Thanksgiving turkey sale supports Kentucky State farm education and outreach
Certified organic, free-range birds are available for $140 each in celebration of the University’s 140th anniversary
This Thanksgiving, Kentucky State University is bringing agricultural education to small-scale farmers, school groups, and FFA chapters through a new program to raise and harvest turkeys.
The program combines practical learning opportunities with a holiday sale of birds raised at the University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. Proceeds will support additional farm programming and operations.
In celebration of the University’s 140th anniversary, the farm’s certified organic, free-range, broad-breasted white turkeys are now available for purchase at $140 each. The birds are expected to weigh roughly 16 to 18 pounds, with some heavier. Customers can choose fresh or frozen birds.
Fresh turkeys will be available for pickup Nov. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. The birds will be processed that day. Frozen turkeys will be available for pickup Nov. 4, 12, or 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those birds will be processed and frozen a few days before the selected pickup date. All pickups will take place at the farm, 1525 Mills Lane in Frankfort.
Quantities are limited, and early orders are encouraged to help the farm plan processing and pickup. Customers can order a turkey online or use the ordering button at the bottom of this story.
The holiday sale is one part of the turkey program’s broader educational work with farmers, students, and community groups.
For small-scale farmers, demonstrations at Benson Farm by Extension and farm staff have provided insight into the decisions involved in raising poultry and bringing it to market. Topics covered have included animal care, free-range management, fencing, housing, and predator control, along with processing and packaging. Marketing and market value are also part of the demonstration, helping producers consider how poultry might fit into their operations.
“We also showcase the project during tours with school groups, community organizations, and other stakeholders,” said Megan Goins, who manages the farm and oversees the turkey project.
The FFA component extends that work to middle- and high-school students and their teachers. Goins said nine schools are participating. They include Franklin County High School, Carter G. Woodson Academy, and Tates Creek Middle School. Franklin County High School and Carter G. Woodson Academy each agreed to receive 15 turkeys.
Dr. Sait Sarr, a senior research scientist and adjunct professor, said the school projects are designed to help students understand poultry production as both a technical field and a business. The work connects lessons in animal care and production with the economic and marketing decisions involved in bringing poultry to market.
Through hands-on and simulation activities, the ongoing program aims to strengthen STEM learning, build practical skills, and help students explore careers in agribusiness. Preparing students for industry careers is among the project’s intended outcomes, Dr. Sarr said.
For more information, contact Goins at Megan.Goins@kysu.edu or 502-597-6528.
The school initiative is supported by Kentucky State’s Small Farm Grant program and Dr. Sarr’s project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture through Evans-Allen funding and an 1890 Capacity Building Grant, Award No. 2025-38821-45463.
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