Nov 24 2008
Is Free-Range Really Free?
With the holidays coming up, the demand for turkeys is on the rise! With all the publicity on animal cruelty, many people are in search of those “free-range” turkeys. But, buyer beware!
Free range meat is meat that is used from animals that are permitted to partake in access to the outside world. However, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the definition of free range or free roaming poultry states that, “Producers must demonstrate to the Agency that the poultry has been allowed access to the outside.” That tells me that while in some minds, we have a vision of our thanksgiving dinner having a great life of roaming around on his large pasture basking in the sunlight; the reality may be very different.
Consider purchasing your turkey this year from a local farmer. You’ll not only know what conditions that the turkey was raised under but you’ll be supporting the farmers in your area, too! Building the long lost closeness to our local community can never be a bad thing! If you cannot find any local poultry farmers in your area, Wholesome Harvest is a coalition of over 40 small farm families that offers certified premium organic poultry to grocers, chefs and homes.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Wind
