You Won't Believe What Happened to These 2 Turkeys Pardoned by Iowa's Governor—Shocking Details Inside!

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) - In a heartwarming annual tradition that signals the impending Thanksgiving holiday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds pardoned two turkeys on Tuesday morning at the Governor’s mansion. The turkeys, named Wing-ding and Tailfeather, were celebrated as symbols of Iowa’s thriving turkey industry.

“Therefore, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the great state of Iowa, do proudly proclaim Tailfeather and Wing-ding as symbols of Iowa’s great turkey industry, and they are free to roam this Thanksgiving holiday,” said Reynolds during the ceremony.

The turkeys were raised by Josh Berg, president of the Iowa Turkey Federation, and his family on their farm in Early, Iowa. Berg mentioned that his family farm produced around one million turkeys this year, emphasizing the significant role that turkey farming plays in the local economy. “We have a lot of turkeys going on in our area and our family helps. It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding. It’s a lot of fun,” said Berg, showcasing the dedication and passion of Iowa's turkey producers.

Iowa stands out as the seventh largest state in the nation for turkey production, boasting approximately 130 producers. This year, reports from the American Farm Bureau indicate that turkey prices have dropped by about 4 percent compared to last year, which can have various implications for both producers and consumers. Notably, Reynolds stated that the turkey industry in Iowa is projected to have an estimated $10.6 billion economic impact, underscoring its importance to the state's agriculture sector.

“Thanksgiving is a great time to pause and to thank our farmers for the impact that they have,” Reynolds added, highlighting the critical role that farmers play in the community and economy.

For Wing-ding and Tailfeather, this year's Thanksgiving will be spent in freedom rather than on a dinner table. The two turkeys exhibited remarkable behavior at Terrace Hill, the Governor’s Mansion, a testament that their caretakers kept them relaxed—reportedly by exposing them to rock ’n’ roll music.

This charming tradition not only emphasizes the importance of agriculture in Iowa but also brings attention to the broader agricultural practices that contribute to the state's economy. As families across America prepare for Thanksgiving, stories like that of Wing-ding and Tailfeather serve as a reminder of the hard work that goes into the food on our tables and the seasonal celebrations that accompany it.