Let’s Talk Turkey with Local Ferndale Market

People’s Food Co-op has partnered with Ferndale Market since 2010. Owners and regular co-op shoppers are most likely familiar with the cheerful green packaging that represents Ferndale Market turkey and other products. If you haven’t seen Ferndale Market turkey, there’s a good chance you’ve tasted it: it’s a main ingredient in many of Co-op’s Own™ specialty sandwiches such as the Totally Turkey, and the fan-favorite - The Ultimate Turkey Sandwich.

Ferndale Market is steeped in tradition. Founded by Fern and Dale Peterson, Ferndale Market is now third generation with John Peterson - Fern and Dale Peterson’s grandson - running the Ferndale Market operations. Ferndale Market turkey is carried in more than 75 retail stores, as well as many restaurants. The company’s success has allowed the Petersons to work with local family farms, many helmed by young farmers like John and his wife, Erica.

Ferndale Market turkeys are raised without antibiotics or artificial growth promotants. The turkeys have full access to the outdoors and can be seen happily spending their summer days on the turkey range. Ferndale Market turkeys are processed naturally - without artificial nitrates or additives. It’s a difference you can truly taste.

Ferndale Market has also been the exclusive fresh Thanksgiving Turkey supplier for People’s Food Co-op. You can order your Ferndale Turkey by November 18th at 6 p.m. Click here for Rochester, MN ordering, and here for La Crosse, WI ordering. Don’t forget to check out the amazing selection of Thanksgiving sides and pies. 

People’s Food Co-op recently chatted with John to learn more about Ferndale Market and understand the why behind his family’s commitment to raising free-range turkeys.  

1) What are the driving principles of Ferndale Market?

If I had to boil it down to one guiding principle, I’d say we work each day to maintain opportunities for local, independent farmers. So much of the food world has become consolidated and run by just a handful of big companies. We want to take a different path, from our own farm and distinctive practices to our partner turkey farms, and the local food partners we work with in our market. Growing real opportunity for local independent farmers like us is the driving force. I believe independent farms can help sustain a better food system.

2) Describe what "free-range" means to Ferndale Market?

In most simple terms, we base our free-range program on the national organic standard for outdoor poultry. A little deeper in the weeds, our free-range environments can take two forms. From early spring through late fall, our flocks have constant access to an outdoor yard with grass and shade, once the birds can tolerate weather variability. This set-up allows the birds to decide where they’re most comfortable, particularly during the spring and fall when Minnesota weather can change quickly! During the peak summer months, we move some of our flocks completely outdoors onto ranging pastures, where we move them rotationally through the range each week. These outdoor environments are how everybody used to grow turkeys…but we’re now among the very last to still grow our birds this way. We stick with it because we believe it’s better for our turkeys, staff, customers, and our land.

3) Ferndale is 3rd generation.  What keeps the family in the business?

This may sound like a funny answer, but I think our secret has been both consistency and adaptability. We have been incredibly consistent in the way we have grown our flocks and cared for our farm for 80 years since my grandpa got us started. But, we’ve also been able to adapt to the times and interests each generation has brought to the farm and business.  Most importantly, I think we all genuinely love what we do.

4) What are some of the biggest challenges Ferndale faces?

 I’d say our biggest challenges match most of the traditional farming worries. Weather can present some challenges, particularly in extremes, as we work to keep our birds healthy and happy when it’s way too hot, cold, wet, or dry. In today’s environment, we are also challenged by rising costs, particularly for turkey feed and other supplies. It’s an expensive time to be raising and selling turkeys!

5) What can customers expect from Ferndale in the coming years?

We’ll keep doing what we know how to do! In the market, we’ll keep seeking out new and distinctive local foods to showcase and expand our mix. In regard to our own Ferndale turkey products, we’ll continue to explore potential new items that could add value and fit customer needs. And, on the farm, we’ll continue growing turkeys in the way we have since 1939. Some good things don’t need to change!