Yesterday, we had the pleasure of visiting Frenchbeer Farm, a stunning Duchy Estate farm nestled in the hills just around the corner from us here at Eversfield Organic. It was an honour to spend the day with John and his family, who have been lovingly rearing turkeys for over 30 years. Their experience, care, and dedication shine through in every part of the process — and it’s no surprise that their free-range organic Bronze and Norfolk Black turkeys represent everything we stand for: premium quality, traditional farming, and exceptional animal welfare.
A Family Farm Close to Home
Frenchbeer is a family-run farm, which immediately aligns with our own ethos of supporting small, local producers. Being so close to us not only helps keep food miles low, but also ensures the birds are raised with the kind of care that only comes from farmers who know and love their animals. Seeing the turkeys roaming happily through the fields, pecking and exploring in the autumn sunshine, was a wonderful reminder of what true organic, free-range living looks like.
Learning from John
During our visit, we sat down with John to chat all things turkey — from rearing methods to what makes their birds so special. We asked plenty of questions, and John generously shared his insights into what goes into producing a truly exceptional organic bird. One of the most fascinating things we learnt was about the plucking process. At Frenchbeer, every turkey is dry-plucked by hand, a traditional technique that involves friends and members of the local community coming together to help. It’s a social, thoughtful process that reflects the farm’s sense of community and care.
The Difference in True Quality
John also explained how his turkeys differ greatly from those found on supermarket shelves. Most commercial turkeys are processed at just 8–10 weeks old, which means they’ve had little time to develop natural flavour or fat. By contrast, the turkeys at Frenchbeer live to over six months, maturing naturally and leading a much happier life. This slower rearing produces a bird that’s rich in flavour, tender, and never dry, with a natural fat content that ensures the perfect roast every time.
The Heart of Organic Farming
It was inspiring to see the high level of welfare and the deep respect John and his family have for their animals. Every part of their process, from the open pastures to the traditional finishing methods, reflects the core values of organic farming— sustainability, compassion, and quality over quantity. These are the very principles we hold close at Eversfield Organic, and it’s a privilege to partner with farms like Frenchbeer who share our commitment to doing things the right way.
As we left the farm under the golden autumn sun, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible care that goes into rearing these birds. This Christmas, when you sit down to your Eversfield Organic turkey, you’re not just enjoying a delicious centrepiece — you’re celebrating generations of farming tradition, local community, and the true taste of organic.
