The Fat Ewe Farm and B & B
...organic permaculture farmin' for the lazy you's and Bed, Breakfast 'n Bale
Beltsville Small White Turkeys
Turkeys: Beltsville Small White
The Beltsville Small White was developed to fill a clearly identified consumer need. In the early 1930s most turkeys raised in the US had dark colored plumage, were medium to large in size and had a narrow breast without substantial meat. A 1936 survey found that 87% of home consumers wanted a New York-dressed bird (blood and feathers removed) weighing between 8 and 15 pounds. They also wanted a bird that was meaty, well-finished and free from dark pin feathers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture research center at Beltsville, Maryland, therefore, began a breeding program between 1934 and 1941 to create a bird that would answer the consumer demand for a bird that would fit apartment sized refrigerators, small ovens, and small families. Researchers developed the new Beltsville Small White variety from a genetic foundation that included the White Holland, White Austrian, Narragansett, Bronze, and Wild Turkey.
The Beltsville variety came into use in the 1940s and was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1951. The height of its popularity came in the mid-1950s and, in addition to its use as a purebred, the Beltsville Small White also contributed to the development of other strains of medium and small white turkeys though these populations were never very well defined as breeds.
The Beltsville Small White turkey’s success was short lived and by the 1970’s it was nearly extinct. Although considered a fine bird for family use, it was less well received by the hotel and restaurant trade or by processors that desired a larger bird from which they could obtain more “slices.” The Broad Breasted White (or Large White) turkey, therefore, came to overshadow the Beltsville because, when slaughtered at a young age, the Broad Breasted White fit the processor’s niche for a smaller turkey but had the ability to grow substantially heavier weights for the commercial food trade. By 1965, the new Broad Breasted White had nearly taken over the turkey market. Despite this, the Beltsville Small White still had advantages. Beltsvilles had good reproductive qualities, including the ability to mate naturally, and so could be selected, bred, and maintained by small-scale producers. In contrast, Broad Breasted White turkeys generally required artificial insemination for reproduction.
Young Beltsville turkey hens weigh 10 pounds and young toms weigh 17 pounds. The plumage is white, with the head red to bluish white. The beard is black, the beak is horn colored, and the eyes are dark brown. Shanks and toes are pinkish white.
Today the Beltsville Small White is quite rare and primarily by few exhibition breeders. Research flocks exist at both the Iowa State University and the University of Guelph, however, public access to these flocks is almost non-existent. In recent years there has been a revival of interest in this variety. Efforts are underway to locate and conserve any remnant flocks in the United States and Canada.
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Ladies PJ Party for Eight Just $99.00 per person per night plus GST
Book your PJ Party Early to ensure your time is available.
The PJ Party includes accomodations for up to 8 ladies, complimentary robes and slippers, gift baskets for each guest, comfortable beds wtih quality linens and bedding, two lounge areas, board games, darts, walking trails, and breakfast for each day of the venture. If you want a quiet retreat to reconnect with old friends, this is the place. The tall trees, rushing brook, meadows and valley, chirping of song birds and the farm animals create a tranquil pastoral scene perfect for relaxation and renewal. Bring your study materials, fortune tellers or old videos, whatever you wish.
See you there!
Couples Retreat
Do you need a quiet place to get together with old friends and spend time with your signifcant other? We can accommodate four couples for a private retreat of relaxation, reconnection and sharing the love. Without television or internet, the real interaction begins. We offer clean and comfortable beds, quality linens, an extensive library of self help materials, the option of light massage, candle light baths, robes and slippers and gift baskets for each couple. Why not take a weekend off and relax in the country, walk the nature trails, visit the beaver pond, commune with the farm animals, and spend that much needed down time with your partner? Book early to ensure your date is available.
Corporate Meeting and Guest Rooms
Book the guest house for a meeting? Sure!
Out of town corporate guests are always welcome at The Fat Ewe Farm. We can sleep 8 in shared accomodations or have three private bedrooms and two baths. Perhaps those who traveled a distance can enjoy the quiet comforts of the guest house and meet with the clients during the day in the house. How convenient and easy is that? Corporate guests are treated to complimentary gourment breakfasts, robes and slippers for their use while visiting us, clean and comfortable beds and quality linens, authentic vintage antique furnishings and soothing quarters, walking trails, tennis or badminton, board games and darts, and the option of booking a light massage for special relaxation.
The rooms are based on a per person occupancy. The house can be booked for functions during the day. Please call or email for details. We look forward to having you as our guests on the Fat Ewe Farm!
Private Functions: Weddings, Funerals, Adult Birthday Parties, Anniversaries
The Guest House can be booked during the day for small private functions. Food must be catered and brought in as we do not have a catering license, but there is plenty of outdoor space for wonderful country get togethers and the house is available as well. The comfort capacity of the house would be 20-30 guests. Janitorial must be provided by the client or can be arranged by The Fat Ewe. A damage deposit is required and loss or damage will be charged to the client responsible for booking the facility.
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Honeymoon Gift Basket
We are thrilled that you have chosen The Fat Ewe for your honeymoon stay! To honour your union, The Fat Ewe will present you with a complimentary gift basket as a present for your marriage. Gift baskets may change with seasons, but some offerings may be: home made organic soap, some organic massage oil, essential oil for scenting the massage oil if you wish or for adding to the bath or the oil burner, some bath salts, snacks and beverages. Thank ewe for sharing your wedding night with us. Blessings!