Our Golden Turkey accredited farmer John Wright (jnr) from Holmes Farm in Bilton, East Yorkshire is delighted to take part in our quick question interview. Find out more about this experienced family of turkey farmers in the North East of England – here’s what he had to say…
How long has John Wright Turkeys been in farming and what made you join our association to become a Golden Turkey Farmer?
My Dad started doing turkeys over 50 years ago and was looking for advice and ideas on how to trade with local people and farm shops. As a Golden Turkey Farmer we’ve found meeting other turkey farmers is always exciting and helps inform, provide new ideas and ambitions to improve the farming and production of our turkeys.
Do you produce anything else on your farm? What do you do in the first 6 months of the year, when not producing turkeys?
We are only a small farm and we have had to diverse into many things to keeps the farm going;
200 ac wheat / barley / OSR, Turkeys free range (500 from the farm gate rest to farm shops and butchers), DIY livery yard : 10 Horses, Caravan storage, Local pub deliveries (cellar gas), Local Heating Gas Delivery (LPG), Local Heating Blocks (wood logs), plus lots of other jobs.
Who else do you normally sell Golden Turkeys to?
We are purely direct sales from the farm, however we do sell to butchers, farmshops, pubs, restaurants and some are Michelin star ones!
We offer one every year for charity or local community groups.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
When people actually try my bird for the first time at farmers markets and ask how did you make it taste so good, what did you use when you cooked it?! I always say “nothing – just seasoned it and cooked in the oven!”
What or who, inspires you?
Good questions! I’d say my Dad and his pride to provide a perfect Christmas turkey at any cost. I’ve seen him work till the early hours in the morning…now this is my job.
I’d say getting the turkeys right for my customers is very satisfying.
What was your first job?
I’ve always worked with my dad on the farm plus a few other jobs; like in garages and farming pigs but nothing longer than a month, and mostly helping friends at work.
What would you be doing, if you weren’t a farmer?
Ha-Ha! No one ever asks that question, but I would probably be a website builder or something in IT – this has always been a skill of mine, but it has come in very usefully with turkeys
Tea or Coffee?
Redbull! Joking aside I drink coffee but in turkey time, in the early hours, nothing helps more than cold Redbull – as working in a chiller it does not go cold!
Favourite Book or Film?
Films – I’d say probably Star Wars.
Favourite Food?
Bacon – everything is better with bacon!
Best way to relax after a stressful day?
Nothing better than taking Molly the turkey dog for a walk and sitting watching the local wildlife – even in the fresh snow.
Which social media platforms do you use for your Christmas Turkey business?
Facebook only.
Are you planning to offer a nationwide delivery service?
Yes we have one in place and expect to sell more this year.
Do you foresee any particular staffing problems this year, for the processing of the turkeys for Christmas?
We have already made plans and this will not affect us that much as we only have 20 staff and can keep the separate 2m.
Further Details: John Wright Turkeys
Facebook: @John Wright Turkeys
