The dog days of summer seem an odd time to start planning holiday menus. However, if you want locally produced meats grown and processed just the way you like them gracing your holiday tables, it's time to track down that rack of lamb, pasture raised turkey, prime beef rib, or heirloom breed pork sausage.

Local farmers are taking reservations now for the poultry, pork, lamb, and beef, as well as specialties like cured hams and local sausages, which are in high demand throughout the holiday season.

A directory of farms that accept holiday meats and poultry reservations is available now through Pick Tennessee Products, the farmer to consumer service provided by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Go to www.picktnproducts.org/tips/meat_2018.html