Turkey Mojo

By: rebekah
On: 11/23/2009 14:05:34
In: Rumor Has It ...
Comments: 32

Tripp died. I really thought she would make it, but she didn't.

I’m working my way through the grieving process. For those who think grieving over a pet is foolish, well, I guess I’m just a fool. A big one. We lost Elvis three months ago and now Tripp. The house is getting mighty empty.

“Nothing on earth can make up for the loss of one who has loved you.” Selma Lagerlof.

I’m in the “what’s it all about, Alfie?” phase. And I’m afraid I’ve lost my mojo.

I’m not even certain what mojo is, but I feel sure I’ve lost mine. I mean, I know the Austin Powers use of the term, but not the universal definition. Hold on just a minute…I’ll be right back…

Yes, I’m right. It is mojo that I’ve lost. I looked it up on Wikipedia: mojo metaphorically refers to “possessing a magic touch of creativity or charm.” That’s the one. Mojo is indeed what I’ve lost. My creativity. [Mojo also “refers to a magical charm bag used in hoodoo.” (hoodoo? What’s hoodoo?)]

Mojo or not,

Under the “life goes on” theory,

I’m going to talk turkeys with you since Thanksgiving is upon us.

I’ve been meaning to tell you about an enlightening trip I took to a meat farm.

But first. Let me just say, don’t forget to “shower the people you love with love” this Thanksgiving. Tell ‘em you love ‘em. Hug ‘em like you mean it. Listen like you care. Overlook the snotty-ness. Ignore the snooty-ness. You’ll have a better day if you do.

And if your “people” include four-leggeds, bury your face in their fur and kiss ‘em on the nose.

And this too. I know we Farmgirls have a tendency to do too much. So pace yourself and take some extra vitamin B. And if the “menfolk” offer to help clean up the kitchen, let them.

Now, on to my visit to the meat farm. It’s called Nature’s Harmony Farm and is owned by a couple, Tim and Liz. They raise pigs and sheep and cows and chickens and turkeys, among other creatures. I like their story. He was a businessman, and she was a teacher. They lived on a golf course. Then they decided that they wanted to become farmers. And they did.

Tim and Liz hosted a fun Saturday at their farm. It included a farm tour, a local food dinner, and a camp-out. It would be accurate to say that I dragged my hubby there. This is more my “thang” than his. We got a glimpse of what life on Nature’s Harmony Farm is like. I learned this: I’m a “chicken.” Big time.

(I have a nephew whom the marines tried to recruit when he was 17 or so. I remember what he told the recruiter, “Sorry, sir, but I’m not tough enough for the Marines.” That’s me. Sorry, but I’m not tough enough to be a meat farmer. But that’s a post for a different day.)

I enjoyed meeting the animals on the farm, including the heritage turkeys. What a life, what a life! These animals have a great life on the farm with Tim and Liz.

Here's Tim, leading the tour:

This is a laying chicken. They were happily running all over the place:

The blue covered "thing-a-ma-jiggy" is where the free roaming chickens lay their eggs.

Here's a closer look:

You must watch where you step on this farm. There are all kinds of animal "by-products" :

There were some very cute piggies of several different varities.

This pig was so large it scared us half to death....

his/her head was ginormous.

these guys were smaller

And some other cutie-patooties

These are chicken "tractors." They are moved each day so that chickens have new pasture. These birds are of the eating variety.

Hubby got a business call. There he is "out standing" in the field (the old jokes are the best, aren't they?):

The cows and sheep are rotated from pasture to pasture.

Even the port-a-potties look more inviting on this farm:

And now for the turkeys!

Pretty nice digs, huh?

I'll put up a video of the turkeys (and some more pictures) at www.rebekahteal.com so you can hear them gobble. Just amazing!

The turkeys enjoy life right up until their deaths at Nature's Harmony Farm.

And, it is my understanding that the deaths are as “humane” as possible.

(Here's a link for a video of Nature's Harmony Farm processing their turkeys in 2008. They also have a link for a video of a standard processing. I couldn’t bring myself to watch either. "Not tough enough." http://www.naturesharmonyfarm.com/grass-fed-meat-farm-blog/2008/11/19/video-on-farm-turkey-processing-turkey-cruelty-at-aviagen.html )

The lives and deaths of these farm turkeys are nothing like commerical Thanksgiving turkeys.

It seems ever since raising turkeys for our Thanksgiving tables became big business, things have “gone to the birds.”

I have no firsthand knowledge, but I have read a lot about it. Turkeys bred for our holiday table have both a miserable life and a miserable death. They live in cramped, sorry, often unclean conditions. Their beaks are partially cut off so they won’t peck each other and themselves. Part of their claws are removed as well so they don’t cause injury. The turkeys have been genetically engineered throughout the years so that their breasts grow unnaturally large. That’s because we are mainly white meat people. More breast, less wing. And truth is, that’s the life of the turkey most of us will eat this Thanksgiving.

These turkeys have been bred to grow unnaturally large unnaturally fast.

That’s the whole point in the turkey industry. To grow them as cheaply as possible. The faster they grow, the less they cost. That makes them cheaper for us, the consumers. Around here, you can get one of those turkeys on sale for 99 cents a pound this week. These are of a breed called Broad-breasted White.

Interestingly, these birds have been genetically altered and their lives are so miserable that they won’t/can’t/don’t mate anymore. They have to be bred artificially because they can’t breed naturally. That’s right, our Thanksgiving Day turkeys have lost their “mojo.” (That’s mojo in the Austin Powers kind of way.) I won’t go into the details, but do a Google search if you want some more information on it.

What do you think about all of this? In talking to folks about it the last few months, I've gotten all kinds of mixed opinions.

For me, I was uncomfortable once I learned about the mainstream turkey industry. I became concerned about my own, personal Thanksgiving Day turkey. This year I didn’t want any part of that industry. I wanted the utopian turkey on my table: an organic, pastured, locally-raised heritage turkey. That’s how I found Nature’s Harmony Farm.

“Organic” means, basically, no antibiotics, no steroids, no chemicals or artificial flavorings injected.
“Pastured” means, basically, they live on a pasture (“Free-range” is different. That means they have some kind of access to the outdoors…very vague standard that is easily met and often manipulated.)
“Heritage” means an old breed of turkey. In a nutshell, they must naturally mate, have a long productive lifespan, and have a slow to moderate rate of growth in order to be considered a “heritage” breed. There are several heritage varieties: Standard Bronze, Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Jersey Buff, Slate, Black Spanish, and White Holland. I think I saw most of those varieties at the farm I visited.

I started my search for the utopian turkey back in the early spring and was immediately surprised by the price. They are substantially more expensive than the commerical birds. I had sticker shock. So I waited.

By the time I finally decided to place my order, I was too late. The farms in my area had already sold out and had been sold out for months.

So this year I'm going with an "free range" organic turkey from my local grocery store. That's the best I can do so that's what I'll do. And I'll enjoy it.

If only I weren't so chicken, I'd raise my own turkey!

Now, how to cook it? How about turkey marinaded in MOJO seasonings (recipe below)?

Hope your Thanksgiving plans are coming along! I'm working on some "crafts" for gifts. I'll tell you all about them next visit.

Until next time, Friends, savor the flavor of life!
Lots of love, The City Farmgirl, Rebekah

www.rebekahteal.com

Hey! I am so behind the times, but I finally set up a facebook account. Add me as a friend! I’d love to read about what’s happening in your world!

More info on turkeys:

Here’s a turkey trivia quiz:
http://www.marthastewart.com/quiz/turkey-trivia (I got 6 out of 9 right; can you can beat me?)

Chart about turkeys: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/wholedeal/turkey-topics.php

About gov't standard: http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/nopstandard_livestock.html#living)

And in case you want to give your turkey back some mojo, here’s a mojo seasoning recipe:http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mojo-grilling-marinade/detail.aspx

Comments

: By: Jeny; On: 11/23/2009 19:42:06

I'm so sorry to learn of your loss.

: By: TJ; On: 11/24/2009 07:23:33

I am sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. My husband has been grieving for several years for his beloved friend Bandit. Oldage and failing health made it necessary for us to have to put Bandit asleep. To this day my husband feels like he murdered him, even though Bandit was alreading dying a lingering horrible death. Our pets aren't just an animal but a friend and companion and family. I know our pets feel the same way. My grandmother dog died of missing her when she passed. So grieve and know that pets do go to heaven and meet us on the otherside.

: By: Jonnie; On: 11/24/2009 07:29:57

Thanks for sharing with us. I thought I would die myself when I had to put my Cameron down two years ago after he had two strokes. He was a 13-year-old German Shepherd whom I'd had since he was 8 weeks old. It broke my heart and there will always be a soft spot for him there. His tags are still hanging on my headboard. In this time I have found some other very special dogs and cats to love and I know that he approves.

I also want to thank you for sharing the story about the turkeys. I'm feeling more and more like I should become a vegetarian so that my personal choices won't make some other soul's life miserable. If enough of us make that choice then maybe some of the mistreatment will stop.

I'm so happy to have found all you farmgirls.

Jonnie
mtngirljon - Farmgirl #648

: By: meredith; On: 11/24/2009 08:03:36

I am so very sorry for your loss. I have spent the last 24 hours worrying about my dog who has bone cancer and yesterday had his leg amputated. He was an A-#1 candidate for this- not a surgery I would consider for many, but it was right for him. The lengths we go for our dear friends, huh? He will hopefully be coming home in time for Thanksgiving, and you can better believe you know what I am thankful for this year.
I am aware of the plight of commercially raised turkeys and will not buy one. The farm you found sounds like it is run the way the good Lord intended- bless them! Happy Thanksgiving- Meredith

: By: Gary; On: 11/24/2009 08:19:55

Rebekah,
My Heartfelt condolences to you and your Family on the passing of Tripp... it has been a rough year for Y'all, as I recall the profound impact of Elvis' passing on your daughter.
This is an excellent Bloggie about the evil practice of factory farming, and you point out some excellent reasons to buy organic and free range meat and dairy, if one must eat meat at all. Factory farming is not just cruel, it affects our health. Those poor Animals are force-fed mixtures of antibiotics and growth hormones, and people who eat the meat are also ingesting those. Factory farming is the number one cause of bacteria becomming resistant to antibiotics, and the inpact on our health is staggering. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is: it is more than just wrong; it is amoral to treat God's living creatures that way, and it is amoral to buy those products and support their evil cruelty.
Thank You for reading, and...
Happy Thanksgiving...!
Gary
in Tampa

: By: Brenda; On: 11/24/2009 08:32:01

So sorry you have lost your very loved pet. We lost on about 3 years ago to old age and we were very sad. So sad my husband would not replace him for another two years. And did so only by getting the type I wanted for a Christmas present for me. Well they have bonded which is not what he was working toward. His gain. I love it. We just built a hen house this fall for new chicks next spring. I am not brave either. There will be no killing of my hens. They will probably be pets and hopfully lay eggs for us and the extended family. You can see the building of and finished hen house here: brtowsleyblogs.blogspot.com Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

: By: Forrest; On: 11/24/2009 08:34:22

I had to take my Kaylib to be put to sleep, he had a paralizing disease. When I got in the car afterward Trisha's songs "Is it over yet" came on the radio and I cried for hours...I felt like my heart was in some deep pain. So I understand too. Thank you for sharing, talking Turkey and looking up Mojo...I never new. I hope you find your Mojo again.

: By: Jennifer; On: 11/24/2009 09:57:44

Oh Rebekah, I just wish I could give you a big 'ol hug and tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I still miss my Chow-chow Velvet.But I can tell you God's grace and time will help heal your heart.
Turkeys-I know what you mean!!!!!!!!!!!!!

: By: carol branum; On: 11/24/2009 10:39:58

hi,sorry about the pet,I know thats hard...about the turkey,you made a good choice,next year maybe do it different.We have wild turkeys on daddys farm,I will be spending the night there and cooking my dear sweet daddy his turkey,along with my son.I am also bakeing some apples,and acorn squash with it.We will have a nice day even if we are alone.Years ago,I hurt,I choose my battles nowdays differently,that comes with maturity ,ha,old age,ect,I think.Moma "Hallie"used to say,"If you don'thave anything nice to say,please don't say anything at all."Have a wonderful Thankggiving.Blessed be,Carol Branum,Lamar,Mo.themofarmersdaughter@blogspot.com

: By: janie edwards; On: 11/24/2009 11:33:25

so sorry about your loss. we have only had to put one "kid" down and that still tears at my heart 6 years later. We now have a little dog, Sally, and she is not in the best of health. thought we would have to put her down last month and it made me so upset, i had to leave work. Thank God , we didn't have to. Our "kids" have a large place in our hearts and it only seems right. They give us so much love and ask for so little in return.
My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family
janiee
farmgirl #3390

: By: Lucy; On: 11/24/2009 12:19:39

So sorry for your loss.
This is such an informative post. I wonder if the chicken industry is the same?

: By: Reba; On: 11/25/2009 06:57:17

Thank you for your post. It is always interesting and compassionate. This year has been a tough one for your whole family. Many blessings to your and your family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I'm praying now that the New Year coming will be brighter and more peaceful.

: By: Leslie; On: 11/25/2009 07:07:13

That bothers me about the turkey. Ignorance WAS bliss.
I'm sad to hear about your dog. They are children to me and my husband.

: By: Jeannie; On: 11/25/2009 08:42:13

Sorry for the loss of your beloved pet, I dont think its wrong to mourn the loss of any companion, human, fur, or feathered.

Now speaking turkeys, this will be our last year for a store bought turkey, as we are currently pasture raising Standard Bronze and Narragansett Turkeys and we recently became members of the American Livestock Breed Conservancy. Like many others who care where their food hails from we were recently blessed by the Lord this past year with our first hobby farm home, it is our desire to enrich our childrens lives and learn about God's Beautiful creation through the eyes of animal husbandry... It will be an interesting journey to say the least considering my husband was "town" boy and I was farm girl aka Goat Roper..lol. Anyhoot You have a wonderful blog here and I enjoy your city/farm girl tid bits and wish you and all your beautiful readers a BLESSED Day of Thanks

: By: Vicki; On: 11/25/2009 14:04:40

I am so sorry for you all on the passing of your dog. It truly is not easy losing them. We had to let our "Sam" go four years ago. I still miss him.

On a brighter note, I hope your family has a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. Love your blog.

: By: Kathleen; On: 11/25/2009 15:24:45

So sorry about Trip. I know it is a difficult process.
I only wish I had known about the turkeys sooner. This will be my last year for a Butterball too. I hope there are some local farms like the one you found. Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! Kat

: By: Candy; On: 11/28/2009 12:08:15

Losing your buddy just feels like you got kicked in the heart, doesn't it? At least that's how I felt when my bulldog Penny died earlier this year. She had been sickly and she was a ripe old age but that sure didn't make it any easier. It is nice to know I'm not alone in being so attached to my "pups".

: By: kay; On: 11/28/2009 15:00:54

It's a shame we have to pay more for food that is good for us such as grass-fed beef. Our local store had a great sale on turkeys for Thanksgiving, as you read what is in these super inexpensive turkeys, an 8% saline and chemical solution jumped out at me. Yum... My free range chickens give such lovely eggs with bright yellow yokes, unlike store bought. I admire people who take the time and money to make a better product.

Good that you have each other as a family to get through tough times.

: By: Donna-Sunny FL.; On: 11/30/2009 16:21:11

Yes, it's a sad day when you loose a furry-fine friend. We lost my daughter's 28yr Barrel Horse last year, we had her for 20yr's and then lost our 12yr Shepeard/wolf dog of 12 yr's. It will get better but they are never forgotten.
Such precious memories they give us.

: By: Cheri; On: 12/01/2009 13:52:02

It is really hard to lose a PET. WE had to put down our 39 year old welsh pony over the Labor Day weekend. WE had him for 15 years. After putting down my childhood horse- that I had for 18 years. Johnny had COPD and cushings, and the vets always asked WHAT WE DID- nothing special- just let him be a pony. He was great- had a black heart on his little white nose and we miss him. Good luck and don't forget how special your furry animals are to you.
Cheri

: By: Domisty; On: 12/02/2009 08:37:42

So sorry for your lost. I have been through that several times myself. Animals become such a big part of your family.

Thank you also for the plug for pasture-raised turkeys. My husband & I operate Wild Turkey Farms (we have a Facebook page check it out and let me know you are a reader of this blog). At our farm we raise grass-fed beef, pasture raised pork, chicken, turkeys, goat & sheep. It was great to read your post (and readers comments) and know that there are others interested in eating local and the humane treatment of animals.

: By: Linda (Wa State); On: 12/02/2009 09:17:04

I am deeply deeply sorry for you. I know exactly what you are feeling as as I read this blog, I am sobbing with grief for my Border Collie Rosie. I had just told my German Shepherd, Lily, that the only only thing in the world that helps at all, and that not much, is to SOB from my heart. I feel like wailing loudly !
My Rosie died in her sleep Sunday, 13 yrs old. she was the Most loving cuddly dog I've ever known, and i've known a lot of loving dogs ! I ache for her warmth and lovingness.
Oh how I do miss her, and will always Love a dog named Rosie.
my heart goes out to you and all who have lost a pet. it's a grief that cannot be described, and it cannot be eased.

: By: Forest; On: 12/04/2009 08:25:19

This is excellent information. I wish I had found it before. I am bookmarking this page and sharing it with my friends.

: By: Faye; On: 12/15/2009 15:47:46

Dear Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. I do believe that there is a meaning and an opportunity in all our sorrows, and perhaps there is significance in the timing of your loss. We lost a long time family dog last winter, but it did make it possible for us to open our home to more shelter dogs. In the season of thanks, giving, and joy, we could give these dogs the gift of a loving home while they filled the hole in our hearts and made our home full again.
Everyone has their own schedule for moving through these things, but I hope your family will find a time again to bring home a new friend.
We found our girls at www.petfinder.com, which is an amazing resource with searchable listings and photos of adoptable shelter pets.
Love and blessings,
Faye

: By: Mandy; On: 12/20/2009 06:07:49

I found this post as I searched for some info on organic turkeys. I was planning to buy one for Christmas dinner. Lots of good information here. I didn't know about all of this, just the organic versus non-organic. Great blog. Thank you,

: By: Rebekah; On: 12/29/2009 17:24:04

To D, (who whispered a comment today about her pet):
Dear D, I am so sorry to hear your news. The loss of a family member (whether they have two or four legs) is a blow. I know Christmas was hard for you. They say that time heals all wounds. Perhaps it does; I don't know yet. May you (eventually) find peace in remembering all the good times. I'm thinking of you too. Lots of love, Rebekah

: By: Linda Tague; On: 01/18/2010 15:17:38

Above, my msg (12-02) somehow got mixed up with the one from Forest (12-04). mine is the one about losing my Rosie girl, my beautiful Border Collie, his name is under it, and my name is, I guess, under his. altho, am not so sure about that, as it mentions, "my husb and I". I don't have a husb, and Forest, in all likelihood, doesn't either, but maybe ~~
I wouldn't mention this, but the grief re my Girl is so great, she needs to be connected with ME.
thanks, Linda
Linda

: By: Rebekah; On: 01/18/2010 15:46:51

Dear Linda, I know exactly what you mean, wanting to make sure your sweet Rosie is tied to you. I feel the same way. I'm glad you left another comment to clarify. How are you doing in your healing process?

: By: GIna; On: 01/26/2010 00:05:06

I found this from a google search. I'm been very interested (read concerned) about the commerical turkey industry. And now I know. Thanks for the pictures of the farm. Great information here!

Thanks!

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