The gorgeous bird you’re looking at is a broad-breasted white turkey, America’s most popular commercial breed. You can call him Tom, for short. His robe of ivory plumage isn’t just pretty to look at. Those feathers, when plucked, won’t leave behind dark, aesthetically unpleasing pigment spots under the skin. These guys and gals grow quickly and are more plumped out with breast meat than other breeds.
Tom is one of the over 500 broad-breasted whites pasture-raised this season on Riemer Family Farm, which offers delivery to Milwaukee from its land southwest of Janesville. The birds range from 12 to 27 pounds, and while Jen Riemer expects the farm will sell out of them, she doesn’t think that’ll happen until a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Check out riemerfamilyfarm.com.
Here are four other businesses – and one farm – selling humanely raised and/or heritage turkeys:
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Bavette la Boucherie
Bavette is offering fresh turkeys, ranging from 8 to 20 pounds ($6.50/pound). The broad-breasted whites are Green Circle by D’Artagnon (Green Circle turkeys are certified humane and hormone- and antibiotic-free). Turkey breasts ($12/pound) are also available. They will send out pick-up instructions – and options for Thanksgiving sides – closer to the date. Orders can be placed by phone, email and online. info@bavettemilwaukee.com and 414-273-3375.
Kettle Range Meat Co.
Offering fresh turkeys in two varieties: Heritage Bronze ($7.50/pound), raised on Yuppie Hill farms in Burlington; and Broad-breasted White ($4.50/pound), sustainably raised through Ferndale Market in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. When you order, you’ll choose the pickup location (the Milwaukee or Elm Grove locations of Kettle Range), pickup date, and any add-ons (brining kit, gravy, sides).
Becher Meats
The West Allis butcher shop has both Heritage Bronze ($6.99/pound; 14-18 pounds) from Burlington’s Yuppie Hill, and Amish ($2.99/pound, 8-20 pounds). Three pickup dates are available: Nov. 24, 25 and 26.
Old Glory Farm
The turkeys are pasture-raised without hormones or antibiotics. White- and bronze-breasted are available. You can order a fresh turkey ($5.49/pound); the size ranges from 10 to 24 pounds. They also have a small selection of recently processed, frozen turkeys. Order here.
