Local Farmer Offers Ethically Raised Thanksgiving Turkeys, Supports Island Families

Thomas Boettger, who owns and operates Central Whidbey Funny Farm, has been raising turkeys for Thanksgiving since 2018, and this year he prepared roughly 38 birds for island families. The birds ranged from 16 to 24 pounds and were offered at $7.99 per pound, which means a typical bird cost between about $128 and $192 before taxes and any processing fees. Customers were invited to reserve birds by emailing centralwidbeyfunnyfarm@yahoo.com or calling 360 672 9272.

Boettger’s work grew out of a personal health shift after bloodwork showed he was borderline malnourished, prompting him to reduce processed foods and start raising his own food with his partner and daughter. He began with a small flock. "It started small, like just chickens and stuff," he said. Inspired by farmer and lecturer Joel Salatin, Boettger adopted permaculture practices that emphasize minimizing environmental impact while providing attentive care for animals.

The farm raises both heritage turkeys and broad breasted white turkeys. Broad breasted white birds produce the large white meat portions many households expect for the holiday, while heritage turkeys do not yield white meat. Boettger highlighted nutritional differences with the farm raised eggs, noting heritage turkey eggs have higher protein content and greater nutritional value than chicken eggs. The turkeys were not certified organic, but they were raised from chicks on a diet of traditional high protein turkey feed, scratch corn, sunflower seeds, and leftover produce sourced from local grocery stores, a practice that diverts food waste while feeding livestock.

For Island County residents, Boettger’s operation represents a local supply channel during a season when shoppers often rely on large retailers. Small scale producers like Central Whidbey Funny Farm keep food dollars in the community, provide transparency about animal care and feed, and can offer dietary alternatives for families seeking less processed options. Boettger said purchasing locally is about more than taste. "Buying local, he said, is about more than just taste. It’s about knowing where the food comes from." His remaining inventory and future availability can be confirmed through the farm contact information.