Adams Turkey Farm and Maple Products
by Chris French
I spent a couple of hours on Sunday talking with Judy Adams of Adams Turkey Farm. I had a great time, and look forward to having the farm and the Adams family as part of the Sweet Clover Market community.
Judy and her husband Dave started the farm in 1981. They decided to take the plunge (and the associated risks of farming in Vermont) by selling chicken eggs, boarding horses, and later by raising beef cattle. In 1984 they added their first brood of turkeys, selling all of them at Henry’s Market in Essex Junction. That first year, they raised and sold around 100 turkeys. In 1985 they added a processing facility, built according to USDA regulations, and continued to expand the number of turkeys raised. Now, over 2,000 turkeys are processed each year.
Turkeys have long been the mainstay at the farm, but in 2001 the Adams decided to take on the project of raising chickens. They started by selling them directly from the farm, and this is the first year to wholesale to other retail stores. Judy said she is optimistic about sales and will most likely increase the fresh and frozen line to meet local demand. Like the turkeys, the number of chickens raised and sold has continued to grow over the years. The chickens are raised on fresh grains, fresh water, and fresh air, and are processed through November. The Adams are planning on having chicken available through the cold winter months, however supplies will be limited. Chickens will arrive on the farm for the next season beginning in March 2007.