MINNEAPOLIS— Downtown Minneapolis is a long way from the nearest turkey farm. But this is where Minnesota Turkey growers see the fruits of their labor.
“Today is a special day where we have 20 pounds of turkeys here,” Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland.
They have joined forces with Second Harvest Heartland and other organizations to give out 200 free Thanksgiving turkeys and accessories.
“You spend a lot of time with the birds and now you see people picking up the birds and taking them home,” Jack Vlaminck said.
The average price for a typical turkey this year is about $25. That’s 6% cheaper than last November.
Vlaminck knows that even as turkey prices in supermarkets have dropped, some families are still struggling. He runs Fahlun Farms near Lake Lillian.
Diseases such as bird flu are a constant struggle for farmers like Vlaminck. And it’s something that has directly influenced him.
Three years ago the disease wiped out one of his herds. Thanks to grants from the Department of Agriculture, he and other farmers have installed lasers that deter migratory birds that carry the disease.
“That helps keep the spread of bird flu away from our birds,” says Vlaminck. “We haven’t had a commercial business in Minnesota for about six months now.”
Vlaminck said grocers lowered turkey prices to get people into their stores. But he says Minnesota turkey farmers aren’t really affected by the cost savings. While demand for turkeys is lower in some parts of the country, Vlaminck expects demand in Minnesota to remain steady as long as they can keep their birds healthy.
“It’s shields up and all faces at the ready, because you never know when something is going to happen,” Vlaminck said.
Vlaminck says biosecurity practices in turkey barns in Minnesota have also helped reduce the spread of bird flu.
Experts say demand is also falling in some other parts of the country due to inflation, turkey supply and consumers turning to other meat options.
