DES MOINES, IOWA (November 26, 2024) — Governor Kim Reynolds pardoned two turkeys at Terrace Hill in Des Moines, continuing a longstanding Thanksgiving tradition celebrating Iowa’s turkey industry. Caitlin and Clark will now move from The Moline Farm in Manson, Iowa to a noncommercial farm in Monticello, Iowa.
“This Thanksgiving tradition is an opportunity to recognize the skill and dedication of Iowa turkey producers like the Molines, the fifth-generation farm family celebrating its 100th year, who contributed this year’s lucky birds,” Gov Reynolds said. “It was a pleasure to join them in pardoning Caitlin and Clark."
Caitlin and Clark were raised by Iowa Turkey Federation President Brad Moline’s children Ava, Logan, and Coy in Manson. Staff from the Iowa Turkey Federation attended the event, along with Secretary Mike Naig.
Iowa ranks seventh in US turkey production, producing about twelve million turkeys annually. Iowa also ranks sixth 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 15.5 million turkeys annually.
