Pine View Farms thankful to avoid avian flu this year

As Thanksgiving approaches, Pine View Farms is butchering hundreds of turkeys for Saskatchewan families despite setbacks last season.

Last year, the “farm-to-fork operation,” located 15 minutes north of Saskatoon, experienced devastating losses from avian influenza.

“Thankfully, avian flu was not an issue for us this year,” said co-owner Melanie Boldt. “We have turkeys, and it’s awesome.”

According to Boldt, their numbers haven’t fully rebounded, but they are pleased with their results. This year, the farm produced close to 900 turkeys, and all of them have sold.

Boldt said dealing with avian flu affects more than just their economic situation.

“The most difficult thing was the tragic loss of all of our birds,” said Boldt. “I think that has a psychological impact on farmers as well, our partner producer who raises the turkeys for us had to bear the brunt of the clean up and disposal.”

Boldt said she is very grateful to have fresh turkeys again for 2023.

The operation raises two flocks of turkeys per year for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.