to your customers.
Where do honeysuckle white turkeys come from?
Where are Honeysuckle White® turkeys raised? Our turkeys come from Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Learn more about our family farmers.