The Cost of Compassion: Understanding the Price of Pasture-Raised Thanksgiving Turkeys

The New York Times article by Lola Fadulu delves into the reasons why pasture-raised Thanksgiving turkeys, such as those from Troll Bridge Farm in Arcade, NY, can cost upwards of $95. The piece highlights the intricacies of raising these birds, which involves significant expenses for housing, feed, processing, and animal welfare. Troll Bridge Farm’s operators emphasize humane practices and natural rearing methods, contrasting sharply with conventional farming methods, which often prioritize profit over animal care. With rising consumer interest in locally-sourced and ethically-raised meat, demand for these turkeys has surged, leading to increased pricing. The article underscores how quality, sustainability, and transparency in farming practices have shifted consumer preferences toward farm-fresh products, despite the higher costs compared to commercially raised turkeys.

Key Points:

• Troll Bridge Farm sells pasture-raised turkeys for $5 per pound, totaling $80-$95 each.
• Expenses include $60/month on electricity for brooding, $400 for flooring replacement, and approximately $10 for processing each turkey.
• Feed costs have risen to 28 cents per pound, and bedding expenses have also increased since 2019.
• Demand for pasture-raised turkeys accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to early sellouts.
• The farm emphasizes humane treatment, avoiding practices like beak-cutting and toe-clipping often found in commercial operations.
• Consumers are increasingly favoring high-welfare, locally sourced turkeys, citing distrust in large meat corporations.
• Raising turkeys is labor-intensive, and farmers do not necessarily make minimum wage for their efforts.
• There is a notable difference in quality between farm-raised turkeys and those from commercial sources.
  Link to Article