About Great Grove Poultry
History
The Farm
We are a small family farm who specialise in producing quality turkeys and geese just for the Christmas market. The farm is approx 35 acres in size and covered in woodland and grassland which is used to rear our poultry in a stress free environment
Aim
To produce the tastiest and most succulent poultry that you can buy.
This is achieved through the various traditional methods that we have continued to use over several years of producing quality poultry. Although this is a much more expensive way of rearing and processing compared to today’s factory methods, the end result is far superior.
Our Free-Range Geese
Brought to the farm in June they are reared inside for the first 2-3 weeks before gradually allowed access to grass. Once they have enough plumage to keep them warm and dry, they are then given access to open grassland where they are literally left outside with hedges for shade and shelter from the weather. The perimeter is protected by an electric fence to stop any vermin.
Our Free-Range Bronze Turkeys
Arriving in May and June direct from the hatchery they are cared for by dedicated stockmen who take pride in their work. Once old enough they are left to wander in ancient woodland and basically as with the geese do as they please, not harassed and just living naturally. They have access to straw-bedded barns at night, but quite often choose to sleep outside depending on the weather.
Processing
Everything is dry plucked and hand finished on the farm, graded and hung in large chillers (minimum 10 days) to add all the natural flavours that this type of production depends on. The premises is regularly inspected by the EHO to comply with all the rigorous standards.
Why are our birds so different?
- We only use slow growing strains that are grown to full maturity 24-27 weeks old which gives them a layer of fat to aid with the cooking to make the meat nice and juicy.
- Free-access to grass and woodland and shelter if needed
- No growth promoters or hormones, a mainly cereal based diet
- Delayed evisceration, to gain all those natural, gamey flavours
- Dry plucked by hand by people who care
Presentation
Once eviscerated the birds are wrapped in greaseproof, placed in a special carry home box with some herbs and a recipe leaflet, which gives advice on how to cook it and cooking times……..so you can’t go wrong !
Where and how to buy
We have various butchers and farm shops that we supply locally and further afield. We also sell at the farm gate and although we ourselves don’t mail order anything we have customers who we supply that mail order our birds throughout the country
Guarantees
We are members of the Goose producers Association and the Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association so adhere to the very high standards that they set out.
