This year’s Thanks­giving has a special meaning for Buena Vista County turkey growers Mark and Terry Herrig.

"We have a lot to be thankful for," Terry said.

Breezy Meadows farm is restocked with turkeys after testing positive for avian influenza in April.

It was one of the most devastating events since they started raising turkeys in 1989, Mark said.

At that time, Mark’s two brothers invited him to help them manage the family’s turkey farm. Previously, Mark was operating a chicken and egg layer facility. Mark and Terry agreed, and helped his brothers raise turkeys until 2008, when the brothers exited the industry. Mark and his wife continued to raise turkeys, and entered into a lease-to-own agreement...