Thanksgiving dinner usually starts with one big question:

Where are we getting the turkey?

For some families, the answer is the grocery store. For others, it's a local farm or butcher. And increasingly, people are looking for the option that lets them know a little more about the bird they're putting at the center of their Thanksgiving table.

If you're searching for a pasture-raised turkey for Thanksgiving, you may be wondering what that actually means, where to buy one, and whether it's worth the difference.

Let's talk turkey.

What Is a Pasture-Raised Turkey?

A pasture-raised turkey is raised outdoors and on pasture, rather than spending its entire life inside a conventional poultry house.

At Grass Roots, our turkeys are raised on pasture by family farmers who believe animals should have the freedom to do what comes naturally. That means spending time outdoors, moving around, foraging, and enjoying fresh air and sunshine.

The way an animal is raised matters to us because we believe Thanksgiving dinner should come from somewhere you're proud to support.

Not a mystery bird.

Not something you grabbed from the freezer aisle because it was on sale.

A turkey raised by real farmers, on real farms, with respect for the animals, the land, and the people who gather around the table to eat it.

Is a Pasture-Raised Turkey Better for Thanksgiving?

"Better" can mean different things depending on what matters most to you.

If you're looking for the cheapest turkey possible, a pasture-raised turkey may not be your first choice.

But if you're looking for a turkey raised with animal welfare, responsible farming, and quality in mind, it may be exactly what you're looking for.

A pasture-raised turkey can be a good choice for people who want to know:

• Where their food came from

• How the animal was raised

• Who raised it

• What farming practices they're supporting

At Grass Roots, we're farmer-owned. That means we're not just selling meat, we're working directly with the farmers who raise it.

And when it comes to Thanksgiving, we think that matters. It's the centerpiece.

What Should I Look for When Buying a Thanksgiving Turkey?

There are a few things worth considering before you choose your Thanksgiving turkey.

1. How Was the Turkey Raised?

Terms like natural, free-range, and pasture-raised can mean very different things, so it's worth looking beyond the front of the package.

Ask questions.

Look for transparency.

Find out who raised the turkey and how the animals were cared for.

At Grass Roots, we believe you should be able to feel good about knowing where your food comes from. That's why we work with independent family farmers who raise animals on pasture. We believe in transparency from birth to harvest.

2. How Much Turkey Do You Need?

The right size turkey depends on how many people you're feeding, and whether you're hoping for Thanksgiving leftovers.

As a general rule, plan for around 1 to 1½ pounds of whole turkey per person.

So if you're feeding:

• 8 people: Look for an 8–12 pound turkey

• 10 people: Look for a 10–15 pound turkey

• 12 people: Look for a 12–18 pound turkey

And if your family treats leftover turkey sandwiches as one of the best parts of Thanksgiving?

Go bigger.

Where Can You Buy a Pasture-Raised Turkey for Thanksgiving?

You may be able to find pasture-raised turkeys through local farms, farmers markets, specialty butchers, and online farms and meat companies.

If you're looking for a turkey raised by independent family farmers right here in the USA and shipped directly to your door, Grass Roots offers pasture-raised Thanksgiving turkeys from our network of farmer-owners.

Because Thanksgiving only happens once a year, our turkeys are available in limited quantities, and when they're gone, they're gone.

That means if you already know you want a pasture-raised turkey for Thanksgiving, it's a good idea to plan ahead and reserve yours early.

Can You Order a Thanksgiving Turkey Online?

Yes. And ordering online can be a great option if you want to know where your turkey comes from without driving from store to store hoping to find the right one.

When ordering a Thanksgiving turkey online, look for:

• Clear information about how the turkey was raised

• Information about the farm or farmers

• Available turkey sizes

• Shipping and delivery information

• Storage and thawing instructions

• Ordering deadlines

At Grass Roots, we ship our pasture-raised meats directly to you.

That means you can get your Thanksgiving centerpiece handled before the grocery store chaos begins. Think of it as one less thing on your Thanksgiving to-do list.

When Should You Order Your Thanksgiving Turkey?

The short answer?

Earlier than you think.

Pasture-raised turkeys are often raised in limited quantities, and Thanksgiving is a very popular time to buy one.

If you already know you want a particular type or size of turkey, ordering early can help make sure you get the bird you want.

It also gives you plenty of time to plan for thawing, brining, and cooking.

Because nobody wants to discover on Thanksgiving Eve that their turkey is still frozen solid.

Trust us.

Why Choose a Grass Roots Thanksgiving Turkey?

We believe good food starts long before it reaches your kitchen.

It starts on the farm.

Grass Roots is a farmer-owned cooperative made up of independent family farmers who raise animals on pasture and care about doing things the right way, even when the easy way would be faster.

When you choose a Grass Roots turkey, you're supporting family farms right here in the USA and a food system built around better treatment of animals and healthier land.

And you're getting a turkey worthy of the most important meal of the year.

So whether this is your first time ordering a pasture-raised turkey or it's already a Thanksgiving tradition in your house, we're honored to have a place at your table.

From our farms to yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pasture-Raised Thanksgiving Turkeys

Where can I buy a pasture-raised turkey?

You can buy pasture-raised turkeys directly from our website as soon as pre-orders become available in September, specialty butchers, and farmers markets. Grass Roots offers pasture-raised Thanksgiving turkeys raised by independent family farmers and shipped directly to customers.

What is the best turkey to buy for Thanksgiving?

The best turkey for Thanksgiving depends on what matters most to you. Consider how the turkey was raised, where it came from, the size you need, your budget, and whether you want leftovers. If animal welfare, responsible farming, and supporting family farms are important to you, a pasture-raised turkey may be a good choice.

Is pasture-raised turkey worth it?

For people who value knowing where their food comes from and supporting farmers who raise animals on pasture, a pasture-raised turkey can be worth the investment. It may cost more than a conventional turkey, but the higher price reflects a different approach to raising animals and producing food.

How much turkey should I buy per person?

Plan for approximately 1 to 1½ pounds of whole turkey per person. Choose closer to 1½ pounds per person if you want plenty of leftovers.

When should I order my Thanksgiving turkey?

It's best to order as early as possible, especially if you're looking for a pasture-raised turkey or a specific size. Thanksgiving turkeys are produced in limited quantities and can sell out before the holiday.

Can I order a Thanksgiving turkey online?

Yes. Many farms and specialty meat companies offer Thanksgiving turkeys online. Before ordering, check information about how the turkey was raised, available sizes, shipping dates, storage instructions, and ordering deadlines.

Your Thanksgiving Turkey Starts on the Farm

Before the table is set.

Before the pies are sliced.

Before someone burns the rolls.

Your Thanksgiving turkey has a story.

We think it's worth knowing.