Robert Kauffman is committed to making sure his birds are well-cared for, healthy and safe at his Waterman turkey farm.
Robert Kauffman raises 70,000 turkeys annually at Ho-Ka Turkey farm in DeKalb County.
The responsibility of animal care is vital to the Kauffman Turkey Farm. Robert Kauffman knows that a healthy turkey is good for the welfare of the flock, good for consumer safety and also good for the farm’s bottom line. Robert raises 70,000 turkeys a year in both open-air environmentally regulated facilities and on the range. He believes turkeys adapt better to the indoors based on being protected from inclement weather and predators, such as coyotes.
To keep the farm environment clean and birds healthy, Robert does a complete cleanout between flock rotations. He disinfects the buildings and equipment and then cleans out the waterlines. “We take sanitation seriously,” said Robert, “and it makes a difference in getting the turkeys off to a good start.”
His turkey farm begins receiving thousands of poults, both toms and hens, in June from Midwestern turkey farms. After about eight deliveries during the summer months, he has his complete flock. Robert explains that early vaccinations are given to the young turkeys for the prevention of poultry diseases and to build their immune system. Antibiotics are only used to treat illnesses “We treat flocks with antibiotics if they are sick,” said Robert. “It’s the right thing to do.” He continues by noting that all of the turkeys are free of antibiotics, based on the withdrawal period, when dressed and federally inspected.
The Kauffman Farm is the largest turkey farm in the state, and one of the last remaining independent family owned and operated turkey farms in the country.
Robert is president of the farm; Tom Klopenstein is farm manager. Kauffman family members have helped with various aspects of the turkey farm over the years including wife, Susan, and daughters Shawna, Kayla and Nicole. Robert’s father, Howard, started the turkey farm in 1933 with a flock of 300. He came up with the name Ho-Ka by using the first two letters of his first and last names.
The farm has its own dressing plant with about 100 employees that process the birds in November and December, in time for holiday dinners. Turkeys are dressed at 16-19 weeks of age. The fresh, locally grown turkeys are sold on the Waterman farm in their retail store and in independent stores and local meat markets throughout Northern Illinois.
“Our customers tell us there’s an obvious difference (between our turkeys and others). That’s what we do—grow turkeys for quality and taste,” said Robert.
The turkey farm owner never tires of preparing his favorite meat for the holidays. As a matter of fact, Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday. He roasts the turkey for his family and friends and complements it with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. “Everything else is just an afterthought,” Robert said.
From the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Connections Magazine
Editor’s Note: Fresh Ho-Ka Turkeys can be ordered fresh locally from Inbodens Meat Market in DeKalb and Country Store and Catering in Sycamore.
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