Avoid Factory Farmed Birds...

Go Local and Humane!

Most turkeys live miserable lives and meet horrible deaths in the industrial agricultural system that produces the vast majority of our food today. It takes a little foot work and dedication, but you CAN find healthy humane alternatives to the Butterballs of the world out there.

In our region, the West Michigan Co-op has made things easy for folks who want to know where the food comes from and who raised it. This year-round, online farmers market supports small, sustainable and humane farmers in West Michigan by bringing local consumers and producers together via the internet.

WHERE TO GET A HOLIDAY TURKEY OR ANY POULTRY IN WEST MICHIGAN:

Below is a sampling of some of the farmers in our region who treat their animals with respect and sell directly to consumers through the co-op and local markets (all are members of the West Michigan Co-op). You can also buy directly from them at their farms.

Crane Dance Farm -- A wonderfully quirky pair of women, Jill and Mary, run this Hastings-area farm with obvious love and dedication. Their animals are well cared for, and these ladies go to extremes to make sure their farm is chemical-free and truly organic and their animals live good, happy lives. There's no better farm in West Michigan. www.cranedancefarm.com

Creswick Farms--Nathan Creswick is an ex-engineer turned animal farmer 24/7. He and his wife, Andrea, have a deep compassion for animals and the environment, and it's evident when you visit their Ravenna farm. www.creswickfarms.com

For more suggestions, visit www.localharvest.org and type in your zip code to find farmers near you.