Vote to pick the ugliest turkey

SHOPPERS ARE being urged to cast their vote for the ugliest looking turkey.

The NFU is running a poll on its website to see which breed of turkey lacks most in the looks department.

As well as the ugly poll, the site is full of facts about the different breeds reared in the UK to help consumers source a turkey direct from a farmer.

NFU president, Tim Bennett, said: “The poor turkey, although a tasty festive feast for the consumer, is not blessed with much in the way of charisma  – although turkey producers obviously think they‘re magnificent!

“But it‘s not all about looks. Turkey is the traditional Christmas meal in the UK and it‘s actually very good for you.

“It‘s low in fat and a good source of vitamin B, potassium and zinc. Two or three slices will provide almost 50 per cent of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid.”

Britain‘s turkey producers rear 24 million birds every year, 10 million of which are consumed over the Christmas period.

Of those about one million are reared traditionally in open sided pole-barns often with access to open fields or orchards during the day.

Mr Bennett said: “More and more people are recognising the importance of welfare, quality and taste when choosing their Christmas turkey.”

To cast your vote for the ugliest turkey or for information on sourcing a farm fresh, locally reared turkey visit www.nfuonline.com.