As a brief background, I started raising turkeys in July. They were sold on a pre-ordered basis, and as part of the deal, I offered to let people come out and take part in the harvest of their Thanksgiving turkey. Sort of a hard core twist to the "pick your own pumpkin" or "choose your own Christmas tree" idea.
In reality, I wanted to offer people the chance to see one more step that their food must take from farm to table, to completely close the circle. I wanted it to be an educational opportunity for adults and children alike, and I wanted to recreate some of the experiences I had as a child at similar community butchering days.
In the end, the butchering day was everything I wanted it to be, and more. We had LOTS of interest from the turkey buyers, and they came with a lot of really valid questions about my small scale butchering techniques, and how they compared with large scale slaughterhouses. Many of these folks rolled up their sleeves and stepped in to harvest and clean THEIR turkey, and that gave me satisfaction that I can't put into words.
Thanks to all who participated for making this a great experience. The wheels are already turning for next year...
A handsome turkey. Oh yeah, and the bird about to be butchered...
Turkeys, 2010 edition.
Making the selection.
My butchering facility. Notice the window with the scenic view, and ample spectator room...
Turkey, knife, right hand, blue sky. Just thought it was a cool picture.
A customer, hands-on in the process. Awesome.
Finished product, just chillin'.
Sounds like an interesting day; I'll have to try and catch that myself sometime.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these great pictures. My daughter bought one of your turkeys and told me about the experience. She will be bringing here to Ohio for our Thanksgiving.
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