In Thanksgiving tradition, Dayton lauds turkey industry's comeback from flu outbreak

Gov. Mark Dayton, flanked by Colleen Moriarty of Hunger Solutions Minnesota and Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, pets Aaron the turkey for the kickoff of Thanksgiving week.

Tenderly stroking "Aaron," the bird he named after the quarterback who led Sunday's 30-13 drubbing of the Minnesota Vikings, Gov. Mark Dayton lauded the Minnesota turkey industry's comeback from a devastating avian flu outbreak.

In a tradition dating back more than 70 years, Dayton began Thanksgiving week alongside Minnesota turkey farmers and one chosen bird. This year was particularly significant in the wake of the avian flu crisis—the largest animal disease outbreak in the country's history. Despite its devastation in Minnesota, 99 of the 104 affected turkey farms in the state are approved to be restocked. Although the amount of turkeys produced in 2015 has dropped because of the outbreak. Minnesota remains the No. 1 turkey producing state, raising 20 percent of all U.S. turkeys. Minnesota turkey growers typically grow 46 million birds annually. In 2015 the number was closer to 40 million birds. Growers say there will be plenty of meat available to consumers for the holidays.

The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council celebrated the rebound by donating $12,000 to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, which helps to feed the estimated 9,000 Minnesotans who visit food shelves daily.

The special guest, an 18-week-old Tom raised in Faribault, will be processed at the University of Minnesota and his meat donated. Dayton decided to name the bird Aaron "after what happened yesterday on the field," in reference to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "And that Aaron will hopefully meet the same fate in January as this Aaron, this week—metaphorically."

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said the crisis was a learning experience, but the state was prepared. Although Iowa lost 25 million birds, they were in a confined area of the state. In Minnesota, the outbreak stretched from the Canadian border down to Iowa, and although they were prepared, the state immediately knew they'd need help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to contain the outbreak.

"We were ready for it, and we'll be ready for it again if it happens," he said.

Before a docile Aaron was returned to his cage, Dayton clarified one last thing.

"For the record I wish Aaron Rodgers no ill will," he said. "Just more incomplete passes."