Bailey Farm in Lyme, N.H., Preps for Thanksgiving Rush

Bailey Farm in Lyme, New Hampshire, is in its busiest season of the year.

Dan Bailey began raising turkeys in 1962 as a 4-H project. He grew up on the property and has managed the operation ever since. His son, Tony Bailey, now assists with the daily work. The farm raises birds for the local market, a practice that spans several generations.

The current flock arrived in early August. The chicks were one day old when they were brought to the farm. Bailey noted the rapid growth rate. "That is always what’s amazed me, is how fast some little thing you can hold in your hand like that gets to be 15, 20, 25 pounds," he said. The birds are raised free-range and without hormones.

Local buyers are watching costs. Grahame Turner, a resident of White River Junction, plans a traditional Thanksgiving meal. "Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables," Turner listed. He said he may spend more on the holiday dinner. Supermarket prices for frozen Butterball turkeys are around $2.49 a pound. Turner observed that general grocery prices have risen compared to previous years.

Bailey Farm prices its birds higher than the national brands. Last year, the cost was $6.99 per pound. The final price for this season depends on feed expenses. "Some of it is Canadian feed, so that fluctuates," Bailey explained. He maintains that the higher cost reflects the quality of the product. "They are real juicy, and when you get done, you got plenty of gravy," he said.

The farm will continue processing and selling birds through the month of November. Buyers can purchase them directly from the farm. The final price per pound will be set once the feed costs for the season are finalized.