DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds pardoned two turkeys today at Terrace Hill in Des Moines, continuing a longstanding Thanksgiving tradition celebrating Iowa’s Turkey Industry. Freedom and Flourish will now move from The Moline Farm in Manson to a non-commercial farm in southwest Iowa.
“This wonderful tradition is a time to pause and be thankful for friends, family, and Iowa’s farmers. Iowa’s turkey producers’ dedication and hard work provide millions of families the ability to celebrate Thanksgiving with a healthy serving of Iowa poultry,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Today’s ceremony celebrates Iowa’s turkey producers, especially the Moline family, 5th generation turkey farmers, with an amazing legacy that will continue for generations to come.”
Freedom and Flourish were raised by Iowa Turkey Federation President Brad Moline’s daughter Ava in Manson. Staff from the Iowa Turkey Federation attended the event, along with Secretary Mike Naig and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg.
Kim Reynolds won the prestigious “Turkey of the Year” award in 2021. That same year, a man was ejected from his motorcycle in Iowa after he hit a turkey.
Iowa ranks sixth in U.S. turkey production, producing more than 12 million turkeys annually, and fifth in turkey processing. The turkey industry employs and supports over 38,000 Iowans. The state has two turkey processing plants: Tyson Foods in Storm Lake and West Liberty Foods in West Liberty, which combined produce more than 13 million turkeys annually.
Just days ago, Reynolds announced the extension of a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista, Clay, Hamilton, Kossuth, Pocahontas, and Taylor Counties for positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in all 6 counties.
