The Holiday Table: Your Food and Farming Connection

As Thanksgiving draws near, many of us start thinking about turkeys. The Broad-Breasted White is the standard holiday bird, widely available at stores around the region. It’s easy to cook and contains abundant white meat. But you‘ve probably also noticed an increase in the kinds of turkeys cropping up on holiday tables, with more unusual names like Bourbon Red, Narragansett, and Jersey Buff. These turkeys – known as Heritage Breeds – offer the opportunity for consumers to help preserve these birds, as well as the small- and mid-size farms that raise them.

The Livestock Conservancy defines heritage breeds as “traditional livestock breeds that were raised by our forefathers… Heritage is an umbrella term that embraces pure breeds of livestock and poultry with deep histories in the United States. These are animals that were bred over time to develop traits that made them suited to specific local environments. Because these breeds have been developed and selected over time, they tend to have better disease resistance, are well-adapted to their environments, and thrive in pasture-based settings.”

This definition extends to many kinds of animals raised for on-farm work, fiber and food: goats, sheep, cattle, poultry, horses and rabbits. When you purchase a heritage breed product from a local farm, you’re letting farmers know that there is a demand for that item, and encourages them to raise more animals season after season. This increases farmers’ profitability and offers them the chance to be recognized as having a niche product in the marketplace. An additional benefit is that most of these farms are happy to have the public visit and see how the animals are raised. They’re proud to show you – the consumer – that the animals are well cared for and you’ll get a glimpse into our agricultural heritage, history and culture.  

So when you’re thinking about the centerpiece of your holiday table, consider a heritage breed turkey, ham, or roast. Pull out your grandparents’ favorite recipes and create a meal that ties together history, family and agriculture’s continuity.