All natural turkeys from JNJ Nature Way Farm are popular
Carol Stender
Date Modified: 12/01/2009 11:28 AM
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Agri News staff writer
SEBEKA, Minn. -- JNJ Nature Way Farm customers often rush to order their Thanksgiving bird. That's because the Sebeka operation often quickly runs out of birds. This year was no exception.
The farm's all-natural turkeys are popular. Production problems contributed to the bird scarcity this year.
Jeff Nardello started with 50 birds this spring, but half died due to cold weather.
Customers like their birds and the Nardellos' all-natural production methods.
They've raised turkeys on the multi-livestock farm for five years. Pullets are ordered in April and raised in "turkey tractors" or moveable, covered pens. The turkey tractors are moved often to give birds fresh grass .
They also direct-market pigs they raise from feeders and beef from their 30-cow Black Angus herd. They also raise 100 broilers each year.
Their 100 foot-by-100 foot garden includes raspberries and vegetables.
It's all a far cry from their lifestyle in New Jersey.
Jeff and Kathy grew up on the East Coast. After Jeff retired from a 22-year career in law enforcement, the couple wanted to raise their children, daughter Brittany and son Jimmy, in the country. They regularly purchased organic produce and wanted to grow their own vegetables, Jeff said.
They cast their net wide for their new home. They considered farms in Maine, Minnesota and Wyoming plus many states in between. Their final choice was Minnesota and the Sebeka farm they now call home.
The Minnesota choice was no surprise to Jeff's family. His mother grew up in Alexandria and Jeff returned to his mother's native state to visit relatives and work on the farm.
Although their farm knowledge was limited, they were willing to learn and had neighbors eager to help.
"We just got lucky," Jeff said. "Clarence Fuller has given me more information about farming than anyone. He's a very good friend. The Lord puts you where he wants you. And he put me in an area with good neighbors and people willing to help when I need it."
It's been seven years since they moved to the farm and they have no regrets. They're living the lifestyle they'd planned and their children have enjoyed attending smaller-sized schools and working on the farm.
JNJ Nature Way Farm is a partner operation with Jimmy and Jeff. Jimmy, a 16-year-old, has developed a web site for the farm at jnjnatureswayorganicfarm.com. Information on pricing, ordering and production methods is included.