Why We Freeze Our Thanksgiving Turkeys
Every year, as Thanksgiving approaches, we get one question more than any other: “Can we get a fresh turkey?” We have offered fresh turkeys in the past, but we have opted not to do so in 2025, and it is unlikely that we will do so again in the future. Freezing our turkeys allows us to ensure quality, freshness, and flexibility for both our farm and our customers. Here are a few of the reasons that we made the move to offer frozen rather than fresh turkeys:
1. More Control Over Size and Weight
If you’ve ever tried to coordinate a large holiday meal, you know how important it is to get the right size bird. Some families want a smaller turkey for a cozy gathering, while others are feeding a full house and need something much bigger. Freezing allows us to process our turkeys when they’ve reached the perfect weight. Since our turkeys are pasture raised, we only have so much control over their growth. Factors like temperature and rainfall contribute to how quickly or slowly our birds grow. In ideal conditions, they will reach finish weight more quickly, and could easily surpass our ideal range of 15 to 20 pounds by the time the holidays arrive. (We learned this the hard way; we held out for fresh birds last year and ended up with some 30 pounders that wouldn't fit into a regular size oven.)
2. Fresher Than “Fresh”
Many farms distribute turkeys ahead of time. If farmers butcher their birds on Friday to bring to their customers on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, that means that the turkey is going to sit in the refrigerator for six days before it gets cooked. Although the bird was fresh when the customer brought it home, that time in the refrigerator reduces the quality and moisture level. We freeze our turkeys approximately 24 hours after butchering so that we can lock in freshness at its absolute peak. (We don't freeze them immediately afterward because that actually creates a tougher texture, giving them a day to chill results in tender, juicy meat.) While a turkey from us might arrive frozen, once it’s thawed, it’s fresher than one that’s been sitting in the refrigerator for almost a week.
3. Respecting the Weather (and the Birds)
We raise and butcher our turkeys outdoors, which means that we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature, especially in the fall. Cold snaps, rain, snow, and mud all affect when we can safely and humanely butcher. By freezing the birds, we gain the flexibility to choose the best possible day for processing, both for us and for the animals. That results in a better product, and a much less stressful experience for everyone involved.
Some folks worry that “frozen” means “lower quality,” but the opposite is true here. We freeze our turkeys because we care deeply about delivering the best possible product. It gives us control, consistency, and confidence, and ensures that your Thanksgiving centerpiece is something you can be proud to serve.
If you’ve ordered one of our frozen turkeys, we’ll email instructions for how to thaw it safely and suggestions for how prepare it perfectly. With just a little planning, your turkey will be just as juicy, flavorful, and memorable as you hoped! If you still have questions, we're happy to chat. Thank you for supporting local farms, and from our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving!