(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After 90 years, a turkey farm in DeKalb County that's become a Thanksgiving tradition is closing.
Robert Kauffman's father, Howard, started what became the Ho-Ka Turkey Farms just outside of Waterman in 1933 (“Ho-Ka” is a portmanteau of his name).
The son, now 64, says it's time for him to retire. “It feels right to me.
I don’t really have anything left to prove,” Robert Kauffman told WBBM Newsradio. “We raised the best turkey in the world, and I’m willing to stand behind that.”
He also said he was unable to get liability insurance this year, which he believes made the farm too risky for the bank loan he needed.
“I could read the writing on the wall,” Kauffman said.
The Ho-Ka Turkey Farm did not raise new turkeys for this holiday, but the farm’s retail store is still moving frozen stock and products this month – while supplies last.
The farm property is for sale, and an auction of the equipment is scheduled to be held early next month.
Kauffman said he is looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his family. They have planned a trip to Disney World in January.
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