By TM Petaccia

If you’re looking to get a local turkey this year, you’d better act fast — many local farms made the decision not to raise the birds this year due to rising costs. TM Petaccia/UP

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and many UP readers are looking forward to ordering a turkey from a local farm to complete to their American experience. In addition to local pride and supporting our farmers, most locally raised turkeys are raised more humanely, given better diets, and receive little or no artificial hormones or antibiotics. The result is a more flavorful turkey due to better feed and lower stress.

Unfortunately, getting a locally raised turkey won’t be as easy this year.

Over the past few years, many North Carolina farmers have gotten out of the turkey business. The reasons are simple: they are expensive to raise and the overall yield percentage is low.

“It all boils down to cost: Feed, water, shavings, everything has gone way up,” says Dana Burrage of Windy Hill Farm in New London. “If you want to raise them antibiotic and hormone free, like we do, it’s just really gotten expensive these past few years.” This year, Windy Hill only raised enough turkeys to honor their CSA commitments. 

“They are also pretty stupid — turkeys will find a way to die if you let them,” Burrage adds. ” They require constant monitoring. They are also predator prone. Their mortality rate is much higher than chickens. It’s a lot of headache for little gain. However, if we see costs come down, we might try again next year.”

If you want to nab an NC bird, you still have a bit of time, but not much. Here are some farms around the state where you can claim your gobbler. Note: You cannot order a specific size turkey; expected ranges given. Turkeys may be shipped frozen.

Evans Family Farm – Mt Ulla, N.C.

$7.50/pound. Can order small/medium (10-14 pounds) or medium/large (over 15 pounds).

Hickory Nut Gap Farm – Fairview, N.C.

$7.49/pound. Can order a 15-16-pound bird or a 17-22-pound bird. (Smaller turkeys already sold out). No shipping. Pick up at the farm only.

Joyce Farms – Winston-Salem, N.C.

Joyce contracts with select small farms in North Carolina to raise heirloom Heritage Black Turkeys, thought to be directly descended from the turkeys enjoyed by the Pilgrims and Native Americans at the first Thanksgiving. 11-pound minimum, $149.99; 13-pound minimum, $169.99.

Sharon Hill Farm – Sharon, S.C.

$6/pound. Size will range from 13-18 pounds.