HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) — When it comes to turkey-nomics, bigger isn’t always better.

Alex DeMetrick reports a family operation in Howard County has made farm to table turkeys a seasonal favorite.

At the Maple Lawn Farms in Howard County, turkeys that gobble today are gone tomorrow.

Any fresher, you’d have to raise your own. From first day to processing, the operation stays on the farm and that business model is paying off.

“We’ve been coming here maybe 15 years or more,” said customer Rosie McLeid.

“You just get a better idea where your food comes from and the turkey’s so fresh and awesome. It’s juicy, it cooks better,” said customer Lydia Broussard.

The farm raises just under 20,000 turkeys a year, starting in June when they arrive from a breeder only one day after they hatch. By November, some can reach 40 pounds.

“They’re all-natural turkeys, meaning they’re not fed any animal byproducts and they have access to open air during every stage of life,” said Chris Bohrer, Maple Lawn Farms.

And it’s been that way for decades.

“This will be our 74th year,” Bohrer said.

Only now orders are made over the Internet.

“Oh, they will have a lot of people, so we get ours early,” said a customer.

While sales are brisk today, they’re nothing compared to the 4,000 turkeys that will be picked up Tuesday and Wednesday.

A visit to Maple Lawn is as much a tradition as each family’s individual celebration.

“So tonight I’ll get to marinate these turkeys and welcome all the family to have a nice Thanksgiving,” said customer Steve Laroche.

For those who can’t make it out to Maple Lawn Farms, the business also supplies turkeys to some local grocery stores.