One of the keys to success in the marketplace is being different from the competition. There needs to be a reason consumers pick your products.
One family-run turkey farm is doing it’s best to differentiate itself.
The Peterson family near Cannon Falls has been operating their turkey farm for more than 70 years. Operated by third generation owner John Peterson, the farm produces about 200,000 birds per year. During warm weather months Peterson’s birds are put out to pasture on several tracts around the family’s 140 acre farm.
In 2008 Peterson opened an on-farm retail store called Ferndale Market. The store offers a unique way to market Peterson’s own turkey products as well as foods produced by other Minnesota businesses.
Once seen as a very seasonal product, turkey has become a meat enjoyed year round.
AURI meat scientist Carissa Nath has been working with Ferndale Market to produce some fresh turkey products that will help this family operation create additional demand and stand out from the flock.
