With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many Philadelphia residents are beginning to plan where to buy ingredients for the big meal. Of course, turkey is a top priority, especially for those looking to buy local. Here’s a list of regional farms and how to get your hands on their turkeys.
Lindenhof Farm
Kirkwood, PA • lindenhoffarm.com
Lindenhof Farm specializes in all-natural, pasture raised turkeys. This third-generation family farm sits on 85 acres of land where turkeys, geese, chickens and more are free to roam. Their holiday turkeys are fed a natural diet of bugs, seeds, grubs and worms that they forage, as the farm emphasizes the importance of keeping their natural omnivore diet. As the turkeys grow, they are given portable pastures that keep them safe from the elements.
Lindenhof Farm turkeys are available at four select farmers markets in the area: West Chester Growers Market on November 18; Kennett Square Farmers Market on November 20; Eagleview Farmers Market on November 21; and Oakmont Farmers Market on November 22. Turkeys can also be picked up at North Star Orchard on November 21 or directly at the farm November 20 through November 22.
Canter Hill Farm
Malvern, PA • canterhillfarm.org
Canter Hill Farm began in 2008 with the goal of promoting healthier eating and helping their community know exactly where their food comes from. In contrast with the norm on conventional farms, the founders raise a variety of animals, including cows, pigs and sheep. According to their website, each animal forages freely on the farm. The turkeys are fed a 100% chemical-free diet that promotes healthy growth. They describe their products as “beyond organic,” and highly value a humane and natural existence for their turkeys.
Pickups can be arranged in Chestnut Hill in front of the Mermaid Inn and in the Bryn Mawr Train Station parking lot. Email the farm to join their drop-off email list; drop-offs are available in Kennett Square and Media. Customers can also go directly to the farm in Malvern Fridays between 12 and 4p.m, or order on Canter Hill Farm’s website above.
Esbenshade Turkey Farm
Ronks, PA • esbenshadeturkey.com
Esbenshade Turkey Farm was founded in 1858 — it’s the oldest operating turkey farm in the country. Bob Esbenshade, who passed away in 2020, was the family’s rock and patriarch according to their website, and his legacy carries on through several generations of Esbenshades that make it their goal to provide fresh turkeys to their community each holiday season. The turkeys are cage-free and raised without growth hormones or antibiotics; they’re available between the sizes of 10 and 35 pounds.
Get Esbenshade’s fresh turkeys at Weavers Way Co-op during the holiday season or order online at Esbenshade Farm’s website above.
Koch’s Family Turkey Farm
Tamaqua, PA • kochsturkey.com
Founded in 1939 in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Koch offers multiple turkey breeds — some larger, smaller or leaner. Koch started using humane practices eight years ago and became the first turkey farm to be “Certified Humane” by the Certified Humane organization, according to their website. Not only are Koch turkeys fed an antibiotic-free diet, but they are also given 12 to 20 square feet of space, which is twice the amount of space typical for a turkey farm. Additionally, they are certified non-GMO by Pennsylvania Certified Organic.
Find Koch turkeys at Weavers Way Co-op in Philadelphia or order from Koch Farm’s website above.
