Thank You Duerksen Turkey Farm!

When we look back at partnerships with local farmers and producers at the Grain Train, one that really stands out is Duerksen Turkey Farm. We have been talking turkey with Sue and Rick Duerksen for over 15 years and proudly offering their fresh turkeys during the holidays in our stores. After 48 years in business, the time has come for them to retire and, while we are sad to see them go, we wish them nothing but the very best. 

Before we say farewell though, we thought you might enjoy looking back with us...

Every year we would sit down and try to imagine how many turkeys our customers were going to be looking for come Thanksgiving, not to mention how we were going to fit them all in our coolers! Then we would talk with Sue and Rick and figure out all the details that ultimately led to them showing up with two truckloads of birds the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving. There was a lot of head scratching and counting turkeys during those deliveries and the prep leading up to them! There was a lot of laughter, too.

I am sure many of you remember Sue in the Petoskey store sampling turkeys with that classic Sue Duerksen smile that is as famous as their birds. It was clear to see that she loved her products and took pride in sharing them with our customers. She was always as excited as we were to taste the turkey our deli had prepared for sampling.

With the Duerksens it has been a true collaboration. Our customers became theirs and theirs’ ours. Sue and Rick put their whole heart into their farm, and you could always feel that working with them. They took exceptional care of their birds and only offered their customers the very best. It has been with pride each year we offered Duerksen as our premium holiday turkey.

We know that it has been difficult for them to see their farm come to an end. What we can offer is that the work they did over their 48 years mattered. It made many different communities stronger. They are a beautiful example of our mission in action, Making A Different One Bite at a Time. Sue and Rick, we offer you a heartfelt thank you for all the years of friendship, partnership, and business. We wish you the very best from here on out.

Until next time, we will see you in the stores.