a tale of two farms

At Christmas, the heart of a festive feast lies in its centrepiece. Whether it’s a crowd pleasing turkey or a nostalgic goose, the stories behind these traditional favourites are just as rich as their flavours. 

This is the tale of two Devon farms. From the rolling hills, wooded valleys and lush green fields of the Blackdown Hills to the ruggedly beautiful landscape and dramatic tors of Dartmoor National Park, our Christmas goose and turkey farms may be worlds apart in terrain, but are united by the passion and care with which they raise some of the finest Christmas birds you’ll ever enjoy.

Frenchbeer Farm

For most of us, turkeys are just for Christmas, but not for John Malseed of Frenchbeer Farm. Nestled on a windswept Dartmoor hill farm, the Malseed family has spent over 30 years mastering the art of rearing heritage breed turkeys. This 1200-acre farm near Chagford is as remote as it is beautiful, its moorland terrain shaping not only the farm but also the animals that thrive there.

Frenchbeer’s heritage turkeys enjoy a slow grown, free range lifestyle. From the moment they hatch, they are nurtured with the full organic treatment, roaming across rolling fields and foraging in their natural environment surrounded by breathtaking moorland views. Fed a diet free of GMO’s, supplemented by organic oats grown on the farm, they develop a traditional layer of fat, making them naturally plump and delicious in time for Christmas.

John and his team  hand-pluck and hang each turkey to enhance its flavour, maintaining the traditional methods that set their birds apart.

Otter Valley Poultry

In the gentler landscape of the Blackdown Hills, Ross of Otter Valley Poultry has spent more than two decades perfecting his craft. A long standing partner of ours, Ross rears organic chickens, ducks, and our festive favourite geese.

These geese, reared with dedication to organic principles, roam freely in the gentler fields of East Devon, foraging on rich grass and natural feed. Ross ensures their environment supports their wellbeing, allowing them to grow slowly and naturally, allowing them to grow slowly and naturally. This results in meat with exceptional flavour and plenty of that sought after goose fat, the secret ingredient for the perfect crispy roast potato.

During a recent visit, we saw firsthand how Ross’s care and attention creates a stress-free habitat for his geese where they are free to express their natural behaviours whilst being protected from predators and the sometimes inclement weather.

From our fields to your table

Our farms are what makes buying from The Organic Butchery different. It isn't just about the food on your plate, it’s about the stories of the farmers who make it possible.

The fields, the farms, the early mornings, the late nights, and the passion. 

So, this Christmas, when you sit down to your festive feast, we hope that you can taste the difference that this dedication makes and perhaps share their story too.