By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University is expanding agricultural education opportunities for small-scale farmers, students, and community organizations through a hands-on turkey production program at its Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.
The initiative combines practical poultry education with a Thanksgiving turkey sale, with proceeds supporting future farm activities and operations.
As part of the university’s 140th anniversary celebration, the farm is offering certified organic, free-range, broad-breasted white turkeys for $140 each. The birds are expected to weigh approximately 16 to 18 pounds, although some may be larger. Buyers can select fresh or frozen turkeys, depending on their preference.
Fresh turkey pickup is scheduled for November 23, 2026, between 1 and 4 p.m., while frozen birds can be collected November 4, 12, or 19, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All orders must be collected at Benson Farm, located at 1525 Mills Lane in Frankfort. Supplies are limited, and customers are encouraged to place orders early to help the university coordinate processing and distribution.
Beyond the holiday sale, the program provides educational demonstrations that introduce small-scale farmers to poultry production and marketing.
Extension specialists and farm personnel cover topics such as animal care, free-range management, fencing, housing, predator protection, processing, packaging, and marketing strategies.
“We also showcase the project during tours with school groups, community organizations, and other stakeholders,” said Megan Goins, who manages the farm and oversees the turkey project.
The initiative also includes participation from nine schools through its FFA educational component. Participating institutions include Franklin County High School, Carter G. Woodson Academy, and Tates Creek Middle School.
Franklin County High School and Carter G. Woodson Academy have each committed to receiving 15 turkeys.
Dr. Sait Sarr, a senior research scientist and adjunct professor, explained that the school-based activities help students understand poultry production from both technical and business perspectives.
Students explore animal management alongside the financial, production, and marketing decisions involved in selling agricultural products.
Through practical demonstrations and simulation exercises, the program aims to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education while developing skills relevant to agribusiness careers.
University officials hope the initiative will encourage students to explore agricultural professions while giving farmers practical knowledge they can apply to their own operations.
For more information, contact at Megan.Goins@kysu.edu or 502-597-6528.
Photo Credit: istock-peopleImages
Categories: Kentucky, Education, Livestock, Poultry