Let’s talk Loudoun farm-raised turkey

By Laura Longley

But first, let’s talk coronavirus because it sure is upending traditional Thanksgiving plans for most of us. There’s bad news: no adorable grandchildren at the groaning board. There’s good news: no Auntie Hannah with her sorry attempt at Mama Stamberg’s cranberry relish. 

And then there’s the big question: What about a turkey? 

Do you go small or big or have one at all? How many socially distanced people can you serve and still stay safe? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a few low-risk options: 

Have a small dinner with only people who live in your household

Prepare traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and deliver them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others

Have a virtual dinner and share recipes with friends and family

Even if you opt for the virtual feast, be kind to yourself and get a fresh bird. There are way too many Loudoun County farms raising high quality poultry to miss out on Thanksgiving’s main event. To locate an organic turkey farm, just visit the Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown website—loudounfarms.org—where you’ll find a list and map of all the farms from Aldie to Upperville, Bluemont to Lucketts, Lincoln to Lovettsville.

The newest poultry farm on the Loudoun map is Kurt and Pam Gernerd’s 10-acre Stonehaven on Bolyn Road two miles south of Purcellville. The Gernerds have been growing and selling Christmas trees for several holiday seasons, but this year they decided to branch out. Their four dozen turkeys range from 15 to 20 pounds, sizes that should give you plenty of leftovers from your smaller, lower-risk gathering. Priced at $5 per pound, they will be available two days before Thanksgiving. Stonehaven offers no-touch delivery within 10 miles of the farm or pickup at Total Pools at 730 East Main St., Purcellville. For ordering details, contact Kurt at 540-454-7251 or visit Stonehaven’s Facebook page at facebook.com/GernerdChristmasTreesandHoney.

There is also Fields of Athenry Farm located in Middleburg. They can be reached at FieldsofAthenryFarm.com or call 703-300-5765. Their turkeys are delicious.

One more option before you resort to the grocery store: If you have the proper licenses (see dwr.virginia.gov) and know the lay of our local woodlands, turkey hunting in Loudoun County is mighty fine this time of year.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!