Here at Riverplains Farm we are now raising Narragansett Turkeys, a Heritage Breed that is endangered, as well as being very tasty! Narragansett Turkeys are also on the Slow Food's Ark of Taste. We hope to help preserve this wonderful breed of turkeys by raising breeding stock and being able to offer people a local organic source of pastured raised heritage turkey meat.
***Heritage Turkeys will be available to eat by February 2011 so put your orders in soon!
History of Narragansett Turkeys
The Narragansett turkey is named for Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, where the variety was developed. It descends from a cross between native Eastern Wild turkeys and the domestic turkeys (probably Norfolk Blacks) brought to America by English and European colonists beginning in the 1600’s. Improved and standardized for production qualities, the Narragansett became the foundation of the turkey industry in New England. Though it was valued across the country, it was especially important in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The American Poultry Association recognized the Narragansett in 1874.
According to an 1872 account, it was not uncommon to find flocks of one to two hundred birds, the product of a breeder flock of a dozen hens. Little supplemental feed was given to the turkeys; instead they ranged for grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects. Farmers raising the turkeys were aware of the benefits of genetic selection and raised young toms that weighed between 22-28 pounds and hens that were 12-16 pounds.
Status: Threatened
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, www.albc-usa.org
