Locally grown Thanksgiving produce still available - sorry, no turkey for 2009

A few producers in the area grow traditional Thanksgiving fare and it’s not too late to buy some for your family. Briefly, here’s what I know.
The turkey farmers are sold out for the 2009 season (great news!), but now is a really good time to get your name on the list for 2010.

Shannon Gray and her family raise Broad Breasted Whites. This is the breed we're most familiar with because it is the type available in supermarkets. The difference is Shannon's are raised humanely. Contact her through email.

Mike and his family at Rise and Shine Farms raise heritage breed Royal Palms and will raise Broad Breasted Whites on request. Contact him through email.




If you can’t buy from a local farmer then Whole Foods is the next best alternative IMO. They carry both “organic” and “natural” turkeys. Organic and Natural seem like the same thing when printed on the label but they are not. As we heard last night at the Slow Food Reno get-together “organic” means pasture raised on organic pasture; “natural” means pasture raised, but fed grains and produce that is not necessarily organic so is more likely to be GMO. Neither type receives hormones or unnecessary antibiotics. Get your 2009 turkey at Whole Foods now, if you’re still in the market.
Great Basin Basket will have a Thanksgiving CSA basket again this year. Go to the website to find out how to get one for your family.
The Great Basin Community Food Coop will also carry some produce grown by local farmers. Call to see what’s available.

Lattin Farms and Custom Gardens are still growing this time of year. Contact them to see what’s in season, and then take the family for a trip to the farm. It’s beautiful this time of year.

Alternatively, Whole Foods also carries some Lattin Farm products. Ask for them when you go to buy your turkey.