How to Raise Turkeys for the Christmas Market
Homesteader Tips for Finishing Holiday Turkeys on Organic Farms
Nov 16, 2009
There were lots of turkeys in the Peace River Country during the 1920s. Most of the birds were being fattened for the lucrative Christmas markets. But turkeys can be picky eaters, and it wasn't so easy to convince a free range turkey to eat more just because Christmas was around the corner. Early homesteaders needed some organic farming tips on how to properly finish their turkeys in time for the holiday markets.
Two Solutions to the Great Turkey Dilemma
The Grande Prairie Herald printed an article about methods of finishing the turkeys in it's October 20th, 1923 issue. According to the paper the best way to fatten turkeys was to restrict their range. But the paper also noted that taking the birds off their range would put them off their feed and instead of gaining they would lose weight. Two solutions to the dilemma were presented to the turkey growers of the district:
- They could gradually restrict the turkeys' range, all the while remembering that turkeys were of a roving nature so that complete seclusion or restriction did not agree with them.
- They could also provide lots of food in the same spot every day. The paper said, "It is generally believed that liberal feedings in clean troughs in the same place and at the same time will cause the birds to naturally restrict their wandering. "
Homesteaders Learn Methods of Organic Farming
Because all of the homesteaders were new to the northwest frontier and many of them were new to farming, the local newspaper printed articles with practical advice to help them survive, thrive and contribute to the economy of their new home.
It said, "The Grande Prairie district is raising a great number of turkeys this season for the Christmas trade and we think it timely to give our readers a few suggestions as to how to get the best results and consequently the best prices. Last year many thousands of dollars were lost to the farmers through not having their turkeys properly finished for the market."
Most of the turkeys leaving the district were destined for the big cities in Canada and the U.S.A. the local paper explained "These distant markets and the only markets available are expensive markets to get at. The cost of the long rail haul eats a considerable hole in the gross returns from the sale of the birds, consequently, it is imperative to secure a good substantial price per pound."
Pioneer Tips Apply to Modern Organic Farmers
Many modern organic farmers are in the same situation of relearning traditional farming methods as the early homesteaders in the Peace River Country. Advice offered to those pioneers on how to fatten their Christmas turkeys, gradually restrict their range or increase their food supply in one spot, still applies today.
Source:
Images were provided by the South Peace Regional Archives. Material was provided by the Isabel Campbell Collection which is housed in the Grande Prairie Public Library.
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