October 16, 2026

Where to order your Thanksgiving 2026 turkeys

Many Carolina farmers are no longer raising turkeys due to high costs and low yields

Local turkeys like this Joyce Farms Heritage Black bird are available, but you need to order early. TM Petaccia/UP

By TM Petaccia

We’re still five weeks away from Thanksgiving, but if you are looking for a Carolina-raised turkey, start your planning and ordering now. Unfortunately, getting a locally raised turkey is more difficult than it used to be. Many Carolina farmers have left the turkey business. The reasons are simple: turkeys are expensive to raise and have low overall yield percentages.

Young turkeys, called poults, are sensitive to cold and need carefully managed warmth, dry bedding, and close attention. They are also susceptible to diseases that chickens can carry without appearing sick, requiring careful separation and flock management. Birds raised outdoors need protection from predators, too. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), an organization focused on advancing practices in sustainable agriculture and clean energy, indicates up to 25 percent or more poults never reach full maturity.

Then there’s the financial math. Feed, housing, labor, and processing all contribute to the price of a locally raised bird. A turkey lost to disease or a predator takes the money and time already invested in it along with it. N.C. Cooperative Extension cautions that small poultry operations’ profitability varies widely, particularly when farmers account for their own labor.

Many farmers no longer want to take that financial gamble. Fortunately, there are a few within a 60-mile radius of Charlotte who continue to make sure families can have Carolina turkeys on their tables. Those who are still selling turkeys tend to sell out fast. If you want to nab a Carolina bird, you still have a bit of time, but not much.

Here are some relatively nearby farms where you can claim your gobbler. Note: You cannot order a specific size turkey; expected ranges are given.

Aull Turkey Farm – Clover, S.C.

Raises both broad-breasted and heritage-breed turkeys, along with Cornish cross-broiler chickens. Available in 11-16 pounds ($7/lb.). Deposits can be made via Venmo or Cash App. Call/text 803-370-6428 to reserve.

Carolina Pastures – Hurdle Mills, N.C.

Pasture-raised grazing on the farm’s pastures foraging for bugs and other foods, supplemented with GMO free-grain. No added antibiotics, hormones, or other GMOs. Available from 9-26 pounds. Pick up at the farm.

Evans Family Farm – Mt. Ulla, N.C.

Raised outdoors on fresh forage and non-GMO feed. They are harvested on the farm in the first weeks of November. Available from 8-18 pounds, $9.99/lb. Pick up at the farm or arrange pick up the farm store, Uptown Farmers Market, or Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. A non-refundable $50 deposit is required when reserving a turkey, remainder due at pickup.

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. Available from 8-19 pounds (minimum weight), $140-$210. Shipped frozen. Website currently lists all weights out of stock, but indicates a return in early November.

New Town Farms – Waxhaw, N.C.

Raises a limited number of heritage Broad Breasted White turkeys outdoors on fresh pasture, where they are moved daily and allowed to forage naturally, supplemented with certified organic, non-GMO feed. Processing is done right on the farm in a small, inspected facility, Turkeys are offered fresh for Thanksgiving, ranging between 15-21 pounds at $9/lb. ($135.00-$189.00). A non-refundable $50 deposit is required when reserving a turkey, remainder due at pickup.

Sharon Hill Farm – Sharon, S.C.

After a one-year hiatus, Sharon Hill Farm has resumed offering a limited number of pasture-raised turkeys. Processing will be performed on November 12 with pick-ups at the farm available up to November 24. Turkeys typically range between 15-20 pounds at $7.95/lb. ($125.00-$159.00). A non-refundable $25 deposit is required when reserving a turkey, remainder due at pickup.