How Much is a Farm Raised Turkey? A Complete Guide to Pricing and Benefits

With the holidays coming up, you may be wondering how much a farm raised turkey costs compared to a store bought turkey. While a farm raised turkey is often more expensive upfront, many find that the superior quality and flavor makes it well worth the extra investment. In this complete guide, we’ll break down the typical pricing, benefits, and things to consider when purchasing a pasture raised turkey straight from the farm.

Typical Cost of Farm Raised vs. Store Bought Turkeys

The average cost for a farm raised turkey ranges from $2-5 per pound, depending on the size of the bird, whether it is organic, and the individual pricing of the farm. You can expect to pay on the higher end of that range for a sizable, organic, pasture raised turkey.

In comparison, a frozen store bought turkey will cost $1-2 per pound on average So while the farm raised turkey has a higher starting price, many find it provides better value when you account for the much higher quality

Why Farm Raised Turkeys Cost More

There are several reasons why turkeys sourced directly from small farms carry a higher price tag:

• Slower growth: Farm raised turkeys are allowed to grow at a natural pace, while commercial turkeys are bred for rapid weight gain. This longer growth period increases costs for the farmer.

• More space required Pasture raised turkeys require significantly more space to roam than crowded commercial barns This extra land increases the farmer’s overhead

• Labor intensive: Small farmers put greater individual care into raising their turkeys. Commercial farming uses automation. This hands-on approach is more labor intensive.

• Organic feed: Organically raised turkeys are fed a premium diet free of chemicals and fillers. This specialized feed has a higher cost.

• Processing: Small farms often use local processing facilities, which charge more than mass commercial plants.

• No economy of scale: Unlike huge commercial operations, small family farms don’t benefit from massive volume discounts.

Factors that Impact Cost of Farm Raised Turkeys

Several specific factors influence the final price you will pay when purchasing a farm raised turkey:

Size of the turkey – Smaller 10-15 lb turkeys will range from $20-30 while 20 lb+ turkeys can be $100 or more. Larger birds carry a higher price tag.

Supplemental feed – Pasture raised organically fed turkeys are more expensive than conventionally fed farm raised turkeys. Organic feed costs more.

Distance traveled – Supporting a local farm where the turkey didn’t have to travel far to processing helps reduce costs.

Turkey breed – Heritage breeds take longer to mature, increasing farmer costs compared to commercial broad breasted whites.

Order minimums – Some small farms require customers to order a minimum of 2-3 turkeys to make processing worthwhile.

Fresh vs. frozen – Fresh never-frozen turkeys tend to cost a bit more than frozen.

Organic certification – Officially certified organic turkeys justify a higher price than non-certified pasture raised.

Time of year – Prices tick higher the closer it gets to Thanksgiving when seasonal demand is highest. Buying earlier in fall or purchasing a frozen turkey can save money.

Farm reputation – Some farms develop well-known reputations for exceptionally high quality turkeys that fetch top dollar.

So when pricing out your farm raised turkey options, all of these factors impact the final cost. Even within the $2-5 per pound range, you’ll see significant variance based on these considerations.

Benefits and Value of Farm Raised vs. Store Bought

While farm raised turkeys come at a premium price, many feel the higher quality and flavor provides greater overall value compared to commercial store bought birds.

Superior Flavor

Pasture raised turkeys develop a richer, more robust natural flavor profile from ranging outdoors and enhanced activity. The difference in taste is noticeable compared to a commercial turkey.

Higher Quality Meat

The moderate growth rate, natural diet, and stress-free environment of farm raised turkeys leads to higher quality, juicier meat. Commercial turkeys are bred for breast size over flavor.

No Artificial Ingredients

You can ensure no artificial hormones, antibiotics, or chemicals are used when you source turkeys raised on small family farms. This natural approach delivers quality.

Support Small Farmers

When you buy direct from family farms, more dollars go back to supporting conscientious local agriculture compared to purchasing from grocery store chains.

Humane Practices

Small farms focus on raising turkeys in a humane, ethical manner allowing natural behaviors compared to overcrowding in commercial barns. Your purchase supports proper animal welfare.

Sustainable Agriculture

Pasture raised turkeys promote regenerative techniques like rotational grazing that benefit the environment compared to large-scale commercial practices.

Natural Size

Farm raised turkeys grow to a healthy natural size over a longer maturation period, unlike commercial turkeys bred to grow extremely fast and large in the breast.

So despite the higher starting price, a farm raised turkey offers rewarding benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do farm raised turkeys cost more than store bought?

The higher cost of farm raised turkeys reflects the slower, more humane and hands-on approach family farms use compared to crowded, automated commercial turkey factories designed to maximize efficiency and lower costs.

What’s the price difference between a 15 lb and 25 lb farm raised turkey?

You can expect to pay around $30-50 for a smaller 15 lb pasture raised turkey, while a 25 lb turkey would likely cost $100-125. The price per pound remains similar, but the total cost increases with larger sizes.

Is there a big taste difference between farm raised and store bought turkeys?

Yes, most people notice a significant upgrade in flavor when switching from a commercial grocery store turkey to a pasture raised turkey. The difference is pronounced.

Are farm raised organic turkeys worth the extra cost?

For special occasions like Thanksgiving, many feel investing in an organic pasture raised turkey is well worth it for the superior quality meat and showstopping flavor. The extra cost delivers extra satisfaction.

How can I get the best deal on a farm raised turkey?

Order early, purchase a frozen turkey in advance, buy direct from a local farm without additional shipping costs, and consider buying multiple turkeys at once if your family or friends want to go in together on a bulk order.

What’s the minimum number of turkeys I have to buy from a farm?

Check with individual farms as minimum order amounts vary, but often you can get away with buying just 1-2 turkeys. Some farms require 5-10 turkey minimums, so buying with friends helps meet requirements.

Should I buy my turkey fresh or frozen from a farm?

If you want the convenience of storing it yourself, go with frozen. But for the absolute freshest, best taste and texture, fresh never-frozen is ideal if you are cooking within 2-3 days. Either way you can’t go wrong with farm raised.