'Choose British and choose local' - Shoppers urged to buy Christmas turkeys from local farms
Yorkshire turkey farmers are urging households to make locally and home-grown poultry their choice for Christmas as #BuyMyTurkey Day returned for its ninth year.
Some turkey farmers have this week reported having killed their birds earlier than usual for Christmas in a bid to avoid bird flu and fulfil Christmas orders, while others are reporting mounting demand to buy direct and locally.
Farmers across the region say some consumers are increasingly prioritisising factors such as welfare, carbon footprint and traceability when deciding upon their festive meal.
Leeds-based homegrown and hand-reared turkey specialist Milford Farm has launched a “We’re closer than you think” campaign on social media, calling people to support local farmers.
On its Facebook page, Herb Fed Poultry, of Shires Farm, Easingwold, stated: “This time of year is full on for everyone in farming and we’re all pulling together to get birds ready, keep standards high and support one another through the busy season.
"So choosing British and choosing local, genuinely makes a difference. We’re proud to produce British Bronze turkeys, raised slowly and carefully here in Yorkshire.”
Emma Mosey, co-owner of Yolk Farm Shop, near Boroughbridge, said: “We find on big occasions when all the family are together people like to go somewhere a bit special, and going to farm shops and buying direct is a really good way to do that.
"It shouldn’t be more expensive as when you’re buying direct you are cutting out the middle man, but supermarkets have undercut the price of food so much that is probably not true.”
Supermarket Aldi this week laid claim to be selling the cheapest turkeys for Christmas, with its British Fresh Whole Turkey available for as little as £5.90 (2kg/£2.95 per kg).
The NFU is also encouraging families to choose locally produced birds and support British farming by buying direct from nearby farms, using the union’s Turkey Finder tool, or by asking butchers where their turkeys have been sourced.
The initiative highlights the importance of supporting homegrown food and farming — reminding shoppers that choosing British meat helps sustain rural communities, promotes animal welfare, and supports high-quality production standards.
In 2024, the campaign reached more than 496,000 people online, demonstrating its growing impact in connecting consumers with local producers.
Jonathan Smith, chair of the NFU Seasonal Poultry Group, said the campaign aimed to bolster the link between the farm gate and the festive table.
He encouraged shoppers to use the NFU’s Turkey Finder to source local producers, and to ask their butcher if a bird is British and which farm it came from.
Supermarket customers are being advised to look for the Red Tractor logo and the Union flag to ensure they are buying a home-reared turkey.
Smith said choosing a British bird is an easy way to “make your Christmas dinner extra special… while backing British farming”.