Who's Your Farmer? October, 2009

This month's feature: Turkey Farms in Northeastern Massachusetts

Middlesex County

The Natick Community Organic Farm
117 Eliot St.
Natick, MA 01760
508-655-2204 | http://www.natickfarm.org/index.html

Founded in 1974, The Natick Community Organic Farm is a nonprofit, certified-organic farm providing productive open space, farm products, and hands-on education for all ages, year-round. Committed to farming methods that are ecologically healthy and sustainable, the Farm places special emphasis on service to youth through year-round volunteer opportunities for working the land. They are proud of their work, fostering community goodwill through the love of the land.

The Farm took root in 1974 on a two acre plot at the Broadmoor Audubon Sanctuary. Known as the Red Wing Farm, the Summer Work Experience project was started to provide summer jobs to young people at risk. The project was co-sponsored by several local non-profit groups. By the second summer, the project had enlisted over 100 teens in raising and marketing vegetables to the public. In 1976, 27 acres of land was generously leased to the project through the Town of Natick's School Committee. The Red Wing Farm was then established as the Natick Community Farm, a 501 [c} {3} organization, and relocated to 117 Eliot Street with an ambitious environmental and education mission.

Essex County

Raymond's Turkey Farm
163 Hampstead St.
Methuen, MA 01844
978-686-4075 | http://www.raymondsturkeyfarm.net/

Family owned and operated, Raymond's Turkey Farm was started in 1950 by Claire and Raymond Rischer with only 24 turkeys. After years of hard work and long days, they are now raising approximately 20,000 turkeys per year. Claire's son Jim, along with his family, is now running the business. Jim and son Jamie are responsible for breeding,  hatching and raising the turkeys. His wife Patt, along with daughters, Kim and Vickie, are responsible for the retail and kitchen part of the business.

For over 50 years, Raymond’s has been raising Broad Breasted White Holland turkeys. Their healthy turkeys are bred, raised and processed on the premises. Raymond’s turkeys are fed a high quality grain diet and are raised in an open environment.

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