WILLMAR — Five Jennie-O Turkey Store sites that raise turkeys in Kandiyohi County could soon be allowed to increase the birds in their barns.

The company is seeking conditional use permits for the sites in four townships that would allow the increase to keep up with new market demands for smaller birds.

Jennie-O Turkey Store spokesman Steve Onnen said the final market weight would be a couple pounds less so the total pounds of turkeys produced in each barn would be about the same as it is now.

For instance, the number of turkeys at the Roseville Township would increase from 100,000 to 120,000.

The Planning Commission approved the permits Monday. The county board is expected to take final action on the permits Tuesday.