Turkeys, Christmas trees in short supply in Saskatoon
Saskatoon residents planning a turkey dinner had better gobble up their supplies soon.
"We're definitely, seeing, from talking to providers, talking to different sources, that turkeys will be shorted in western Canada," said Boryski's Butcher Block owner Andrew Boryski.
Some stock Boryski's was supposed to receive is being diverted to help British Columbia residents affected by flooding.
"There's definitely less supply than last year and the year before," said co-administrator for Turkey Farmers Of Saskatchewan Cinthya Wiersma.
"I think most of it is the impact of COVID in the food sector."
According to Wiersma, producers decreased their production due to restaurants, food service markets and deli counters in grocery stores shutting down.
Since businesses were able to fully reopen this summer, demand has since gone back up for turkeys, increasing producers' production.
"It's just going to take a little bit of time to hit the market," said Wiersma.
While some stores, such as Costco, should have more turkey come Dec. 16, Boryski recommends people consider alternatives such as ham or prime rib this holiday season.
As for another holiday staple, Dutch Growers says it’s experiencing a shortage in Christmas trees.
"I think everyone should be able to hopefully get one. Just don't delay, probably get it earlier," said owner Nikki Van Duyvendyk.
Van Duyvendyk says the shortage is caused by a crop failure from a few years ago, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Because of the pandemic, we are finding that more people are wanting live Christmas trees in their houses."
It recommends people pick them up early, and if they're not ready to set them, cut off the end of the trunk to sustain the tree’s longevity.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.