This episode originally aired in November, 2020.
Megan Hall: Welcome to Possibly, where we take on huge problems like the future of our planet and break them down into small questions with unexpected answers. I’m Megan Hall.
Today, we’re talking turkey. With the holidays coming up, you can choose a bird that is free-range, organic, or conventional. But what’s the difference between them? And which type of turkey is best for the planet?
We had Luci Jones and Fatima Husain from our Possibly Team look into this question. Welcome, Luci and Fatima!
Luci Jones: Hi, Megan!
Fatima Husain: Hello!
Megan Hall: So, Luci, what do all these labels mean?
Luci Jones: To be honest, the differences can be pretty subtle, so we spoke with Dr. Eric Gingrich, a veterinarian at Diamond V, an animal feed company. He actually grew up on a turkey farm in northern Indiana.
Eric Gingrich: Yeah, we would have maybe I think we had like 7000 on a pasture. Very friendly. They’ll come and peck at ya.
Megan Hall: So, how does Eric define all of these different types of turkeys?
Fatima Husain: Let’s start with conventional birds. Eric says those turkeys are kept inside climate controlled facilities in pens with access to food and water. And all of them are tested for pesticides before they’re slaughtered.
Eric Gingerich:If they use antibiotics, they have to be prescribed by a veterinarian, and it’s only for disease conditions.
Megan Hall: Okay, what about organic turkeys?
Luci Jones: Organic turkeys eat feed that’s grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. They have some access to the outdoors and aren’t processed with preservatives.
Eric Gingerich: The genetics is the same for organic birds and conventional birds, the only difference is the feed
Fatima Husain: Another label to know is “free-range.” This just means the turkey can roam outdoors, but can still use antibiotics and eat the same feed as conventional turkeys.
Megan Hall: So, which kind of turkey should I buy?
Luci Jones: Well, if you’re going on price, conventional turkeys are cheapest.
Megan Hall: But, organic ones are better for the planet?
Fatima Husain: Well, organic turkeys ARE raised without antibiotics. And that means they’re less likely to spread antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Luci Jones: When farmers give antibiotics to conventional turkeys, only antibiotic-resistant bacteria survive and multiply.
Fatima Husain: And when those turkeys poop, the antibiotic-resistant microbes can spread through dust or make their way into local waterways.
Megan Hall: Oh no!
Luci Jones: That being said, organic turkeys aren’t perfect either.
Fatima Husain: Organic farms might not use antibiotics, but a lot of them still use pesticides and fertilizers from natural sources, like sulfur and horse manure.
Megan Hall: But if they’re natural, doesn’t that mean they’re still safer than the stuff that’s used with conventional turkeys?
Luci Jones: Well, not necessarily. A lot of natural things can really harm us, like venom or asbestos.
Fatima Husain: And when you’re buying a turkey, it’s hard to know which pesticides went into its food.
Luci Jones: Here’s another concern about organic turkeys — they have more nitrogen in their poop.
Megan Hall: Excuse me?
Fatima Husain: Organic turkeys don’t get the food additives that decrease the amount of nitrogen in their waste.
Luci Jones: And when they poop, that extra nitrogen can make its way into the air and water, which contributes to global warming.
Megan Hall: And what about free-range birds, where do they fit into all of this?
Fatima Husain: Free-range birds are pretty similar to conventional ones.
Megan Hall: So, which kind should I buy?
Luci Jones: Well, it’s hard to say. Labels just tell one small part of a much more nuanced story.
Fatima Husain: A turkey might be “free range,” but also raised with antibiotics on a huge farm. Another one might be “organic” but still use feed made with harmful natural pesticides.
Luci Jones: So, if the impact of your turkey choice matters to you, do your homework, and dig into the details beyond its description.
Fatima Husain: And in that case, actually knowing your farmer and the way they raise their turkeys, is probably the best choice.
Megan Hall: Got it! Thanks, Luci and Fatima!
That’s it for today. For more information, or to ask a question about the way you recycle, use energy, or make any other choice that affects the planet, go to the public’s radio dot org slash possibly.