Washington D.C. -- Two turkeys raised at a farm near Walcott, Iowa were in the national spotlight today (Tuesday). They were chosen for then annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning tradition at the White House. The birds, named "Corn" and "Cob" were raised on the farm of Ron and Susie Kardel. Ron is the current president of the National Turkey Federation. The turkeys will live out their days at Iowa State University, Kardel's alma mater.
Shortly after the brief ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, "Corn" expressed his appreciation for the pardon, in a series of "gobbles."
"Look at that beautiful, beautiful bird, oh so lucky, that is a lucky bird," remarked President Trump.
Iowa State University's Department of Animal Science will make the turkeys available for public viewing, student engagement and teaching and outreach activities. Animal science students, faculty and College of Veterinary Medicine students will all contribute to the care of these National Thanksgiving Turkeys.
The turkeys will be available for viewing, as COVID-19 precautions allow, beginning Dec. 5, 2020 at 10 a.m.
(Photo from WHITEHOUSE.GOV/YouTube)