By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – A tradition in North Dakota – and elsewhere: The “pardoning” of a turkey prior to Thanksgiving.

This year’s pardon recipient is “Ben”, a 43 pound Tom.

Governor Burgum did the honors at a ceremony, held in the Heaven’s Helpers Soup Café in Bismarck.

The Café and the Abused Adult Resource Center ach received 15 frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving, courtesy of the North Dakota Turkey Federation.

North Dakota has nine turkey farms, producing one million birds annually.