A farm shop and butchery in the Meon Valley is warning that families should place Christmas meat orders in good time, amid the nationwide bird flu outbreak.
Turkey farmers and food retailers, such as Westlands Farm Shop, had feared a shortage of turkey supplies due to the outbreak of bird flu across the UK.
However, the family-run business has reassured customers that placing orders early will enable them to secure their turkey.
Due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, farmers are been forced to cull many of their flocks, meaning local turkey suppliers could see far higher demand.
Harry King, general manager at Westlands Farm Shop said they source turkeys from a local farm on Portsdown Hill and he is confident they will be able to supply turkey orders to all of their customers, as long as they place their orders early.
He added: “The nationwide outbreak is certainly putting pressure on turkey supplies and the demand is rising. We’ve seen brisk trade from people placing their Christmas meat orders in good time ahead of Christmas and have already sold over half of our festive birds.
“As long as people place their order as early as they can, we will be able to supply Christmas turkey orders to all of our customers.
“As December approaches we will certainly see a flurry of activity as people start to finalise their Christmas day plans among their families. Because of the uncertainty on supply this year, it is more important than ever to place orders as early as you can.
“However, if your Christmas orders change at the last minute, we will have turkeys and Christmas meat available to order up until the last few days before Christmas day. We will always be able to source something for everyone.”