How much does a whole farm-raised turkey cost?
Whole turkeys from Little Blue's Farm are $4.99 a pound and birds run 12 to 24 lbs, so a whole turkey comes to roughly $60 to $120 depending on the bird. Most land near $90. The price includes processing, so there is no second bill and nothing to add at pickup. Whole fresh turkeys are currently sold out while we work on securing additional availability, and we are not taking reservations, preorders or deposits on them at this time. Our turkey cuts, including smoked turkey and turkey breast, are available to order.
What size turkey do I need for my guests?
Plan 1 to 1.5 lbs of whole turkey per person. The range accounts for bone, and the high end gives you leftovers. A 12 to 14 lb bird feeds 8 to 12 people. A 16 to 18 lb bird feeds 11 to 18 and is the most common holiday size. A 20 to 24 lb bird feeds 13 to 24. Measure your oven and your roasting pan before you plan on anything over 20 lbs.
How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?
Standard food-safety guidance is 24 hours of refrigerator thawing for every 4 to 5 lbs, with the refrigerator at 40 degrees or below. That puts a 12 lb bird at about 2.5 to 3 days, an 18 lb bird at about 4 days, and a 24 lb bird at 5 to 6 days. Start earlier than you think you need to. Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Are your turkeys fresh or frozen?
Frozen. Our turkeys are flash-frozen after processing, which is what lets us deliver across six states and hold quality for up to a year. Fresh turkeys are securely shrink wrapped, similar to our chickens, while smoked turkeys are hand wrapped. Frozen is also what lets you buy a turkey at the farmers market in July and hold it for Thanksgiving. Just plan your thaw time using the answer above.
Do I have to reserve a turkey in advance?
Several of our turkey products are reserved rather than added straight to a cart, because every item is a different weight. You reserve the item in a weight range, we fill it from the batch, and the final charge is based on the actual weight you receive. Whole fresh turkeys are currently sold out and are not available to reserve. Call (309) 613-0563 if you are ordering for a crowd.
Are your turkeys cage free and antibiotic free?
Our turkey is raised cage free and all natural, with no added hormones, no steroids and no daily antibiotics. Antibiotics are not used routinely as a growth or preventive measure. If an individual bird gets sick it is treated and goes through the full withdrawal period before harvest.
Are the neck and giblets included with a whole turkey?
Yes. The neck and giblets are included inside the whole bird.
Bone-in or boneless turkey breast: what is the difference?
Both are good choices, and it comes down to how you are serving it. The bone-in breast runs 7 to 11 lbs at $11.99 a pound, so about $84 to $132. Keeping the breast on the bone helps add flavor and retain moisture while cooking, and it makes a beautiful centerpiece for a holiday table. The boneless breast runs 2 to 3 lbs at $14.99 a pound, so about $30 to $45, and it is easy to slice and easy to serve for a weeknight roast for four to six.
Is your smoked whole turkey already cooked?
Yes. Our smoked turkeys are smoked, cured, and already cooked. Before serving, we recommend reheating the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Smoked turkeys are 14 to 20 lbs at $6.99 a pound, or roughly $98 to $140, and they are hand wrapped.
Is your turkey processed under federal inspection?
Our turkey is processed under federal inspection alongside our chicken, beef and pork. Poultry falls under the Poultry Products Inspection Act rather than the Federal Meat Inspection Act, so the mark of inspection is shaped a little differently, but the oversight is the same. Call (309) 613-0563 if you want the establishment number for the facility your order went through.
Where can I pick up a turkey order near Peoria?
Three ways. We deliver direct to your door across six states (IL, IN, IA, MI, WI and MO) and carry the boxes in to your freezer, with no charge for the delivery itself, just a fuel fee based on your route. We run a monthly pickup at the Tractor Supply in Creve Coeur. And farm pickup in Morton is available by appointment. The Peoria Riverfront Farmers Market runs May through September, and you can buy a frozen turkey there during market season to hold for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
