FOOD + DRINK
SAM ’ S TURKEYS
SAM FIGGIS HAS ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR REARING FREE-RANGE TURKEYS . COME 2023 AND SAM ’ S TURKEYS HAS BECOME A BRAND CELEBRATED FOR ITS HIGH QUALITY AND COMMITMENT TO CAREFUL STOCKMANSHIP AND POULTRY HUSBANDRY .
Tell us how you began Sam ’ s Turkeys ?
I have always had an interest in turkeys since I was really young . I started rearing turkeys when I was 16 years old with 20 turkeys of my own . As a fifth generation farmer , I still manage the family farm which produces apples and plums , mainly for M + S and Waitrose , as well as other supermarkets .
Tell us a little about Sam ’ s Turkeys and what sets you apart from other farmers .
I am proud to be an accredited farmer with the Golden Turkey Quality Assurance Guarantee . At the age of 23 , I became a committee member with the GTQA and joined a community of 40 likeminded , passionate and accredited turkey farmers across the UK . The Guarantee was formed in 1984 and is the highest UK standard for the finest Christmas turkey .
Our birds arrive in June and are ethically reared to full maturity before they are hand-plucked , handprepared and then game-hung for 14 days , according to tradition . This process enhances the tenderness and taste of the meat and ensures that we supply the best produce for your celebratory dinner .
It ’ s hard to find a Golden Turkey in supermarkets and , as such , we are proud to be part of an accreditation which is recognised for its high-quality and welfare standards .
Our Bronze Turkeys are the closest domestic breed to a wild turkey which means they need an environment where they can exhibit their natural behaviours . Their paddock is built around the farm ’ s apricot trees so not only do the turkeys ’ living quarters replicate their habitat in the wild , but it also means they can use their instincts to forage for food . To add to this and contribute to our environmental responsibilities , I often feed them surplus fruit from the farm . They certainly get one of their five-a-day !
Why do you think it is important to buy local produce ?
Consumers should know where their food comes from , especially if they value the welfare of animals . Local produce means there will be a higher standard of welfare , especially compared to most imports .
What would you most like our readers to know about your turkeys ?
All of our turkeys are free range and grown to full maturity , this gives our turkeys a better taste and means you have a better Christmas dinner .
What do you like to do in Kent when you ' re not working ?
I play rugby for Canterbury RFC and love going on long walks with my dog , with plenty of pub visits .
Where can we purchase your turkeys ?
Make your orders online at : www . samsturkeys . co . uk .
96