SouthCoast Farms Offer Tastier, Healthier Non-GMO Turkeys for Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, turkey is the centerpiece of every holiday conversation.

While frozen, store-bought birds have long been the traditional choice, more and more SouthCoast families are opting for farm-fresh, non-GMO turkeys—and discovering a world of flavor and health benefits that make the switch well worth it.

After years of sticking to the convenience of frozen turkeys, I decided to make a change.

A Facebook post from K&J Farms caught my attention. Kevin and Janice Cordeiro, the husband-and-wife team behind the Westport-based farm, had a limited supply of fresh, non-GMO turkeys for the season. The glowing reviews from satisfied customers were enough to convince me to give it a try.

Sure, I knew the price would be higher than a typical Butterball from the grocery store. But for me, supporting local farmers and experiencing the difference in quality was worth the extra cost.

What Sets Farm-Fresh Turkeys Apart?

According to Kevin Cordeiro, the price difference isn’t arbitrary—it reflects the higher costs associated with raising a superior bird.

“The non-GMO feed we use costs nearly double what conventional feed does,” Cordeiro explained. “Processing fees alone are $1.25 per pound, and each chick costs us $11 before we even start feeding them.”

To put it in perspective, here’s the average cost of feed across the nation according to FarmProgress:

Corn: $4.25 per bushel
Soybeans: $9.50 per bushel
Wheat: $5.00 per bushel

Farmers like the Cordeiros prioritize quality over quantity, choosing feed that’s free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While it’s a more expensive route, it results in healthier, better-tasting turkeys that are free of the additives and preservatives commonly found in store-bought birds.

The benefits of farm-fresh, non-GMO turkeys go beyond taste. They often have a higher nutritional value, with leaner meat and richer flavor. Plus, buying local helps sustain small farms, keeping money in the SouthCoast community and ensuring that traditional farming practices continue to thrive.

Let's be honest, farmers don't exactly have it made these days. It's a tough job that's far from envious- however, someone has to do it. There's a lot of hard work and physical attention that goes into raising these tasty birds, so let that sink in the next time you get sticker-shock from a quality farm-raised product.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving meal this year, consider making the switch to a fresh, local turkey. You’ll not only taste the difference—you’ll support the hardworking farmers who make SouthCoast such a special place to live.

Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?