Bailey Farm Sets 2026 Turkey Price at $6.99 per Pound

Dan Bailey has managed turkey operations at Bailey Farm in Lyme, New Hampshire, since 1962, a role that began as a 4-H project. The farm currently operates within the Upper Valley region, where November marks the peak of its annual production cycle.

The current flock arrived on the property in early August as one-day-old hatchlings. Bailey noted that the rapid growth of the birds is a constant surprise to him. He observed that chicks which fit in his hand quickly mature into birds weighing between 15 and 25 pounds by the time they are ready for market. His son, Tony, now assists with the daily management of the operation.

Local consumers face a choice between mass-produced frozen options and farm-raised alternatives. Grahame Turner, a resident of White River Junction, stated that his family’s Thanksgiving menu consists of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. He reported that frozen Butterball turkeys are currently priced at approximately $2.49 per pound in local supermarkets. Turner expressed concern that general grocery prices have risen compared to previous years, a factor he is monitoring closely before making his final purchase.

Bailey Farm charges a premium for its product, with rates last year set at $6.99 per pound. The final price for the current season depends on the cost of feed, a portion of which is imported from Canada. Bailey explained that these input costs fluctuate, directly impacting the final retail price. He maintains that the free-range and hormone-free nature of the birds justifies the higher cost, citing the quality of the meat and the resulting gravy as primary benefits.