drifty acres: strengthening sustainability through rotational grazing  

Mobility is central to the farm’s approach. “We strive to do as much rotational grazing as possible,” said Jake, owner of Drifty Acres. “We want to keep animals well-fed with fresh grass and insects, which helps raise a healthier bird.” The roost allows farmers to rotate feeding areas, giving pastures time to rest while also benefiting from what previous animals leave behind. “Having them follow behind goats and sheep in the pasture breaks the worm cycle, making it healthier for the goats and sheep to return,” Jake explained. 

Previously, Drifty Acres could raise about 50 turkeys at a time using a small mobile roost. With growing demand from local consumers and new opportunities through a farmer cooperative, the farm needed a larger roost to scale production. The Gobbly Go now shelters up to 100 turkeys, increasing total capacity to 150 birds per season. Over its projected 10-year lifespan, it will help raise approximately 1,500 turkeys. 

The funds to build the Gobbly Go were made possible by the Grow Local Food Fund. “Small grants are important for local businesses,” Jake noted. “As a small farm, it’s harder for us to qualify for grants because we’recompeting with bigger organizations. This relatively small grant allowed us to do this big project.” The fund’s support covered the most expensive aspect of the expansion—the roost itself—and ensured that Drifty Acres could pay a fair wage to their skilled farmhand with a passion for agriculture and carpentry. 

Beyond increasing production, the project reinforces Drifty Acres’ commitment to organic, regenerative practices. By integrating turkeys into a rotational grazing system alongside goats and sheep, the farm maximizes ecological benefits—turning invasive buckthorn into goat forage, improving soil health, and strengthening a sustainable local food system.