With turkeys in short supply across Canada this year, experts say Vancouver Island won't need to worry
If turkey is on the menu for Christmas Day this year, you may have heard the news that Canada’s turkey stocks are at a 30-year low. That has many rushing out to secure that perfect bird now, but on Vancouver Island, you’re not going to have to worry.
“We have been assured that we are getting our turkeys,” said Rick Fisher, owner of Glenwood Meats.
At Glenwood Meats in Langford, turkey orders have been coming in fast and furious.
“I think right now we’re somewhere around 300 turkeys ordered,” said Fisher.
Fisher gets his turkeys out of Manitoba and he’s pre-ordered 500 of them.
His only concern is getting them here. Despite heavy rains that caused major damage to roads in the Interior, he has been assured his order will arrive.
“Storage stocks across the country are low,” said Michel Benoit, general manager of the BC Turkey Marketing Board.
That’s due to a couple of factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down Turkey farm production across the country and last summer’s drought has made wheat in short supply and expensive. Farmed turkeys are predominately fed wheat to fatten them up.
“We do remain fairly optimistic that we will have enough turkey supply in British Columbia,” said Benoit.
The reason for his optimism is all those washed out roads in the interior. That damage means not as many turkeys will be shipped east, keeping them here on the coast.
As well, the devastating flooding that happened in the Fraser Valley only affected two turkey farms in the Lower Mainland.
“In fact, if the logistics continue, you’re going to have more than enough turkeys because Victoria and the Lower Mainland would be about the only places that our processors can ship them to,” said Benoit.
What this all means is that getting a turkey this Christmas shouldn’t be a problem, but because of this summer’s intense heat and the price of wheat, you may have to pay a little bit more this year’s bird.
“That has increased our cost significantly and so those costs are going to be passed along to consumers,” said Benoit.
Back at Glenwood Meats, Fisher has a good reminder to everyone about what Christmas dinner is all about, whether turkey is being served or not.
“It’s family gatherings and more importantly who’s around the table, not what’s on the table,” said Fisher.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.